Discover the magic of environmental storytelling as The Blueberry Awards shine a spotlight on captivating children's literature that inspires a deeper connection with nature.
On a crisp Thursday evening, March 14, community members gathered at the Robert Crown Community Center for the highly anticipated Blueberry Awards Announcement Party, which ran from 7 to 8 p.m.
This special event highlighted the year’s most compelling children’s literature, featuring acceptance videos from the talented authors of the winning books. The evening was enriched with interactive activities, as attendees voted for the Audience Choice Award while enjoying the cozy ambiance of a bonfire, marshmallow roasting, and delicious s’mores.
The exploration continued in the Robert Crown Reading Garden, where guests participated in a book walk showcasing the latest Blueberry Award-winning title. Esteemed guests, including Evanston’s climate dignitaries, representatives from the Chicago Botanic Gardens, the Morton Arboretum, and enthusiastic families, added grandeur to the evening.
Reflecting on the previous year, “Listen to the Language of the Trees” by Tera Kelley, illustrated by Marie Hermansson, received the Blueberry Award. Targeting children aged 4-8, this book is celebrated for its engaging presentation of complex scientific concepts to young readers.
The meticulous selection process by the Blueberry committee—comprising Evanston Public Library staff, Evanston’s Sustainability Manager, D65’s Sustainability Coordinator, and Evanston Ecology Center staff— underscores their dedication to honoring narratives that inspire deeper connections with nature. The recipients of the 2023 Blueberry Awards include “How to Bird” by Rasha Hamid, which inspires urban youngsters to appreciate birds through observation and listening, and “The Gift of Mnoomin/Mnoomin Maan’gowing,” a bilingual masterpiece by Brittany Luby that explores the significance of mnoomin (wild rice), a vital grain in the Upper Great Lakes. This enchanting work, illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley and translated into Ojibwe by Mary Ann Corbiere, delves into environmental themes.
The genesis of the Blueberry Awards is a tale of vision and collaboration. Martha Meyer, in an interview with Jamie Thome for Artist Book House, shared her motivation for establishing an award that celebrates books about nature and the environment. Frustrated by the lack of recognition for exceptional nature-related children’s literature in existing awards, Meyer, supported by a team of passionate individuals from the Evanston Public Library and the local community, initiated this award.
This team, including notable figures such as Martha Meyer, Betsy Bird, Julie Rand, Bridget Petrites, Kim Daufeldt, Laura Antolin, Bea Echeverría, Cara Pratt, Karen Bireta, Ethan Johnson, and Margaret Isaacson, brings diverse expertise to the table, ensuring the Blueberry Awards spotlight the finest in environmental storytelling for children. Chef Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Cafe is recognized as a supporter of the Blueberry Awards.
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Marshelle R. Sanders
- Image courtesy
- Kurman Communications, Inc
