Anne Bustard, author of the picture book biography Buddy: The Story of Buddy Holly (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman, 2005), and its illustrator Kurt Cyrus received the June Franklin Naylor Award for the Best Book for Children on Texas History from The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library Committee on May 19 at the DRT annual conference in Dallas.
“Kurt Cyrus and I loved telling the story of a young boy from Lubbock, Texas, who dreamed big,” Anne said. “Buddy Holly’s passion changed the world of music forever.”
Kathi Appelt, author of Miss Lady Bird’s Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America, illustrated by Joy Fisher Hein (HarperCollins, 2005), received honorable mention.
“Lady Bird Johnson’s story is one of courage, determination and love,” Kathi said. “When Joy and I embarked upon it, we wanted to show how one person could make a difference in this world. Lady Bird is such a person.”
Greg Roza’s book, The Karankawa of Texas (The Library of Native Americans)(PowerKids Press, 2005) also was commended.
The award is given annually to the author/illustrator of the most distinguished book for children and young adults, grades K-12, that accurately portrays the history of Texas. Both fiction and nonfiction are eligible.
Anne and Kurt split a cash prize, and Kathi received a certificate.
The award is named for Odessa schoolteacher and DRT President General 1989-1991, June Franklin Naylor.
Cynsational Notes
Author Interview: Anne Bustard on Buddy: The Story of Buddy Holly from Cynsations.
Author Kathi Appelt and Illustrator Joy Fisher Hein on Miss Lady Bird’s Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America from Cynsations.
These two picture book biographies and their authors also were recognized last October by the Writers’ League of Texas. Miss Lady Bird’s Wildflowers was named winner of the Teddy Award for short works and Buddy: The Story of Buddy Holly was a finalist in the same division. Buddy also is a 2006-2007 nominee for the Children’s Gallery Award.
Learn more about Buddy Holly and Miss Lady Bird.