Toronto, March 23, 2004 ó The Ontario Arts Council Foundation today announced the shortlists for the Ruth Schwartz Children’s Book Award (See attached list). This national award ó one for a children’s picture book and one for a young adult/middle reader book ó recognizes writers and illustrators from across Canada who demonstrate artistic excellence in children’s literature.
Two juries of schoolchildren from Nelson Mandela Park Junior and Senior Public School, in Toronto, Ontario, will review the books and announce the winners on May 11, 2004 at a special event at the school.
The young adult/middle reader book category is judged by students in grades 7 and 8. The winning author will receive a $5,000 prize. Students in grades 3 and 4 will award the $5,000 children’s picture book prize, which is split between the author and illustrator.
The Ruth Schwartz Children’s Book Award was established in 1976 by Sylvia Schwartz in honour of her sister, the late Ruth Schwartz, a respected Toronto bookseller. The administration of this award is shared by the Ontario Arts Council Foundation; the Ontario Arts Council, which selects the juries; and the Canadian Booksellers Association, whose members choose the short list of books.
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For more information, please contact:
Kirsten Gunter, Communications Manager, Ontario Arts Council
(416) 969-7403 or toll-free in Ontario at 1-800-387-0058 ext.7403
email kgunter@arts.on.ca