First, let me say, one of the very best parts of my job is getting to know the authors that come to Halo Publishing in hopes of making their dreams come true; the dream to become a published author. Guiding them as they take their book idea through the process of becoming self-published and then helping them get the word out so that people find and buy their stories is highly satisfying.
However, when one of our authors becomes repeatedly recognized and honored by receiving awards for their efforts, I am just over the moon with excitement for them. Recently, Anita Turnage has been experiencing just that kind of affirmation and recognition for her children’s book “Hops.”
Hops is based on the escapades of a very real tree frog in author Anita Turnage’s backyard.
“I’m an avid gardener and I fell head over heels in love with this little tree frog,” said Turnage. “After several weeks of him following me around the yard and house, and my grandson becoming really excited about our little visitor, I decided to write down the different adventures my grandson and I were having together with our tree frog friend.”
Recently Hops won the Conversations Award for the Best Regional Book of the Year (2015), the Loewenherz-Creative Award for Best Children’s Picture Book and the Reader Views Kids Award for Best Children’s Picture Book of the Year (2015).
“I’m very excited and still in shock Hops won so many awards,” said Turnage. “My head has been spinning since receiving the news.”
The criteria for each award is chosen from the first place winners in both fiction and nonfiction, and “Hops” placed first in each award category, honoring the this cute children’s picture book with many gold seals.
“I’m really humbled that so many readers found value in my story,” said Turnage. “However, I really feel I need to share these awards with all those who helped make this book possible, those who supported me through this process, and of course, with my fans as it was a team effort.”
Anita is an amazing author and her stories are always full of fun and adventure. Hops is a delightful story that inspires children to explore their natural world, something many caregivers feel is important as children are easily drawn indoors by technology. Hops helps get children and adults alike sharing adventures with Nana T and Haden in their garden during reading time.
Readers can find Hops in the Halo Publishing bookstore (http://www.halopublishing.com) or at any online bookstore such as Amazon and B&N. Available both in Hardback and eBook.