The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art has revealed the recipients of its 2021 Carle Honors, which will be celebrated at an event in fall 2021.
Raúl Colón, award-winning illustrator of more than 30 children’s books, was named the Artist Honoree for “his exceptional artistry, unique techniques, and powerful stories of people who never give up on their dreams.” Colón’s picture books include Draw!, Imagine!, Susanna Reich’s José! Born to Dance, Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Christmas, and Jill Biden’s Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops.
Every Child a Reader, represented by Carl Lennertz, has been selected as Angel. As executive director of Every Child a Reader, the charitable arm of the Children’s Book Council, Lennertz oversees the organizations’ anchor literacy programs, including Children’s Book Week, the Children’s and Teen Choice Books Awards, Get Caught Reading, and the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature (co-sponsored with the Library of Congress).
Patricia Aldana, renowned children’s book publisher, is the 2021 Mentor Honoree. As the founder of Groundwood Books, past president of the International Board on Books for Young People, president of the IBBY Trust, and publisher of Greystone Kids imprint Aldana Libros, she is committed to fostering new voices in picture books.
Dennis M. V. David and Justin G. Schiller, founders of Battledore Ltd., have been named Bridge Honorees. David and Schiller have had long careers as dealers in rare and collectible children’s books, original illustration, and manuscripts. They are recognized for their scholarship in children’s literature and illustration, and work creating many of the field’s major research collections.
Due to the pandemic, the 2020 Carle Honors are shifting to a virtual benefit to support the museum and its programming. The annual art auction will be its focus, and two pieces of artwork will be auctioned live during the virtual event on September 24. Additional details are forthcoming.
Rebecca Miller Goggins, director of development for the Carle, said in a statement, “We miss our many friends in the children’s book community, and wish everyone well. Until we can meet again in person, we hope you will join us in bringing well-deserved attention to these extraordinary Honorees for their life’s work.”
