Henkes receives Sterling North Award

The 2006 Sterling North Legacy Award for Excellence in Children's Literature was presented to renowned children's book author and illustrator Kevin Henkes, on October 21 at the Edgerton Book Festival. The Sterling North Legacy Award is named after the late author of the Newbery Honor Book, RASCAL, and celebrates the 100th anniversary of Sterling North's birth. The award recognizes North's dedication to excellence in children's books and Henkes' outstanding contributions to the field.

Both authors were born in Wisconsin, North in Edgerton and Henkes in Racine. Both began writing at an early age. North's first poem was published when he was eight, and his first adult biography when he was 22. He devoted his life to writing and reviewing books. Henkes published his first picture book when he was 20. He is a full-time author and illustrator and lives in Madison.

North and Henkes have received critical acclaim for their perceptive writing and their ability to convey the depths of children's emotions. They have attracted huge and loyal audiences. North's RASCAL has received numerous local and national awards, has been published in translation all over the world and sold millions of copies, and was made into a movie by Walt Disney. North's boyhood home in Edgerton, where he lived with his pet raccoon, Rascal, has been restored as a museum by the Sterling North Society. For information, visit their website.

Last updated on 10/23/2006