Leap Forward Publishing is thrilled to announce that two of its talented authors have taken first place at The BookFest Awards Fall 2024. Deborah C. Mortimer and artist Ken Daley have won in the Fiction – Children’s – Diversity & Multicultural category for their book “Summer Island”. Additionally, author and Leap Forward Publishing client, Tameka Mitchell, has secured First Place with her book “My Super Mom and Her Sidekick Crew” in the category of Fictional- Children’s- Family.
The BookFest Awards celebrate authors who create exceptional works of fiction and nonfiction, with a mission deeply rooted in recognizing the transformative power of literature. Desireé Duffy, Founder of The BookFest, remarks, “Now more than ever, it's essential to honor authors and creatives for their crucial role in shaping the stories that define our humanity. Books transport us to different worlds, offer new adventures, and allow us to reflect on our own lives while fostering empathy. By celebrating the accomplishments of authors, we elevate literature and, in turn, elevate ourselves.”
Deborah C. Mortimer expresses her gratitude by saying, “Receiving this award is such an honor. ‘Summer Island’ is more than just a story; it's a celebration of diversity, culture, and is a personal tribute to my Caribbean heritage. I believe in the power of stories to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and inspire young minds to embrace the beautiful differences that unite us all.”
Artist Ken Daley adds, “Creating the retro-inspired illustrations for ‘Summer Island’ brought me back to my own childhood experiences visiting my family in the Caribbean during the 1980's. I wanted the illustrations to evoke memories of childhood vacations and celebrate the joy of connecting with family and friends.”
Tameka Mitchell adds, “This is truly an honor. Thank you to Deborah Mortimer of Leap Forward Publishing. She is a trailblazer. Without her support and guidance, I would not own my creative identity as an author like I do.”
For more information about The BookFest Awards and to see the list of winners, please visit the Awards Page on The BookFest website.
The BookFest is presented by Books That Make You and produced by Black Château Enterprises. The BookFest is a registered trademark of Desireé Duffy, founder of all three. For more information, visit TheBookFest.com.
Tameka Mitchell is the owner of Mini Motivator Books, the children's book division of Maternity Motivation Publishing, where she aims to build a generation of confident readers.
For more information, visit minimotivatorbooks.com.
Ken Daley is an award-winning artist who has exhibited his artwork in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean. For more information, visit kendaleyart.com.
About Leap Forward Publishing:
Leap Forward Publishing was born from Deborah C. Mortimer’s passion for storytelling and an earnest desire to spotlight diverse narratives. With a vision to craft books that serve as windows to the world, this diverse company empowers children of all backgrounds to see themselves and explore the stories of others. Leap Forward Publishing is a registered trademark of Leap Forward Publishing, LLC
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