FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (May 20, 2011) — The 2011 Atlantic Book Awards were presented at a gala celebration on Thursday night at the Alderney Landing Theatre in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The event, co-hosted by Newfoundland actor/comedian Greg Malone and Breakfast Television host Heidi Petracek conferred 12 awards in a celebration of Atlantic Canadian writing and book publishing. The winners of the Ann Connor Brimer Award for Children’s Literature and the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Illustration are listed below.

Ann Connor Brimer Award for Children’s Literature

The Glory Wind
Written by Valerie Sherrard
Published by Fitzhenry Whiteside
Luke meets the uniquely vivacious Gracie and they become fast friends. But when the citizens of their small rural 1940s town learn that Gracie and her mother have a shady past, Luke must decide whether he will stand up for his new friend or save his own reputation. This striking novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, hypocrisy, and forgiveness.

Author Bio: Born in Saskatchewan, Valerie Sherrard’s ambition to become a writer began when she was a child, living with her family in West Germany. Her teacher praised her efforts and instilled in her a lifelong belief in her ability to write. Valerie now lives in New Brunswick with her husband, Brent Sherrard. www.valeriesherrard.blogspot.com

Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in Illustration

The City Speaks in Drums
Illustrated by Susan Tooke
Written by Shauntay Grant
Published by Nimbus Publishing
Illustrator bio: Growing up on the Jersey Shore, Susan moved to Nova Scotia in 1981. She has painted Atlantic Canada for thirty years, and is the illustrator of nine award-winning picture books. Susan considers illustration to be a fine art and an extension of her studio painting. She lives and works with her artist husband, Richard Rudnicki, at Elm Street Studio in Halifax. www.susantooke.com

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For further information visit www.atlanticbookawards.ca.