Papillon Pup

Spring 2008 Newsletter

Papillon Pup Pens for Prize

On Saturday, February 9, at the Hilton New York Hotel, more than 1060 writers and illustrators and one dog arrived for the 9^th Annual Winter Conference of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). It was the first time in the 37-year history of this organization that a dog was recognized for his contribution to children’s literature.

Johnny Angel, a 5 pound Papillon co-authored the manuscript, “BARK, BARK, BARK FOR MY PARK” with his owner, FPPA board member Jessica Dimuzio, VMD. Johnny Angel is the registered name of none other than our Rogie, star of the Kissing Booth at the Art and Craft Show! Jessica also runs the Scarecrow Booth at the Show. “BARK, BARK, BARK FOR MY PARK” is the true story of how Johnny Angel’s Kissing Booth raised both awareness and funds for the Norristown Farm Park – a story that touched the hearts of the SCBWI’s Colen Grant Selection Committee, who called it timely, inspiring and charming. Jessica and Johnny Angel received the Kimberly Colen Memorial Grant in the picture book category from a worldwide applicant pool of over 400 entries. This grant is awarded to authors for manuscripts that they hope will become their first published children’s book.

Both Jessica and Johnny Angel were called to the stage at the award ceremony. Jessica received a plaque and a check for this winning manuscript, while Johnny Angel got a big, red squeaky bone! Johnny Angel, this photo hound, just lapped up the attention, posing for all the cameras that flashed in his direction.

Jessica’s interest in writing for children stems from seeing the enthusiasm of students in naturalist programs she conducted both in the US and abroad. She is determined to engage more children in learning about animals in their natural environment by relating true incidents from her work.

Congratulations, Jessica and Rogie!

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