March 6, 2008


Dear Mrs. Schachner,

My name is Kiley Green and I am writing to inform you that you have won the Laughs and Giggles Award. This award was created for a class project in the Elementary Education block of Penn State, Altoona. My classmates and I were asked to create an award, provide criteria, select books for the award, and nominate a winner. Once a book has been chosen, we were asked to mail the award and a letter to the author.

The Laughs and Giggles award was to be presented to a book for its excellence in making children laugh. I have chosen your book, Skippyjon Jones, to receive my award. Not only does your book contain humor, but it also shows that children can have a wild imagination and have fun with it. Children should be encouraged to use their imaginations and I feel that Skippyjon Jones is the ticket for exploring imaginations. Many of my classmates had nominated many other books for my award, but Skippyjon Jones is far more worthy of this award.

Congratulations and thank you for your wonderful book and I hope Skippyjon Jones' adventures continue!

Sincerely,



Kiley L. Green

The Laughs and Giggles Award goes out to books that can make children laugh. How does the saying go, "laughter is the best medicine"? Children today are forced to grow up way too fast and need some humor in their lives. They need a break where they can just be silly and have a good time. What better way to do it, than through children's literature. On page 276 of Battling Dragons, Violet J. Harris states that "books are powerful". Books have the power to elicit many emotions from readers. Children need to know that it's okay to be happy and laugh in the midst of their stressful lives. This award requires colorful illustrations and most importantly, humor. The books must be realistic fiction or pure fantasy. They must also be suitable for children ages 5-9. If the book can make you laugh, it's bound to make a child do the same. The author who can erupt laughter or even just a smile will receive this award. Nominations are due no later than Tuesday February 19, 2008.