Press Release: October 5, 2014
The Silver Rings Wins Moonbeam Children’s Book Gold Award
Prestigious recognition for first-time author Sam Valentino; fourth award a Brattle Publishing Group title has received
Children’s book author and illustrator Sam Valentino has been awarded the Moonbeam Children’s Book Gold Award, Pre-Teen Fantasy (Fiction), for his recently published The Silver Rings. The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards were created to recognize exemplary children’s books and their authors. The Silver Rings is published by Brattle Publishing Group (BPG), an independent publisher headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Valentino is a first-time author who previously illustrated The Last Akaway, another BPG award-winning title. The Moonbeam Gold Award marks the fourth recognition for BPG.
Since 2007, Moonbeam Children’s Book award winners have hailed from 37 U.S. states and the District of Columbia; 5 Canadian provinces; and Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Japan, Scotland, Singapore and Spain. Award winners represent an array of backgrounds, all united by a common ambition—promoting lifelong learning and literacy. This year’s winners will receive medals as part of the 5th annual Traverse City Children’s Book Festival. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014.
“As a father, I am proud of being recognized for a story I authored with my children in mind,” said Valentino, who finds inspiration for his writing and illustrations from stories he tells his three children. Primarily written for a pre-teen audience, The Silver Rings weaves together traditional themes and new tales from cultures around the world. The story follows twins Celia and Alice whose bid for freedom from their evil stepmother leads them on a compelling journey through a world of fantasy and imagination. Their journey plays out over 240-pages, where they encounter a sarcastic fairy godmother, giants, charming princes, an overly dramatic fox, and other cleverly developed characters. “Ultimately, The Silver Rings inspires readers to learn the powers of diversity, creative thinking and resilience. These skills are important for all ages and in all cultures, said Valentino.”
BPG’s Founder and Publisher, Richard A. Lena weighed in on Valentino’s recent recognition: “We founded BPG on a love for literacy and life-long learning. Valentino’s work highlights that mission and all of us at BPG are proud of his work.”
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