Michigan Booksellers Win Big in WNBA Pannell Awards

On Tuesday, May 7, the Women’s National Book Association announced the winners of the 2013 WNBA Pannell Awards, given annually since 1983 to two bookstores that excel in contributing to their communities in ways that bring books and young people together.  This year’s winners are both from Michigan: Nicola’s Books of Ann Arbor in the General Bookstore category and Bookbug of Kalamazoo in the Children’s Specialty Store category.

A jury of five book industry professionals, who deliberated for four weeks, chose the winners based on creativity, responsiveness to community needs, and an understanding of young readers.  Nicola’s was commended for its “over and above” commitment and “partnering skills to benefit children, families, and the community at large.”  Bookbug was cited for a “terrific history of civic engagement … in all aspects of the local community to stay relevant and of service to children and their families.”

The Pannell Award is underwritten by the WNBA and a gift from Penguin Young Readers Group.  Each winning store will receive a check for $1,000 and framed original art donated this year by James Dean of Pete the Cat fame (HarperCollins) and Susan Stockdale, author and illustrator of Stripes of All Types (Peachtree).  Presentation of the awards will be at the Children’s Book and Author Breakfast on May 30 at BookExpo America.