We're excited to announce that A Call to China, written by Jeffrey Meyer has been named as a finalist in the historical fiction category of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Benjamin Franklin Awards (TM). The IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award for excellence in book publishing is regarded as one of the highest national honors for small and independent publishers.

IngramElliott is very proud of this achievement and congratulate our author, Jeffrey Meyer!

Decades of research tells us that to become effective readers and writers, children need a boatload of opportunities to talk and listen to verbal language, to learn about print and books, to learn new words, and to build their knowledge of the world. The National Institute for Literacy’s brochure, A Child Becomes a Reader, offers proven ideas for mothers, fathers, grandparents, and caregivers to pave the road for their child to become a successful reader.
 
The single most important activity you can do for them? Reading aloud. Reading to your children with their active participation helps them learn more about the world, learn new words, improve fluency and develop comprehension.
 
This summer, keep reading on the to-do list! Check out these hot summer reads for kindergarten through fourth graders:


Pablo Prairie Dog and the WWCC Heroes will resonate with both sporty kids and brainiacs. With gorgeous colorful illustrations, the book features a cast of wild half-animal, half-human creatures that play a mix of chess and professional wresting. Through his adventures with WWCC All Star team, Pablo Prairie Dog discovers his own importance and learns that value is found in all of us, no matter our size or differences. Amazon; B&N; Books-A-Million



Curious Critters Marine features incredible photographs depicting 20 common and fascinating sea creatures. Fun and education narratives round out the visuals. Amazon; B&N; IndieBound
 
If You Love Honey will fascinate kids with an illustrated adventure through the natural world. It’s all about honey! Amazon; B&N; IndieBound
 
Bottle Cap Boys – Dancing on Royal Street will enthrall young readers with an upbeat rhyme and New Orleans traditions made for kids. Amazon; B&N; IndieBound
 
Selling Eggs – Trash to Treasure Series, Recycling Creatively with L.T. will inspire kids with cute chicks, pocket money, and creative recycling ideas. With lots to build on in the classroom, kids will learn about taking care of our environment in a fun and charming way. Amazon; B&N; IndieBound

The Independent Book Publishers Association announced the winners of their 2016 Benjamin Franklin Awards this week, recognizing excellence in books published by indies. We're excited to see the great work being produced  across fifty-four categories, including best first book, art and photography, LGBT, history, multicultural, body/mind/spirit and many others. ​We appreciate the high standards set by these publishers and their efforts to create works of value, high quality, and to respect and reward authors and contributors for their work.