Books Magazine

2023 CLCSC AWARDS CEREMONY: Celebrating Books and Reading for Children

By Carolinearnoldtravel @CarolineSArnold

2023 CLCSC AWARDS CEREMONY: Celebrating Books and Reading for Children

Book signing at the CLCSC Award Ceremony


On Saturday, October 21, 2023, the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California (CLCSC) held their annual awards ceremony at the Luminarias restaurant in Monterey Park, California. Winners this year included Marie Arnold (no relation), Joe Cepeda, Nikki High, Rex Ogle, and Benson Shum, honored for their contributions to the Kid Lit community.

After eating a delicious brunch, each of the honorees gave a five-minute talk telling about themselves and their books. Then, all of the authors and illustrators signed books (available for purchase at the event from Once Upon a Time Books.) 

2023 CLCSC AWARDS CEREMONY: Celebrating Books and Reading for Children

With past awardees and our plaques.


As a past winner (2020) during the pandemic, when the ceremony was held online, I and other past winners were invited as special guests to be available to sign our books in person and to have our photos taken with our winners plaques. Attendees at the event also had a chance to bid on baskets of books at a silent auction.

It was a pleasure to be back in person at this annual event and to reconnect with the librarians and teachers who are members of CLCSC. I was also glad to have the chance to chat with the other authors who were there. With many thanks to everyone on the CLCSC board and award committee for a very enjoyable morning and for continuing to be champions of books and reading for today’s children. 


Back to Featured Articles on Logo Paperblog