Dahlov Ipcar to receive 2010 President's Award at NEIBA Fall Conference

Big news!

Dahlov Ipcar has been named winner of the prestigious 2010 President’s Award from the New England Independent Booksellers Association (NEIBA), an award given annually to recognize outstanding contribution to arts and letters.

Well deserved, I say. Dahlov is a remarkable talent, an inspiring artist, and a wonderful lady. I have said it before, but for us here at Islandport it is honor to work with Dahlov and play a role in introducing her books to a new generation. The award will be presented later this month at the NEIBA Fall Conference in Rhode Island.

NEIBA Board President Dick Hermans, who chose Dahlov as this year's recipient, is obviously a fan.

“Dahlov Ipcar's lifelong body of work is entirely inspiring,” he said. “That she has so beautifully created books to draw children, in particular, to the joys of language and art is a further testament to her genius. Readers of all ages have delighted in Ipcar's work for many years and because her work is so timeless, they will do so for decades to come.”

In a career spanning more than 60 years, Dahlov has written and illustrated more than 30 children’s and young adult books, starting with The Little Fisherman (written by Margaret Wise Brown) in 1945 and including The Cat at Night, Hardscrabble Harvest, and My Wonderful Christmas Tree. In addition, we have just released The Calico Jungle and plan to release her autobiographical children's book, One Horse Farm next spring.

Her unique and distinctively modern style helped change the role of artwork in children’s literature. She introduced children to Cubist influences, folk art and modern design with rich patterns and textures that spring from nature. Ipcar’s body of work reflects New England sensibilities; her stories are often about the pleasures of a simple life, appreciation for what the earth provides and the power of the imagination.

NEIBA is the trade association for the retail book industry in New England. Previous recipients of the NEIBA President’s Award include Robert McCloskey, Richard Russo, Richard Ford, Tracy Kidder and Arthur Miller.

Let's hear it for Dahlov! Congratulations!

Comments

[Ginger *:)]

She is truly an inspiration and a testament to the power of a beautiful book.