Honor Suzanne Selfors Award

15-LOVE's literacy efforts; and WHEREAS, The Denise McCoy Legacy Award honors the author of the previous year's most humorous children's book as selected by the members of the Upper Hudson Library Council and the Denise McCoy Legacy Award Committee; the Denise McCoy Legacy Award benefits Kids Lit Events and the Denise McCoy Scholarship Fund that provides financial scholarships to 15-LOVE participants who are attending a higher education institution; and WHEREAS, Suzanne Selfors is receiving this prestigious award for her delightful children's book series, Wedgie & Gizmo; the hilarious books describe the growing pains of blended families and the secret rivalry of pets; and WHEREAS, The daughter of a United States Army Intelligence Officer, Suzanne Selfors was born in a military hospital in Munich, Germany; after a few years, she and her family moved back to her father's hometown of Bainbridge Island, Washington, where she continues to live today; and WHEREAS, After studying modern dance at Bennington College, Suzanne Selfors transferred to Occidental College where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Film Studies (cum laude and honors); she furthered her education by obtaining her master's degree in communications (cum laude) from the University of Washington; and WHEREAS, Upon graduating, Suzanne Selfors worked in a variety of positions and created picture books and wrote stories; she married Bob, and together, they raised two children, Walker and Isabelle; on the very same day she helped her second child get on the bus for her first day school in September of 2002, she signed up for a writing class at the local university; and WHEREAS, In 2007, Suzanne Selfors published her first book, To Catch a Mermaid; since then, she has written over 30 books for young readers all over the world; on August 22, 2017, she published the first book of her award winning, illustrated series, Wedgie & Gizmo; and WHEREAS, In addition to the 2018 Denise McCoy Legacy Award, Suzanne Selfors has been the recipient of numerous other accolades including a variety of state awards and four Junior Library Guild Awards; throughout her distinguished career, she has received stellar reviews and been named to many lists, including the Bestseller List; and WHEREAS, Devoted to her profession, Suzanne Selfors is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and serves on the Boards of Directors for both the Seattle7Writers.org and the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network (BARN); and WHEREAS, When she is not writing, Suzanne Selfors loves to spend time with her loving family on their boat, The Flying Fish, and enjoys partner dancing, especially the Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing and Salsa; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Suzanne Selfors upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2018 Denise McCoy Legacy Award on November 7, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Suzanne Selfors.