It’s Picture Book Month!

| Candace Ruffin

Did you know it’s National Picture Book Month? What a perfect time to get young readers excited about books. Let’s get kids reading! Download picture books to your special little reader’s favorite device,  drop by your local bookstore or library, grab one off your shelf at home, or of course, order new books online. Whatever you do get them reading. Now is the perfect time. Happy Picture Book Month!

Eli’s Balloon is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and more.

Eli’s Balloon, FAPA President’s Award Winner!

| Candace Ruffin

FAPA-Awards Medal-Gold(Lake Buena Vista, FL) On Saturday night, August 8, the Florida Authors & Publishers Association (FAPA) gave out its prestigious annual President’s Awards for the best books of 2014 and the first half of 2015 by authors and publishers in Florida and throughout the United States. The event, which took place at the Hilton Orlando/Lake Buena Vista Resort, recognized outstanding books by awarding gold and up to two silver medals in categories ranging from children’s books to adult fiction, from memoirs to self-help, from business books to e-books.

“The 2015 award winners elevate publishing both regionally and nationally. The awards continue to command the attention of industry professionals and readers!” said Mark Wayne Adams, FAPA President.

Click here for a complete list of FAPA President’s Award winners. The following winners were selected in the following categories by the competition’s 31 judges – 27 national state librarians and four publishing professionals:

FLORIDA YOUNG CHILDREN’S BOOK
SILVER: Goodnight Gators, Patricia Baloyra, Ampersand, Inc
SILVER: Baby Animals of Florida, Kathleen King, South Bay Publishing
GOLD: Eli’s Balloon, Candace Ruffin, Mark Wayne Adams, The Writing Cane

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK
SILVER: Laura and Grandpa: Discovering Science Together, Book 3, Dr. Robert H. Krupp,
Kristina Edstrom, Simple Science Books
SILVER: Lea the Christmas Angel, Brenda Sue Boulden Thompson, Kayla Lynn Olson,
Middle River Press
GOLD: X’s and O’s for Gabby Ann, Petrell Marie Ozbay, Mike Motz, Adorn, Inc.
GOLD: Fast Freddy, Lee Ann Mancini, Dan Sharp, GLM Publishing

FLORIDA CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK
SILVER: X’s and O’s for Gabby Ann, Petrell Marie Ozbay, Mike Motz, Adorn, Inc.
SILVER: You’re a Crocagator, Kenny Rager, Patti Brassard Jefferson, Halo Publishing
GOLD: Sometimes I Dream, Jose Colon, Jennifer Schmucker, Making Memories Portraits,
Halo International

To view a complete list of the FAPA President’s Award winners visit www.floridapublishersassociation.com/.


Eli’s Balloon Book Giveaway!

| Candace Ruffin

IMG_0736Reading is Golden is a platform that connects authors and readers through social media. Reading is Golden has partnered with Author, Candace Ruffin to allow a deserving young reader to win a free copy of Eli’s Balloon. Upon completion of the contest, Reading is Golden will feature Candace Ruffin in their weekly Author Spotlight. At that time, readers will have an opportunity to interact with Candace through a Q&A session via the Reading is Golden Face Book page. Be sure to find Reading is Golden on Face Book
, like, and share.

Thank you Reading is Golden for motivating young readers and helping to connect authors to those who matter most.

ELI’S BALLOON BOOK LAUNCH PARTY!

| Candace Ruffin

Balloon Front Cover Marketing B&WThe Eli’s Balloon official launch is set for Friday, May 22, 2015 and will be available for purchase. Candace will be onsite to sign purchases and share the birth of Eli’s Balloon.

Come out and join the fun as Candace Ruffin celebrates the launch of her new children’s picture book, Eli’s Balloon. Fun for the whole family! Kids can enjoy some cool refreshments from Leo’s Italian Ice and sweet treats from Mattie’s Delectable Desserts.

What:  Eli’s Balloon Book Launch Party

When: Friday, May 22, 2015

           4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Where: Lady Bird Academy of Winter Springs

The festivities begin at 4:00 PM. Candace is scheduled to speak at 4:30 PM. Hope to see you there!