A Storyteller’s Honor: Receiving the Judy Goddard Award

On November 17, 2025, I had the immense pleasure of receiving the Judy Goddard Award for Children’s Literature. It is always wonderful to be recognized for my efforts to educate children while entertaining them, but it is truly special to be selected by Libraries Ltd. Many authors I have long admired and tried to emulate have won this award in the past. Because this was not a competition I applied for, but rather a selection made by the organization, the honor felt even more significant.

An Evening at El Charro

The award ceremony took place at the original El Charro in Tucson—the very place where the chimichanga was created! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was delighted to meet the dedicated individuals involved in increasing literacy in Arizona’s underserved, Indigenous, and rural communities.

I was surprised to find that the committee wasn’t made up of fellow authors, but rather the “boots on the ground”: librarians, teachers, and social workers. Listening to the stories of their work was fascinating; the impact they have on our Arizona communities would truly make a great book in itself. I left feeling incredibly impressed by their mission.

Then came the moment they presented my award: a beautiful Storyteller statue. I have always admired these statues and wanted one for my home, but to receive one as a literary award was simply fabulous.

Supporting Arizona Literacy

Established in 1966 by Governor Sam and Judy Goddard, Libraries Ltd. works tirelessly to provide reading materials to Arizona schools, libraries, and non-profit organizations that serve children and teenagers. They have active chapters in both the Tucson and Phoenix areas.

Reading the list of past recipients humbles and encourages me. The award is presented to authors or illustrators whose work features or is closely identified with Arizona and the surrounding regions. Looking at names like Byrd Baylor (1985), Jennifer Ward (2011), and Adam Rex (2017), I feel I am in very good company!

All the organization asked of me in return was to share the news of the award and display their sticker on my books. I was planning on doing that anyway—and anywhere I can! I think the Dinosaurs Roamed Arizona cover looks even better with that gold seal on it, don’t you?

Experience the Award-Winning Adventure See for yourself why the Judy Goddard committee chose this prehistoric Arizona journey! From the Sonoran Desert to the giants of the past, this book is designed to spark a love of science in every child. Get your copy of Dinosaurs Roamed Arizona here!

Past Judy Goddard Award Winners