Seattle children's author Bonny Becker wins read-aloud award

North Seattle children's author Bonny Becker has added another award to her groaning prize shelf — the 2009 E.B. White Read Aloud Award for her children's picture book, "A Visitor for Bear" (Candlewick Press). The award, given by the Association of Booksellers for Children, honors the year's best picture book for reading aloud.

Earlier this year, "A Visitor for Bear" won the Golden Kite Award from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. It's a selection for Oprah's recommended books for children and was named Amazon's 2008 Picture Book of the Year. It tells the story of a neatnik bear who lives in a cottage in the woods with a "NO VISITORS ALLOWED" sign on the door. One day a dapper little mouse shows up, offering friendship and slowly wearing down the lonely old bear's defenses in a hilarious series of surprise encounters.

For a recent interview with Becker, go to www.seattletimes.com and search "Bonny Becker."

Mary Ann Gwinn: 206-464-2357 or mgwinn@seattletimes.com. Mary Ann Gwinn appears on Classical KING-FM's Arts Channel at www.king.org/community/bookdrive.aspx