CHANDLER, AZ (September 21, 2010) – Judging for the first annual Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes excellence in children's literature, has concluded, and a list of finalists revealed. The finalists will learn the details of which category they placed in and whether they will receive first, second or third place, or an honorable mention at or after the Arizona Authors Association Awards Banquet, which begins at 5 p.m. on Sat. Nov. 6, 2010. The event is held at the Glendale Civic Center at 5750 W. Glenn Drive in Glendale, Ariz.

One exceptional entry will win the $300 Grand Prize, while all first place entries receive $75 each.

“Winning any place in the Purple Dragonfly Contest is a huge honor because in order to maintain the integrity of the Dragonfly Book Awards, a minimum score of 55 out of 80 must be earned for a place to be awarded to the entrant – even if it is the sole entry in a category,” explains Linda Radke, president of Five Star Publications, the sponsor of the Dragonfly Book Awards. “Competition is steep, too, because there is no publication date limit as long as the book is still in print.”

The list of finalists include: God’s Promise by Maureen Moss of Ashland, OR; Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden by Kathy M. Miller of New Ringgold, PA; Ramdas: The One-Eyed Turtle by Robert Goerman & Dinesh Patel of New Kensington, PA; Little Rockin’ Roger and the Magic Glass Guitar by Benjamin Moores of Manchester, England; Travels with Gannon and Wyatt: Botswana by Patti Wheeler & Keith Hemstreet of Rochester Hills, MI; Danny the Dragon by Tina Turbin of Dunedin, FL; Hey Dad! Let’s Have a Catch by Harold Theurer, Jr., Brooklyn, NY; Where Do We Go? By James F. Weinsier of Fernandina Beach, FL; Princess Sally and Prince Tommy in the Kingdom Always by Jennifer L. Gray, Ph.D. of Federal Way, WA; Roonie B. Mooney: Lost and Alone by Janan Cain of Riverside, IL; Hip Hip Hooray, It’s Monsoon Day! By Roni Capin Rivera-Ashford of Tucson, AZ; Living on Sisu: The 1913 Union Copper Strike Tragedy by Deborah K. Frontiera of Houston, TX; Morning Rain by Sheila Cayolle of Slpharetta, GA; Your Preteen Apostolate by Nicholas J. Bottesi and Michele E. Bondi of Rochester Hills, MI. Several of the finalists placed in multiple categories.

The second annual Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. Submissions postmarked March 1, 2011 or earlier are eligible for the Early Bird reward: a free e-copy of The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing or Promote Like a Pro: Small Budget, Big Show. Final deadline for submissions is May 1, 2011. The Royal Dragonfly Book Awards Contest has also launched with Submissions postmarked December 1, 2010 or earlier eligible for the Early Bird reward and the final deadline for submissions on February 1, 2011. For complete rules and submission forms, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com.

The Purple and Royal Dragonfly Book Awards are part of the family of Five Star Dragonfly Book contests, which include the Chocolate Dragonfly Book Awards, honoring food-related publications; the Green Dragonfly Book Awards, saluting books that create awareness of the environment and eco-friendly living; and Dragonfly eBook Awards, which celebrate eBooks. For more on Five Star Dragonfly contests, access www.FiveStarBookAwards.com. Five Star Publications can be reached at info@FiveStarPublications.com or by calling 480-940-8182.

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