The SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund Announces Winners of The Charlotte and Wilbur Award

So, without further ado, this year’s winning book is The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle by Sy Montgomery and Matt Patterson. This wonderful book tells the true tale of Fire Chief, a snapping turtle who almost lost his shell and the amazing conservationists who gave him a second chance. The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle will inspire readers of all ages to care for the animals in their own lives, and will remind us all that tenacity, hope, and ingenuity can go a long way in strengthening our relationships with the natural world.

Of the book, Sy and Matt say, “We met Fire Chief when he was a hospital patient and we were volunteers. The Chief, a 42-pound snapping turtle, was recovering at Turtle Rescue League after he had been hit by a car, cracking his shell and paralyzing his legs and tail. Happily, turtles can regenerate nerve tissue, so our job at the hospital was to supervise his physical therapy. At one point this involved a bespoke wheelchair. We told his story, and that of many other turtles and compassionate people, in a book for adults, Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell. When that book became a surprise national bestseller, we knew we wanted to dedicate a book to Fire Chief's story, and to share it with children. Kids, even more than most adults, understand that animals think, feel, and know. Re-connecting with the other species with whom we share this sweet, green Earth is one of life's deepest and most essential joys.”

Congratulations to Sy, Matt, and the Fire Chief!

This year’s honor prize for the Charlotte and Wilbur Award for Compassion for Animals goes to The Lonely Goose by Lela Nargi and Anne Hunter. Geese mate for life. In this lyrical, moving book Nargi and Hunter share the story of a goose who finds new companionship after her first life partner has died. With a poignant blend of scientific facts and beautiful words and images, The Lonely Goose will inspire all its readers to take a closer look at the natural world right outside.

Congratulations, Lela and Anne!