Award-Winning Children’s Author and Story Monster Reading Ambassador Conrad J. Storad to Read to One Millionth Student

CHANDLER, AZ (March 13, 2017) – It’s been 23 years in the making. After more than 1,500 school and library visits in 17 different states, science writer, editor, national award-winning children’s author and master storyteller Conrad J. Storad is set to reach a personal goal. On Thursday, March 16, during author presentations for the more than 600 students at Kyrene de la Mariposa Elementary School in Chandler, Arizona, he will read to his one millionth student.

“It’s exciting! What a privilege it has been to be asked to visit so many schools and libraries over the years,” says Storad. “I’m honored that I’ve had the opportunity to make even a small impact on numerous young people.”

Storad, currently the science and nature editor for Story Monsters Ink® magazine, has written more than 50 science and nature books for children and young adults, including the USA Best Book winner Rattlesnake Rules, the ONEBOOKAZ for Kids 2012 selection Arizona Way Out West & Witty (co-authored with Lynda Exley), and Monster in the Rocks, the 2014 Arizona selection for the "52 Great Reads” program sponsored by the Library of Congress Center for the Book.

“I believe a good nonfiction story should be more than just the facts,” says Storad. “Seeing kids’ faces light up when I talk to them about science or nature in a way that connects for them is what makes my job fun.”

A firm believer of instilling a love of reading at an early age, Storad has served as a Story Monster Reading Ambassador since Story Monster’s inception in 2014. Storad played an integral role in giving Story Monster a voice to share his message that “Reading is fun!” among students across the country.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better ambassador,” says Linda F. Radke, president of Story Monsters LLC. “Conrad’s enthusiasm and ability to captivate an audience is inspiring. It truly is an honor to have him out there sharing Story Monster’s message with young people. I want to congratulate Conrad on his great accomplishment of reading to one million students.”

Until his retirement in 2010, Storad spent over 24 years as executive editor for the nationally acclaimed ASU Research Magazine. Prior to that, he was a reporter, editor and general manager for The Barberton Herald newspaper in northeast Ohio. Storad holds an undergraduate degree in mass media communication from the University of Akron and a master’s degree in mass communication/science journalism from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.

To learn more about Conrad J. Storad or to schedule an author visit, please visit www.ConradStoradBooks.com or email cstorad@cox.net.

Story Monsters LLC, formerly Five Star Publications, Inc., is dedicated to helping authors of all genres strive for excellence with book production, marketing and promotion. From publishing the award-winning Story Monsters Ink® magazine, to providing Publishers Support Services in areas such as editing, cover design and publicity, Story Monsters LLC is a place to tell your story. For more information, visit www.StoryMonsters.com, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

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7th Annual Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winners Announced

Grand Prize Winner

CHANDLER, AZ (November, 2016) – Winners of the 2016 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards have been announced and Behind the Mask by Dana Ridenour has earned this year’s $300 Grand Prize as well as First Place designations in the Fiction Novel and First Time Author categories. Behind the Mask is the story of special agent Lexie Montgomery, who is just beginning to understand the FBI’s undercover division motto: “You build relationships to betray relationships.” Lexie's first assignment is infiltrating a radical cell of the Animal Liberation Front. Underground and operating in splinter groups throughout Los Angeles, the only way in is through Savannah Riley, a new recruit. Savannah left the safety of her small southern town for the bright lights of the city. Pulled into the animal rights movement by her college roommate and a gorgeous anarchist, she sinks deeper and deeper into the dark, paranoid world of ALF extremists. As the actions of her cell escalate beyond simple demonstrations and graffiti, Savannah turns to Lexie to keep her grounded. But as the two women grow closer and the FBI's case builds, Lexie is forced to decide what betrayal really means.

Additional first-place winners include Losing a Hero to Alzheimer's: The Story of Pearl by Patricia M. McClure; A Home for Abigail by S. Marriott Cook; The Amazing Journey of Solomon the Sockeye Salmon by Pamela Cannalte, illustrated by Steven Beutler, Designed by Jody Mattics; The Family Tree: The Night of the Storm by Laurie Copmann, illustrated by Laurie Copmann and Shirley Kraus; The Spirit of Villarosa: A Father's Extraordinary Adventures; A Son's Challenge by Horace Dade Ashton, Marc Ashton, Libby J. Atwater; If It Does Not Grow: Say No - Eatable Activities for Kids Kerry Alison Wekelo; Sir Pigglesworth's Adventures series by JoAnn Wagner, illustrated by David Darchicourt; Animal abc: Book to Look by Gabriela Rzepecka-Weiß; How the Bunny Learned to Fly by Sean David Maday; Dragons are Real by Valarie Budayr, illustrated by Michael Welply; Just Indian by Jackie Neypes, illustrated by Tyrelle Smith; The Tales of Reese: Finn's Wish by Rachel Mahan, illustrated by Gau Family Studio; The Seeds of Injustice by Micheal Jimerson; Stinky Blinky by Troy Kent, illustrated by Amanda Erb; Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems: The Crystal Cavern (Book 3) by Anthony Pardoe; A Trip to Remember by Michele Spry; The Accidental Vigilante by Robert Sterling Hecker; Am I Going to Be Okay? Weathering the Storms of Mental Illness, Addiction, and Grief by Debra Whittam, illustrated by Jeff Tift; The Reading Promise by Troy Kent, illustrated by Elisa Moriconi; Moon Full of Moons: Poetry of Transformation by Kat Lehmann; The Apocalyptic Gospel: Mystery, Revelation, and Common Sense by Justin Mark Staller; String by Timothy Bryant Spear; Forever Skating Forward by Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz; and Ascension by Hannah Rials.

"We had a very tight competition this year and our judges definitely had their work cut out for them," says Linda F. Radke, president of the Dragonfly Book Awards program. “I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to all of our winners.”

For a complete list of winners, visit www. DragonflyBookAwards.com and click on "Winners." The next Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. The final deadline for submissions is October 1, 2017.

In addition to the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, Story Monsters LLC also has two additional book contests: The Purple Dragonfly Book Awards and the Story Monsters Approved! program. The final deadline to enter the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes outstanding children's literature, is May 1, 2017. The Story Monsters Approved program identifies quality children's books that have been kid-tested and judge-certified, making it easier for buyers to choose exceptional fiction and nonfiction books that parents will approve and youths will enthusiastically devour. There is no deadline to enter and books are judged as they are received. For rules and submission forms for these contests, visit www.DragonflyBookAwards.com and click on the contest of choice.

For more information about the Dragonfly Book Awards and Story Monsters Approved! program, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

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‘Story Monsters Ink’ Takes the Literary World by Storm

CHANDLER, AZ (October 2016) – In just over two years since its launch, Story Monsters Ink has become a beacon for parents and teachers searching for quality reading material for children to instill the joys of reading, and it turns out, grown-ups love it just as much as kids.

What began as a monthly newsletter has turned into a major magazine with subscribers across the globe, advertisers clamoring to get a spot in each issue and featured interviews with today’s top authors and artists, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Kenny Loggins, Kate DiCamillo, James Patterson, Dav Pilkey and Jeff Kinney.

And the industry loves it, too. The subscription-based family magazine recently received several notable literary accolades.

In August, Story Monsters Ink won the Mom’s Choice Gold Award and was named “among the best in family-friendly media, products and services.” In October, School Library Journal named it “among the great magazines for kids and teens” for its varied content, including articles about science and nature, reading guides, and book reviews written by children for children. Also this month, it was announced that the magazine’s publisher, Linda F. Radke, won the 2016 Irwin Award for “Best Publisher of a Literary Magazine,” and Cristy Bertini, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, also won the Irwin Award for “Best Editorial Director.”

In her acceptance speech, Radke thanked the entire Story Monsters Ink team for their contributions to the magazine’s success. “Cristy tells me every month that this will be the best issue yet, and it always is, thanks to our tremendous team of writers, designers, columnists, and contributors, and we want to express our sincerest gratitude to Melissa Fales, Jeff Yesh, Kris Taft Miller, Conrad Storad, Debbie Greenberg, Darleen Wohlfeil, Nick Spake, Leigh Carrasco, Rita Campbell, Olivia Amiri, Diana Perry, Jenna Grodzicki, Bill McManus, Kristin Maggio, and Shirin Zarqa-Lederman for their hard work and dedication. And we also want to thank our advertisers. They have supported this publication from the beginning and I want them to know how much we appreciate them.”

Having been in the up-and-down world of publishing for over 30 years, Radke said that supporting children’s literacy is her team’s ultimate goal in everything they do.

“That is the light behind Story Monsters Ink,” said Radke. “And behind every successful magazine, is a great editor-in-chief. Cristy is that editor. I have her to thank, because she makes this magazine what it is and I couldn’t ask for a better leader. As for the next issue, just wait and see. It will be the best one yet.”

To subscribe to Story Monsters Ink, visit www.StoryMonsters.com. Digital subscriptions are free and 12-month print subscriptions are $39. New print subscribers receive a free Story Monster plush reading buddy. For more information, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

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James Patterson, Marcus Samuelsson Featured in October issue of ‘Story Monsters Ink’

CHANDLER, AZ (September, 2015) – With over 300 million copies of his books sold worldwide, James Patterson is one of the most prolific and successful authors on the planet. While he continues to write the suspenseful thriller novels his devotees clamor for as well as the children’s books that have gained him a whole new fan base, he’s also become a major champion for literacy. He recently pledged to donate $1.75 million to school libraries through a grant program with Scholastic Reading Club. “I’m really passionate about getting kids reading,” said Patterson in a recent interview with Story Monsters Ink magazine. “If kids aren’t competent readers in middle school, they’re going to have a really hard time getting through high school and getting through life.” Patterson also discussed his career, his newest books and how he instilled a love of reading in his own son.

From his humble beginning in Ethiopia, restaurateur, chef, television food personality and author Marcus Samuelsson has risen to the highest culinary ranks. Samuelsson talks with Story Monsters Ink about his latest book, Make it Messy: My Perfectly Imperfect Life detailing his long, gastronomical journey to the top and highlighting those times when his future was muddled and uncertain. It is a must-read for any aspiring chef.

Also featured in the October issue, photographer Jonathan Diaz creates a treasury of modern-day fairy tales based on the lives of children who all have two things in common: they have very big dreams and they are all cancer patients. Child actor and philanthropist Gabe Eggerling talks about his mission to donate as many books as he can to underprivileged children, and award-winning author Gale Leach tells us about her road to writing.

Story Monsters Ink is a monthly, family magazine that gives kids, parents and educators the latest news on award-winning and debut books and products, reviews, recipes, activities, a Spanish language column and a science and nature column written by award-winning author Conrad J. Storad.

What began as a monthly newsletter has turned into a major magazine with subscribers across the globe, advertisers clamoring to get a spot in each issue and featured interviews with Rosemary Wells, Garcelle Beauvais, Claudine Pepin, NASA Astronaut Jerry L. Ross, Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Arizona Cardinals wide-receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Sesame Street’s Caroll Spinney.

“I wanted to publish a magazine for a very long time,” says Linda F. Radke, founder and president of Five Star Publications, Inc. “Story Monsters Ink is an exciting fulfillment of that dream. As a parent and former educator myself, I recognize the value of instilling a love of reading and writing in children, and I have a tremendous team to work with in developing this publication each month. We’ve definitely created a monster of a magazine.”

“Our ultimate goal is to promote children’s literacy, and we involve children in the production of Story Monsters Ink by asking them to write book reviews, poems, articles, etc., and we publish their work in each issue,” adds Cristy Bertini, the magazine’s editor-in-chief. “Children love seeing their work printed in the magazine, and we love encouraging them to read and write as much as possible.”

To subscribe to Story Monsters Ink, visit www.StoryMonsters.com. Digital subscriptions are free and 12-month print subscriptions are $39. New print subscribers receive a free Story Monster plush reading buddy. For more information, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

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2016 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winners Announced

Grand Prize Winner

$100 Drawing First Place Winner

CHANDLER, AZ (June, 2016) – Winners of the 2016 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards have been announced by Five Star Publications, Inc. Fabulous Me, Piper Lee and the Peanut Butter Itch by Tolya L. Thompson and illustrated by Terence Gaylor has earned this year’s $300 Grand Prize as well as a First Place designation in the Best Illustrations and Health categories. Fabulous Me Piper Lee and the Peanut Butter Itch is the first release featuring Piper Lee in the existing line of Smarties Books. Guided by her inner voice, MeMe, Piper Lee struggles to resist the temptation of eating peanut butter even though she knows she is allergic to peanuts. The itch to taste, and the total body itch that follows, provide an unforgettable lesson on food allergies.

The winner of this year’s $100 drawing is Billie Holladay Skelley, author of Luella Agnes Owen: Going Where No Lady Had Gone Before. Skelley earned First Place awards in the Biography and Historical Nonfiction categories.

Additional first-place winners include: A Mommy's Promise by Connie Cabrina; Cody, The Teeny, Tiny Alpaca by Amber Isaac; The Day Dad Blew Up the Cowshed by Jennifer Somervell, illustrated by Margery Fern; The Grumpy Unicorn by Jennifer Hodge; Daddy's Heart, My Heart, The Purple Heart by Angela Kohout, Madeline Murillo, and Elizabeth Sagi, illustrated by Michael Ryan; Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems by Anthony Pardoe; Liv on Life series by Elizabeth Gorcey, illustrated by Kajiah Jacobs; Don't Play With Your Food: Fu-Fu's Bistro by Giddy Gragert, illustrated by Christina Mattison Ebert; Sammie Street Adventures: Stormy Saturday by Jennifer Blyth, illustrated by Kathy Kerber; The Rabbit Rescuers by Cindy Howard, illustrated by Nancy Lane; Why Can't You Just Like Me? by Cathy A. Carroll; If You Love Honey by Martha Sullivan, illustrated by Cathy Morrison; Mighty Mole and Super Soil by Mary Quattlebaum, illustrated by Chad Wallace; One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! by Eric Yoder and Natalie Yoder; The Legend of the Colombian Mermaid by Janet Balletta, illustrated by Estella Mejia; Where is My Grandma? by Niyati Desai-Kadakia, illustrated by Deepa Shah-Chordia; "Why Did Grandma Put Her Underwear in the Refrigerator?" An Explanation of Alzheimer's Disease for Children by Max Wallack and Carolyn Given; Tales for Your Monkey's Mind by Steve Michael Reedy, illustrated by Tom Fee; Bee in the Sea by Adam Reed, illustrated by Izzy Bean; Green is Good by Elizabeth Gorcey, illustrated by Kajiah Jacobs; Grandma's Garden by Julie Ann Dolle', illustrated by Gaston Hauviller; Cole's Perfect Puppy - Perfect Puppies - Book One by Frances Crossno; Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems - Book Two: The Raging Torrent by Anthony Pardoe; The Rain of Blood by S.P. Kumar; Goodnight, Campsite by Loretta Sponsler, illustrated by Olga Shevchenko; Going to the Park by Elizabeth Gorcey, illustrated by Kajiah Jacobs; Max and Bear by Pam Saxelby, illustrated by Stephen Adams; Narla and the Hidden Treasure by Lisa Domeny; Beasties by Pat Hall, illustrated by Emmeline Hall Forrestal; Escape into the Mall by Donna LeBlanc, illustrated by Anton Servetnik; My Forgotten Self: A Story About a Girl, A Powerful Encounter, and a Universal Message by Lynyetta G. Willis, Ph.D; Mystery of the Giant Masks of Sanxingdui by Icy Smith, illustrated by Gayle Garner Roski; Somebody Cares: A Guide for Kids Who Have Experienced Neglect by Susan Farber Straus, PhD, illustrated by Claire Keay; What a Bragger! by Lee Ann Mancini, illustrated by Dan Sharp; Dinosaurs Living in My Hair by Jayne M. Rose-Vallee, illustrated by Anni Matsick; Ms. Abrams' Everything Garden by Lisa and Samantha Colodny, illustrated by Ashley Scott; The Alien Logs of Super Jewels by BK Bradshaw, illustrated by Travis Hanson; Inside the Palisade by K.C. Maguire; Let's Change That! If Animals Can, We Can, Too! by Dr. Bashar Salame, illustrated by Rainer M. Osinger; Once Upon A Zombie Book One: The Color of Fear by Billy Phillips and Jenny Nissenson; and The Phantom of Faerie Mountain by E.M. McIntyre.                 

"We had a very tight competition this year and our judges definitely had their work cut out for them," says Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, Inc. “I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to all of our winners.”

The next Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. The early bird deadline is March 1, 2017. Final deadline for submissions is May 1, 2017.

The early bird deadline for the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes outstanding literature in all genres, is August 1, 2016. The final deadline is October 1, 2016.

For complete rules and submission forms for these contests, visit DragonflyBookAwards.com and click on the contest of choice. For more information about the other programs Story Monsters LLC offers, please visit www.StoryMonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

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6th Annual Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winners Announced

CHANDLER, AZ (November, 2015)—Winners of the 2015 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards have been announced by Five Star Publications, Inc. Slow Dancing with a Stranger by Meryl Comer has earned this year’s $300 Grand Prize as well as First Place designations in the Aging and General Nonfiction categories and Honorable Mention in the First-time Author category. An Emmy-award winning broadcast journalist and leading Alzheimer’s advocate, Comer has written a profoundly personal, unflinching account of her husband’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease that serves as a much-needed wake-up call to better understand and address a progressive and deadly affliction. When Comer’s husband Harvey Gralnick was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease in 1996, she watched as the man who headed hematology and oncology research at the National Institutes of Health started to misplace important documents and forget clinical details that had once been cataloged encyclopedically in his mind. With harrowing honesty, she brings readers face to face with this devastating condition and its effects on its victims and those who care for them. Detailing the daily realities and overwhelming responsibilities of caregiving, Comer sheds intensive light on this national health crisis, using her personal experiences—the mistakes and the breakthroughs—to put a face to a misunderstood disease, while revealing the facts everyone needs to know.

Additional first-place winners include The Tiny Portrait by Heidi Carla, illustrated by Karla Cinquanta, which was also the $100 drawing winner; Bee in the Sea by Adam Reed, illustrated by Izzy Bean; American Mojo Lost and Found: Restoring Our Middle Class Before the World Blows by Peter D. Kiernan;   Ballerina Detective and the Missing Jeweled Tiara by Karen Rita Rautenberg; Numbers!: Take the Dog Out by Lynne Dempsey, illustrated by Mandy Newham-Cobb; Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon by Terry John Barto, illustrated by Kim Sponaugle; Posie Pixie and the Pancakes by Sarah Hill, illustrated by Sarah Mauchline; Posie Pixie and the Snowstorm by Sarah Hill, illustrated by Sarah Mauchline; Hi My Name is Hanna and I'm Adopted by Angie Barton; Colors!: Take the Dog Out by Lynne Dempsey, illustrated by Mandy Newham-Cobb; Castle in Danger by Karen Rita Rautenberg; Simmer and Smoke: A Southern Tale of Grit and Spice by Peggy Lampman; Going to the Park by Elizabeth Gorcey, illustrated by Kajiah Jacobs; and Ashes and Asphalt by Trevor Halloway.

“We had a very tight competition this year and our judges definitely had their work cut out for them," says Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, Inc. “I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to all of our winners.”

For a complete list of winners, visit www.RoyalDragonflyBookAwards.com. The next Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. The early bird deadline is August 1, 2016. Final deadline for submissions is October 1, 2016.

The early bird deadline for the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes outstanding children's literature, is March 1, 2016. The final deadline is May 1, 2016. For complete rules and submission forms for these contests, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on the contest of choice.

The Story Monster Approved! program identifies quality children's books that have been kid-tested and judge-certified, making it easier for buyers to choose exceptional fiction and nonfiction books that parents will approve and youths will enthusiastically devour. Authors interested in having their books considered for the Story Monster Approved! designation should visit www.StoryMonsters.com to download an entry form. There is no deadline to enter and books are judged as they are received.

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Caroll Spinney Brings Decades of Sunny Days to Sesame Street

Beloved puppeteer featured in July issue of 'Story Monsters Ink' magazine

CHANDLER, AZ (June, 2015) – As the man behind Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch characters, Caroll Spinney has delivered lasting education lessons to millions of children. “We had a lot of doubters who didn’t believe that television could be a teaching tool,” Spinney recently said in an interview with Story Monsters Ink magazine. “I think we proved them wrong.”

Like most icons of American culture, Big Bird is instantly recognizable. However, the face of Caroll Spinney, the puppeteer who has been tucked inside the 8 foot-tall, yellow-feathered suit for much of the last 46 years remains largely unfamiliar. With the recent release of his documentary I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story (Copper Pot Pictures), Spinney talks to Story Monsters Ink about the creation of Sesame Street, his friend Jim Henson and his favorite memories.

Story Monsters Ink is a monthly, family magazine that gives kids, parents and educators the latest news on award-winning and debut books and products, reviews, recipes, activities, a Spanish language column and a science and nature column written by award-winning author Conrad J. Storad.

What began as a monthly newsletter has turned into a major magazine with subscribers across the globe, advertisers clamoring to get a spot in each issue and featured interviews with Rosemary Wells, Garcelle Beauvais, Claudine Pepin, NASA Astronaut Jerry L. Ross, Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Jean Louisa Kelly and Lisa Jakub. The July issue also features interviews with Michaela DePrince, Sebastian A. Jones, Barbara Bottner and Dr. Stephanie Cox.

“I wanted to publish a magazine for a very long time,” says Linda F. Radke, founder and president of Five Star Publications, Inc. “Story Monsters Ink is an exciting fulfillment of that dream. As a parent and former educator myself, I recognize the value of instilling a love of reading and writing in children, and I have a tremendous team to work with in developing this publication each month. We’ve definitely created a monster of a magazine.”

“I am so proud of what this publication has become,” adds Cristy Bertini, the magazine’s editor-in-chief. “Not only do we feature well-known authors and celebrities, but we also shine a light on independent authors who are not so well-known and trying to find their place in the literary world. Our ultimate goal is to promote children’s literacy, and we involve children in the production of Story Monsters Ink by asking them to write book reviews, poems, articles, etc., and we publish their work in each issue. Children love seeing their work printed in the magazine, and we love encouraging them to read and write as much as possible.”

The magazine’s trademark character, the lovable, green Story Monster made his first appearance in 2013 in a popular book awards program developed by Five Star called Story Monster Approved! to recognize and honor both seasoned and newly published children’s literature authors. And who judges the submissions? Children! After books pass the first round of judging by industry experts, the books are then judged by a panel of students who must also endorse the books before they can receive the official Story Monster seal of approval. “Who better to judge the entries than the children who read them?” says Radke. “We now have panels of student judges in elementary schools all over the US and soon in the UK as well, and we can’t keep up with them! These students take their jobs very seriously and are waiting for more submissions.”

To subscribe to Story Monsters Ink, visit www.StoryMonsters.com. Digital subscriptions are free and 12-month print subscriptions are $39. New print subscribers receive a free Story Monster plush reading buddy. For more information, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

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Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winners Announced

CHANDLER, AZ (June, 2015)—Winners of the 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards have been announced by Five Star Publications, Inc. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina by Michaela and Elaine DePrince has earned this year’s $300 Grand Prize as well as a First Place designation in the Biography/Autobiography/Memoir category. Michaela DePrince was known as girl Number 27 at the orphanage, where she was abandoned at a young age and tormented as a “devil child” for a skin condition that makes her skin appear spotted. But it was at the orphanage that Michaela would find a picture of a beautiful ballerina en pointe that would help change the course of her life. At the age of four, Michaela was adopted by an American family, who encouraged her love of dancing and enrolled her in classes. In this engaging, moving and unforgettable memoir, Michaela shares her dramatic journey from an orphan in West Africa to becoming one of ballet’s most exciting rising stars.

The winner of this year’s $100 drawing is Barbara Freeman, the author of Sugar: A Princess Pit Bull Finds Her Family and Super Smart Sugar. Freeman earned First Place awards in the Educational/Instructional and Family Matters categories and Honorable Mention in the Animals/Pets category.

Additional first-place winners include My Very Own Bucket Filling from A to Z Coloring Book by Carol McCloud and Caryn Butzke; illustrated by Glenn Zimmer; Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon by Terry John Barto, illustrated by Kim Sponaugle; CougaMongaMingaMan Meets Maggie by Nancy Scalabroni, illustrated by Terri Kelleher; When the Sun Goes Down by Nannette Nocon, illustrated by John Kastner; Gollywood Here I Come! by Terry John Barto, illustrated by Mattia Cerato; The Eel Hunt by Jennifer Somervell, illustrated by Margery Fern; A Colorful Journey Through the Land of Talking Letters by Mary Jo Nyssen, illustrated by Mike Motz; The Lucky Chipmunk by Sirui Li, illustrated by YingMing Zhao; Muddy Madeleine Meets an Arach-A-Doo by Amanda Stone Norton, illustrated by Veronica V. Jones; Wilson & Bella's Christmas Wish! by Susan Castriota; Hey, Baby, Look! by Kate Shannon, illustrated by Morgan Owens; It's This Monkey's Business by Debra Mares, illustrated by Taylor Christensen; Just Because by Chiquita Camille Payne, illustrated by Jerry Craft; That Mama is a Grouch by Sherry Ellis, illustrated by Don Berry; The Rain Forest Dance by Sandra Fernandez-Achenbach; Your Awesome Brain by Edwin Lee, M.D., F.A.C.E and Jim Huth, illustrated by Bryan Burright; Powder Monkey by Donna M. McDine, illustrated by K.C. Snider; A Place to Call Home: Toby's Tale by G.A. Whitmore; The Gift of Sunderland by J.E. Rogers, illustrated by Guy Atherfold; The Gift of Sunderland (ebook) by J.E. Rogers, illustrated by Guy Atherfold; Eden and Her Happy by Tracy Schlepphorst; If I Could Reach the Sky by Abbe Reichman, illustrated by Charles Berton; It's a Piece of Cake by Laurie Lunsford, illustrated by Brittani Gothard; Noisy Bird Sing-Along by John Himmelman; The Adventures of Paka The Lion Cub by Mary N. Keown, illustrated by Yvonne L. Martin; An Amazing Circus of Phonograms: Act 1 by Mary Jo Nyssen, illustrated by Mike Motz; Explorations of Commander Josh Book One: In Space by Donna LeBlanc, illustrated by Anton Servetnik; Queen Vernita Visits Baja Quail by Dawn Menge, illustrated by Pamela Snyder; Sashi: The Scared Little Sheltie by Linda Greiner, illustrated by Morgan Spicer; The Dandelion Seed's Big Dream by Joseph Anthony, illustrated by Chris Arbo; The Great Danbury State Fair by Theresa Buzaid, illustrated by Steve Dasgupta; Angels, Angels, Everywhere by Michelle Beber, illustrated by Susan Shorter; The Lonely Loon by Margaret Ball Ottman; The Visitor's Choice by Alexander Davidson; If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart by Jill Roman Lord, illustrated by Amy Wummer; Pancakes with Papa: Five Ways to Remember by Dena Albergo Jayson, illustrated by Rainer M. Osinger; and A Place to Call Home: Toby's Tale by G.A. Whitmore  

“We had a very tight competition this year and our judges definitely had their work cut out for them," says Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, Inc. “I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to all of our winners.”

For a complete list of winners, visit www.DragonflyBookAwards.com. The next Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. The early bird deadline is March 1, 2016. Final deadline for submissions is May 1, 2016.

For complete rules and submission forms for these contests, visit www.DragonflyBookAwards.com and click on the contest of choice.

Story Monster Approved! identifies quality children's books that have been kid-tested and judge-certified, making it easier for buyers to choose exceptional fiction and nonfiction books that parents will approve and youths will enthusiastically devour. Authors interested in having their books considered for the Story Monster Approved! designation should visit www.StoryMonsters.com to download an entry form. There is no deadline to enter and books are judged as they are received.

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Kids Can Publish Joins ‘Story Monsters Ink’ Magazine

CHANDLER, AZ (March, 2015)–Getting published in a national magazine just got a lot easier for kids! Children in kindergarten through 12th grade who love to write—and teachers who would like their students to embrace the written word—are now able to submit their writing samples to Kids Can Publish to be considered for publication in the nationally circulated Story Monsters Ink magazine. The magazine recently joined together with Kids Can Publish, a division of Five Star Publications, Inc., to help broaden its audience.

“Partnering the two divisions together makes sense,” says Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, Inc. “Their objectives complement each other so well, and I think it is important to give young writers—our future generation of authors—a place to have a voice. What better way to do that than to give them an opportunity to participate in the publication of a national magazine?”

In 1985, shortly after leaving her profession as a special education teacher, Linda F. Radke started her own publishing company. In hopes of making the world a better place by promoting tolerance, character, kindness and a love for reading and writing with her books, Radke, an award-winning writer herself, started Five Star Publications, Inc. and soon after, its imprint, Little Five Star. Under the Little Five Star umbrella, Radke has published books like Tic Talk: Living with Tourette Syndrome, I Just Am: A Story of Down Syndrome Awareness and Tolerance and When Life Throws You A Curve: One Girl's Triumph Over Scoliosis. All of these books were written by or for children to help people become more compassionate toward each other. Through her experience with Little Five Star, Radke learned children had something important to say. She wanted to give them a platform to do just that, which is why she co-founded Kids Can Publish.

With a subscription base of almost 12,000 and steadily growing, Story Monsters Ink is a free e-digest that gives parents and educators the latest news on award-winning and debut books, profiles on both renowned and newly published authors, upcoming book events, author presentations and more. Print subscriptions are also available.

Teachers and parents can now submit their students' written works, such as poems, articles, stories, book reviews, etc. to Kids Can Publish/Story Monsters Ink for print consideration. A completed permission form signed by a parent or guardian must accompany submissions.

To download a permission form and for instructions on how to submit work, visit www.StoryMonstersInk.com and click on “Kids Can Publish.”

Story Monsters Ink is also holding a monthly drawing through its Facebook page where teachers can enter to win a printed copy of the magazine for each student in their classroom. Teachers can visit the page at Click Here and add their school name and grade level in the comments below the teacher announcement post. The names will be added to a drawing and on April 18, a winner will be announced.

To subscribe to Story Monsters Ink, visit www.StoryMonsters.com. Digital subscriptions are free and 12-month print subscriptions are $39. New print subscribers receive a free Story Monster plush reading buddy. For more information, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.
 

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5th Annual Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winners Announced

2014 Royal Dragonfly Grand Prize Winner

2014 Royal Dragonfly First Place Drawing Winner

CHANDLER, AZ (November, 2014) – Winners of the 2014 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards have been announced by Five Star Publications, Inc. The Red Sun: Legends of Orkney by Alane Adams has earned this year’s $300 Grand Prize as well as First Place designations in the Children’s Chapter Books, Middle-Grade Fiction and Newbie/First Time Author categories. Drawing on Norse mythology, The Red Sun is the first book in The Legends of Orkney, a spellbinding series of adventure fantasy novels by Adams. Twelve-year-old Sam Baron is no hero. He's prone to losing his temper and believes his dad is the worst lout in the world for taking off and leaving him and his mom to fend for themselves in their home town of Pilot Rock, Oregon. But Sam's world turns upside down when a strange dwarf appears in his garage and Sam discovers his father has been trapped in a stone in some magical realm called Orkney. Worse, his substitute English teacher is a bona fide witch and seems to want him dead. With his friends gone missing and vicious Shun Kara wolves stalking him, Sam must travel through a stonefire to the far away realm of Orkney to save his friends from the dark powers that hold them and find a way to rescue his father. Thrust into this new world, Sam must unravel the secrets of his past while trying to stay alive as witches, wraiths, and other menacing creatures pose serious peril to the unsuspecting Sam.

The other noteworthy winner of the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards is the winner of the $100 drawing, Josh Mathe. Author of In the Footsteps of Greatness, Mathe also earned First Place designations in the Self-Help/Inspirational and Newbie/First Time Author categories and Second Place in the Sports/Exercise category.

Additional first-place winners include Guardian of Dreams: A Bedtime Story by Wendy Torrel; What Lies Within by Libby J. Atwater; Storybranding 2.0: Creating Standout Brands Through the Purpose of Story by Jim Signorelli; The Cockroach Invasion by Dr. Sherry L. Meinberg; Addie B. Strong: I Am So Strong by Alyson Flippo; Deputy Dorkface: How Sugaropolis Got Dessert Back by Kevin D. Janison; The Case of the Missing Byte by Joseph Daluz and Julia Morton; The Red Sheet by Mia Kerick; The Azurite Encounter by Jane Frances Ruby; Marco the Little Chef: Makes Macaroni and Cheese by Joy Papini, Ph.D; Fibromyalgia and Other Chronic Painful Conditions: The Patient's Guide and Survival Manual for Obtaining Proper and Effective Medical Care, Second Edition by Jeffrey B. Loomer, M.D., FACP, FACR; The Old Cape House by Barbara Eppich Struna; 101 Awesome Things To Do for Someone Who's Sick by Elaine Wilkes, Ph.D.; Nature's Secret Messages: Hidden in Plain Sight by Elaine Wilkes, Ph.D.; A World of Words: Collected Poetry of Eath, Volume One by Rafael L. Lopez; Interplay: An Artist's Approach to Spirituality by Makram Abu-Shakra; Sanctuary by Alene Adele Roy; Avarom and the Secret of the White Mist by J.L. Stewart; Avoiding the Dodgeballs at Work: A Young Woman's Guide to Succeeding at a First Job by E. Marie; and Born to Run, Live to Be Free by Daris Howard.

"We had a very tight competition this year and our judges definitely had their work cut out for them," says Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, Inc. “I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to all of our winners.”

For a complete list of winners, visit www.dragonflybookawards.com and click on "Winners." The next Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. The early bird deadline is August 1, 2015. Final deadline for submissions is October 1, 2015.

In addition to the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, Five Star Publications, Inc. also has two additional book contests: Purple Dragonfly Book Awards and eBook Dragonfly Book Awards. The early bird deadline for the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes outstanding children's literature, is March 1, 2014. The final deadline is May 1, 2014. The early bird deadline for the eBook Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which was conceived to honor published authors of all genres of digital literature, is January 1, 2015. The final deadline is March 1, 2015.

For complete rules and submission forms for these contests, visit www.dragonflybookawards.com and click on the contest of choice. Entrants who meet the early bird deadline 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 written by Linda F. Radke.

Story Monster Approved! is Five Star’s newest awards program. It identifies quality children's books that have been kid-tested and judge-certified, making it easier for buyers to choose exceptional fiction and nonfiction books that parents will approve and youths will enthusiastically devour. Authors interested in having their books considered for the Story Monster Approved! designation should visit www.storymonsters.com to download an entry form. There is no deadline to enter and books are judged as they are received.

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Five Star Publications, Inc. Launches a Monster of a Magazine with ‘Story Monsters Ink’

CHANDLER, AZ (Fall 2014)—Five Star Publications, Inc. is announcing the launch of a new monthly magazine. Story Monsters Ink is a free, subscription-based e-digest that gives parents and educators the latest news about award-winning and debut books, profiles on both renowned and newly published authors, upcoming book events, author presentations and more.

President of Five Star Publications, Inc. and former educator Linda F. Radke says she wants children to be actively involved in the publication of the magazine by including book reviews written by children.

“I’ve wanted to publish a magazine for a very long time, and I am so excited to see my idea become a reality,” Radke says. “We want to help parents, teachers and librarians instill a love of reading and writing in their students, and what better way to do that than to give these children an opportunity to participate in the publication of a magazine?”

To submit a book review or to have your book considered for listing in the newly released or award-winning book columns, contact Cristy Bertini at Cristy@fivestarpublications.com for guidelines. Authors of printed book reviews receive a free Story Monsters t-shirt for their first published review.

The magazine also features an author profile each month, listings of authors who visit schools, back to school and summer reading guides, listings of newly published books, as well as other articles about book trends, bookstores, author news, etc.

Radke also says, “We have gotten a wonderful response from readers and have already secured some wonderful interviews of very well-known authors for our upcoming issues. And, of course, we have more surprises on the way. Stay tuned!”

Young readers will learn about the wonderful world around them in a monthly column called “Conrad’s Classroom” written by the award-winning author and editor of more than 50 science and nature-based books, Conrad J. Storad. He is nationally renowned for his ability to captivate young audiences with well-researched facts about the scientific world.

While the magazine is new, its trademark character, the lovable, green Story Monster has been around Five Star Publications, Inc. for a little while. She made her first appearance in 2013 in an awards program developed by Five Star called Story Monster Approved! to recognize and honor both seasoned and newly published children's literature authors. In keeping with its goal of promoting children’s literacy, Five Star has determined that before a book is designated as Story Monster Approved!, it has to pass a rigorous judging process. If the book makes it past the first round of judges of industry experts, the book is then judged by youth judges, teachers and librarians represented from schools across the country who must also endorse the book before it can receive the official seal of approval.

To subscribe to Story Monsters Ink, visit www.StoryMonsters.com. Digital subscriptions are free and 12-month print subscriptions are $39. New print subscribers receive a free Story Monster plush reading buddy. For more information, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

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‘Duck Dreams: City Boy to Farmer Boy’ Wins Coveted Purple Dragonfly Book Award

CHANDLER, AZ (June, 2014)—The judges of the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes excellence in children’s literature, have spoken, and Duck Dreams: City Boy to Farmer Boy written by Elizabeth Segel and illustrated by Anni Matsick, won first place in the Middle Grade Fiction category and second place in the Cultural Diversity category.

“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 is required before a First or Second place or Honorable Mention will 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.”

Duck Dreams: City Boy to Farmer Boy tells the story of Simon Hirsh, living in 1910 in a crowded Boston tenement, wants to be a farmer when he grows up. “Who ever heard of a Jewish farmer?” his uncle scoffs. But after Simon’s little brother almost gets stepped on by a huge carthorse in the street teeming with traffic, Simon’s parents decide to buy a house away from the city’s dangers. Simon works hard after school to make their new home a real farm, so that his father doesn’t have to work so hard in the clothing business, but he encounters many setbacks, among them a chicken-cheater, duck disasters, and a challenging friendship.

Author Elizabeth Segel taught children's literature at Pitt and co-authored with Margaret Mary Kimmel a book about reading to children: For Reading Out Loud: a Guide to Sharing Books with Children (Dell, 3 editions). She has published more than 30 articles and reviews on children's literature, and co-founded and directed Beginning with Books, a pioneering program that developed many ways to increase the number of children who became capable lifelong readers. After all this work with children's books, she decided it was time to try one of her own, which resulted in two prestigious awards. Duck Dreams: City Boy to Farmer Boy can be purchased at most major bookstores and online retailers.

For a complete list of winners including all first and second place and honorable mention recipients, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on “Winners.”

The next Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. Submissions postmarked March 1, 2015 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 written by Radke. Final deadline for submissions is May 1, 2015. The Early Bird deadline for the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards Contest, which recognizes outstanding literature in all categories, is August 1, 2014. October 1, 2014 is the final deadline. For complete rules and submission forms for either contest, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on the contest of choice.

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4th Annual Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winners Announced

CHANDLER, AZ (November, 2013) - Five Star Publications, Inc. has announced the winners of the 2013 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards. Diamond Fields by Randall Reneau has earned this year's $300 Grand Prize as well as a First Place designation for the Fiction: Novel category. The Knighting of Sir Kaye by Don M. Winn won First Place for Children's Chapter Books and the drawing for $100 in which each first-place winner is entered.

Other first-place winners included: Dear Little One by Christina L. Thomas for the Activity Books category; The Do's and Don'ts by Hayley Rose for the Best Photography/Illustrations category; Crypto-Punk by George Traikovich for the Children's Chapter Books category (tie); End of the Rainbow Fruit Salad by Eluka Moore, Larry Puzniak, and Marianne Welsh for the Children's Picture Books (5 & Younger) category; Bubblegum Princess by Julie Gribble for the Children's Picture Books (6 & Older); Sneezing Seasons: The Inside Story about Allergies and Immunology by Gail Galvan for the Health, Diet, Nutrition category; A Cruel Calm: Paris Between The Wars by Patricia Daly-Lipe for the Historical Fiction category; Danny Celebrates Advent by Dr. Jennifer Grenardo for the Newbie Award (first time author, fiction) category; Through Frankie's Eyes by Barbara Techel for the Pets, Animals category; Stellarella! It's Saturday! by Deborah W. Dykes for the Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy category; Firestar: Krisalys Chronicles of Feyree: Scroll 3 by Claudia Newcorn for the Science Fiction & Fantasy & Paranormal category; Magikal Molly Day by Amy Lloyd for the Self-Help, Inspirational category; Questions: Directions to Who You Are by Tim W. Turner for the Self-Help, Inspirational category; Pond Ghosts by Alene Adele Roy for the Young Adult Fiction category; TeenCoder: Java Programming by Homeschool Programming, Inc. for both the Education and Text Books categories: and TeenCoder: Android Programming by Homeschool Programming, Inc. for both the Science & Technology and How-To categories.

"We had a very tight competition this year and our judges definitely had their work cut out for them," says Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, Inc., which coordinates the contest. "I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to our winners."

For a complete list of winners that includes second-placers and honorable mentions, visit www.RoyalDragonflyBookAwards.com and click on "Winners." The next Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. Submissions postmarked August 1, 2014 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 written by Radke. Final deadline for submissions is October 1, 2014.

The Early Bird deadline for the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Contest, which recognizes outstanding children's literature, is March 1, 2014. The final deadline is May 1, 2014. For complete rules and submission forms for either contest, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on the contest of choice.

Story Monster Approved, Five Star's newest awards program, identifies quality children's books that have been kid-tested and judge-certified, making it easier for buyers to choose exceptional fiction and nonfiction books that parents will approve and youths will enthusiastically devour. Authors interested in having their books considered for the Story Monster Approved designation should visit www.StoryMonsters.com and download an entry form. Story Monster Approved Books are announced quarterly. The deadline to be considered for the next announcement is January 14, 2014. Submissions postmarked by November 14, 2013 receive a free e-copy of The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing or Promote Like a Pro: Small Budget, Big Show.

To learn more about Five Star Publications, celebrating 28 years in business in Chandler, Ariz., access www.FiveStarPublications.com, email info@FiveStarPublications.com or call 480-940-8182.
 

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Record High of 17 Perfect Scores Achieved by Dragonfly Book Contest Entries

CHANDLER, AZ (June, 2013) - A children's book contest in which judges seldom give more than a few perfect scores recently concluded with 17 entries receiving 80 out of 80 possible points, awarding them and two others first-place designations in the 2013 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.

"This year's competition was the stiffest ever, with an unprecedented number of entries from all over the world including England, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Israel, France, Canada, Dubai, the United States and others," says Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, Inc., the sponsor of the Dragonfly Book Awards. "We pride ourselves on using a point system, which is the fairest way to judge. If five entries in one category share the same first-place score, for example, we award all five of them first-place certificates rather than draw straws and penalize the other four entries. Plus, a minimum score of 72 out of 80 is required to be considered for a first-place award, 64 out of 80 for a second place and 56 out of 80 for an honorable mention - even if there is only one book entered in a category - which means the scores are truly reflective of the quality of the books that win."

First-place perfect scores were given to: The Gift by Yolande Nicholson Spears in the Family Matters and Biography/Autobiography/Memoir categories, also the $300 grand-prize winner; The Puppy's Soul by Rochelle Monique Brandon, which tied with Who's in That Shell? by Anita Elco and Katherine Stelmach in the Animals/Pets category and won the $100 drawing of first-place winners; Quinn's Search for the Samurai, written by Eugene H. Rotberg and Iris C. Rotberg and illustrated by Bryn Barnard, in the Best Illustrations category; The Adventures of Detective Luke: The Disappearing Dog Bowl by Wilson Hickman for Chapter Books; Peaches! Peaches! by Jackie Ferrell for the eBook: Animals/Pets and eBook: Picture Books-5 & Younger categories; Eat It!: Food Adventures with Marco Polo by Gracie Cavnar for the Food-Related category; Coyote Winds by Helen Sedwick for Historical Fiction; Celia the Great - Tricks for Being a Happy Kid by Abby Jacobs, Mama's Purse by AJ Irving and Who Knows the Seasons? by Geoffrey Haas in a three-way tie for the Picture Books-5 & Younger category for printed books; Granny's Clan by Dr. Sally Hodson, Will You Fill My Bucket? by Carol McCloud and Karen Wells, and Dreamy Space Cadet by Summer Flier in a three-way tie for Picture Books-6 & Older; and Wee Three Kings by Brent L. Anderson for Spiritual/Religious.

The other two books that earned first-place awards but did not receive perfect scores were Island of the Invisible Being by Madelain Westermann for Cultural Diversity and Mama's Purse, which was illustrated by Rick Thomson, for Best Cover Design.

Also part of the Five Star Dragonfly Book Awards family of contests is the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, which honors all genres of books in 52 categories including a new Youth Author category for published writers ages 17 and younger. The deadline to enter is October 1, 2013; however, Royal Dragonfly submissions postmarked Aug. 1, 2013 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.

The 2014 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway with a March 1, 2014 early bird deadline and May 1, 2014 final deadline. There is no publication date restriction as long as the titles entered are still in print.

For a complete list of winners including second placers and honorable mentions, rules and entry forms for either contest, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com. For more details on Five Star Publications, celebrating 27 years of publishing and marketing excellence, email info@FiveStarPublications.com or call 480-940-8182.

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Winter 2012 Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winners Announced

CHANDLER, AZ (November, 2012) - An unprecedented seven out of 15 first-place winners in the Winter 2012 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest received perfect scores with 80 points out of a possible 80: Buried in the Sky by Peter Zuckerman and Amanda Padoan for the Cultural Diversity and Historical Nonfiction categories, Confessions of a Movie Addict by Betty Jo Tucker for Biography/Memoir, The Right Guard by Alexandra Hamlet for Fiction Novel, Nature's Notes by Judy Burris and Wayne Richards for Photography/Illustrations, Your Magnetic Mind by Aan D. Frazier for Self-Help/Inspirational, and The Soul's Mark: Found by Ashley Stoyanoff for Young Adult Fiction.

Buried in the Sky also earned the $300 Grand Prize, while Confessions of a Movie Addict won the drawing for $100 in which each first-place winner is entered.

Other first-place winners who did not receive perfect scores, but had to earn no less than 72 out of 80 points to be eligible for first place included: Marie's Nine Lives by Shana Gammon for the Animals/Pets category; The Adventures of the Little Prince and The Little Princesses Magical Party by Rosemary R. Evans tied for Children's Picture Book 5 and Younger; Teeny Tiny Tina and Her Teeny Tiny Pet and Teeny Tiny Tina and the Teeny Tiny Tooth Fairy, also by Rosemary R. Evans, tied for Children's Picture Book 6 and Older; Romancing the Stove by Amy Reiley, author, and Deborah Daly, designer, for Cover Design; Buried in the Sky by Peter Zuckerman and Amanda Padoan for Nonfiction and The Soul's Mark: Found by Ashley Stoyanoff for eBook Newbie Fiction.

"In analyzing the contest data, it was really exciting to see the Dragonfly Book Awards giving new wings to some of the older, but very worthy publications that might not have gotten due recognition when first released," says Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, Inc., which coordinates the contest. "For example, out of our first-place winners, Rosemary Evans' books were published between 2008 and 2010, Confessions of a Movie Addict came out in 2001, and Maria's Nine Lives had a 2011 release date."

For a complete list of winners that includes second-placers and honorable mentions, visit www.RoyalDragonflyBookAwards.com and click on "Winners." The next Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. Submissions postmarked August 1, 2013 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 written by Radke. Final deadline for submissions is October 1, 2013.

The Early Bird deadline for the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Contest, which recognizes outstanding children's literature, is March 1, 2013. The final deadline is May 1, 2013. For complete rules and submission forms for either contest, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on the contest of choice. To learn more about Five Star Publications, celebrating 27 years in business in Chandler, Ariz., access www.FiveStarPublications.com, email info@FiveStarPublications.com or call 480-940-8182.

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Seven Books Receive Perfect Scores in Purple Dragonfly Contest

CHANDLER, AZ (June, 2012) - In a contest where judges rarely give even one book a perfect score, it is astounding to note that seven entries in the third annual Purple Dragonfly Book Awards competition earned a perfect 80 out of 80 possible points.

Perfect scores were given to these first-place winners: Nate Rocks the World by Karen Pokras Toz for the Chapter Book category, also the $300 Grand Prize winner; Wilson Learns Manners! by Susan Castriota for Charity/Making a Difference; Our Salt Water Aquarium by Tom and Gretchen Stuckey for Picture Book Ages 6 and Older; and a four-way tie in the Picture Book Ages 5 & Younger category between Chippy Chipmunk: Babies in the Garden by Kathy M. Miller, Over in the Forest: Come Take a Peek by Marianne Berkes, Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond by Mary Quattlebaum, also the $100 drawing winner, and Jo MacDonald Had a Garden, also by Quattlebaum.

"Our judges really had their work cut out for them this year," says Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, Inc., the sponsor of the Dragonfly Book Awards. "We had an unprecedented number of high quality, deserving entries."

The other first-place winners are: I Am Stumped by Lisa Rivard in the School Issues Category, Chippy Chipmunk: Babies in the Garden for the Animals/Pets category, Moon Over Bioko: Sea Turtles of Bioko Island by author Heidi Rader and illustrator Holly Smith for Best Illustrations, Twisted: Tales to Rot Your Brain Vol. 1 by Nora Thompson for Fiction Collection of Short Stories, Would You Still Love Me IF... by Danielle Leibovici for the General category, Queen Vernita Visits the Islands of Enchantment by Dawn Menge for Outdoor Recreation, Chippy Chipmunk: Babies in the Garden for Photography.

"Judging a book contest by the point rating system is the fairest way to run things because if five entries in one category share the same first-place score, we award all five of them first-place certificates rather than drawing straws and penalizing the other four entries," explains Radke. �Plus, a minimum score of 72 out of 80 is required for a first-place award, 64 out of 80 for a second place and 56 out of 80 for an honorable mention - even if there is only one book entered in a category � which means the scores are truly reflective of the quality of the books that win."

The Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, which honors all genres of books in 50 categories, is currently in progress with an October 1, 2012 deadline. However, Royal Dragonfly submissions postmarked August 1, 2012 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. The fourth annual Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway with a March 1, 2013 early bird deadline and May 1, 2013 final deadline. There is no publication date restriction as long as the titles entered are still in print. For complete winners' lists including second placers and honorable mention, rules and entry forms for the contests, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com. For more details on Five Star Publications, email info@FiveStarPublications.com or call 480-940-8182.

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“Familiar Origins” Wins Two Coveted Royal Dragonfly Book Awards

CHANDLER, AZ (March, 2012) - The judges of the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes excellence in literature, have spoken, and Familiar Origins by B. Pine, won 1st place in the Science Fiction & Fantasy and Newbie Fiction categories.

"Winning any place in the Royal Dragonfly Contest is a huge honor because in order to maintain the integrity of the Dragonfly Book Awards, a minimum score is required before a 1st or 2nd place or Honorable Mention will 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."

Familiar Origins is a refreshing fantasy tale of five children growing up under the ominous scrutiny of a group of mystical dragons. Despite its genre, the story is a coming-of-age tale, where the main characters begin the story as young children and grow up as best they can under the extraordinary circumstances they are in. It retails for $19.95 ($9.99 in e-book format), and can be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or ordered through local bookstores.

For a complete list of winners including all first and second place and honorable mention recipients, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on "Winners."

The Fall 2012 annual Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. Submissions postmarked August 1, 2012 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, written by Radke. Final deadline for submissions is October 1, 2012. The Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which offers 30 categories in children's literature, has also launched. The deadline for the Purple Dragonfly contest is June 15, 2012. For complete rules and submission forms, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on contest of choice.

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Coveted Dragonfly eBook Award Winners Announced

CHANDLER, AZ (December 7, 2011) - Judges of the 2011 Dragonfly eBook Awards, a division of the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest that recognizes excellence in literature published in eBook format, have spoken, and Farsighted by Emlyn Chand took first place for both the Young Adult Fiction and Newbie Fiction categories, as well as earning $300 and the Grand Prize designation. Of Farsighted, judges said, "It conjures up a world that entices the reader along for the ride" and "A powerful statement about love and forgiveness from the perspective of a typical teenager, who is anything but purely typical. The book has elements of magic and mystery which serve to broaden the vision of this visually impaired boy while bringing the reader to a place of new awakening."

Other winners include: Singing Her Alive by Diana K. Perkins, who took first place for Cultural Diversity and Fiction Novel categories, as well as winning the $100 drawing in which all first-placers are entered, and Last Stop Freedom by Ann Nolder Heinz with a first-place win for Historical Fiction. For a complete list of winners, visit www.DragonflyBookAwards.com and click on "Winners."

The Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest for traditionally printed books is already underway, with a February 1, 2012 deadline. There are 50 categories in which to enter. Additionally, the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, which gives recognition to exceptionally published children's books, is in progress. Submissions postmarked March 1, 2012 or earlier are eligible for the Early Bird reward: a free e-copy of The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing or Linda F. Radke's Promote Like a Pro: Small Budget, Big Show. Final deadline for submissions for Purple Dragonfly Awards is May 1, 2012.

The Royal and Purple Dragonfly Book Awards are part of the family of Dragonfly Book contests. For complete rules and submission forms for either, visit www.DragonflyBookAwards.com.

Outstanding Children's Books Awarded Purple Dragonfly Awards in 2nd Annual Contest

CHANDLER, AZ (June, 2011)—Growing Up With a Bucket Full of Happiness by Carol McCloud is the Grand Prize winner of the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes excellence in children's literature. McCloud's book earned a 1st Place win in the Charity/Making a Difference category with a perfect score and 1st Place in School Issues with a near perfect score, awarding her $300 and the Grand Prize designation. Judges' comments were: "Excellent message! Incredible analogies. Adults should read this book, too!" and "This book is a great addition to the series, expounding on the principles introduced in the author's previous works. Very nice!"

Other 1st Place winners include: Danny the Dragonfly Meets Jimmy by Tina Turbin with illustrations by Aija Jasuna for Best Illustrations; The Blacksmith's Tale or Once Upon a Flower by Dana Phillips, Best Interior Design; Rockin' Babies by Jenn Berman and Cynthia Weil, Board Book; Doodles Alphabet Coloring Fun by Setria James, Children's Activity Book; Stealing the Wild by Beth Hodder for Children's Chapter Book, Nico and Lola: Kindness Shared Between a Boy and a Dog by Meggan Hill and Over in Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under by Marianne Berkes, who tied for 1st Place in Children's Picture Book 5 & Younger; Fifo "50 States" by Hayley Rose, Children's Picture Book 6 & Older; My Nana's Remedies/Los Remedios de mi Nana by Roni C. Ashford, Cultural Diversity and again for Family Matters; Heaven Sent by Nicole Christine Kosch for Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy; Lodestone Book One & Two by Mark Whiteway, Science Fiction/Fantasy and again for Young Adult Fiction. Ashford also won the $100 prize drawing in which all 1st Place winners were entered.

"Winning any place in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards is a huge honor because in order to maintain the integrity of the contest, a minimum score is required before a 1st or 2nd Place or Honorable Mention will be awarded, even if it is the only 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 Chocolate Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which is open to any and all books about or relating in some way to food, is already underway with an August 1 deadline for entries; as is the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, which honors all genres of books in 50 categories, with a February 1, 2012 deadline. However, Royal Dragonfly submissions postmarked December 1, 2011 or earlier are eligible for the Early Bird reward: a free e-copy of The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing or Linda F. Radke's Promote Like a Pro: Small Budget, Big Show. The 3rd Annual Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest will launch following notification of the Chocolate Dragonfly winners.

For complete winners' lists including 2nd Place and Honorable Mention wins, rules and entry forms for any of the Dragonfly Book Awards contests, visit www.dragonflybookawards.com.

Royal Dragonfly Awards Launched to Give Wings to Extraordinary Books

CHANDLER, AZ – While a book contest is nothing new, it is extremely rare to come across one like the recently launched Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, which does not restrict the publication date of entries as long they are still in print. Sponsored by Five Star Publications, a multi award-winning company with close to 25 years of publishing expertise, the Royal Dragonfly Awards were created to honor published authors of all types of literature – fiction and nonfiction – in 50 categories, appealing to a wide range of ages and comprehensive list of genres.

"Five Star realizes the avalanche of books released each year causes many wonderful reads to get overlooked," says Linda Radke, Five Star Publications' president. "Therefore, we do not impose a limit on the year of publication for entries, which means winning a Royal Dragonfly Book Award can breathe new life into an author's book marketing strategies and give the publication renewed attention and appreciation by the book industry and readers alike. There are some very deserving books out there that haven't won awards only because they were published before the deadline, and we wanted to remedy that with our contest."

One grand-prize winner is selected from all first-place winners to receive $300, and all first-place winners of each category go into a drawing for a $100 prize. In addition, each first-place winner in each category receives a certificate commemorating their accomplishment, foil award seals to place on book covers and mention on Five Star Publications' websites. A publicity campaign announces all winners and first-place recipients are placed in the Five Star Dragonfly Book Awards virtual bookstore. In addition to the aforementioned, the grand prize winner receives one hour of marketing consultation from Five Star Publications and $100 worth of Five Star Publications' titles. Second-place titles are recognized. Although the deadline to enter is February 1, 2012, entries postmarked December 1, 2011 or earlier qualify for the Early Bird Special and receive their choice of award-winning e-book: "The Economical to Guide to Self-Publishing" or "Promote like a Pro."

The Royal Dragonfly Book Awards are part of the family of Five Star Dragonfly Book contests, which includes the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, a competition currently being judged that recognizes excellence in children's literature; the Chocolate Dragonfly Book Awards, which honors food-related publications; and the Green Dragonfly Book Awards, which salutes books that create awareness of the environment and eco-friendly living. To learn more about the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, visit www.royaldragonflybookawards.com.

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