Glitz & Glamour?

Why don’t the award ceremonies within the world of children’s books have a big, glitzy, over-the-top, award affair something like the movie industry just put on? I’ve been mulling this over for a few days now, ever since The Academy of Awards (Oscar) gala this past Sunday.

I’m thinking that teachers, librarians, authors, illustrators, editors, designers, publishers, agents etc. deserve a blow out bonanza where everyone gets to show up in stretch limos wearing millions of dollars in gems and one-of-a-kind gowns and tuxedos (loaned to everyone by designers who want the exposure). These celebs would walk the red carpet and be cheered on by adoring fans. “Look! There’s Mrs. Dennison from Murray Hill Middle School!” Or: “OMG, there’s the editor of DOG GONE and BUCK FEVER!”

Of course, the celebs would be interviewed by the top names from entertainment networks. And there would be really important questions such as: “Ooo, what are you wearing?” And maybe the celebrities would answer: “My gown was designed by Tomie DePaola. The shoes by Maurice Sendak.” Or something like this.

The award ceremony would, of course, be talked about and anticipated for weeks before the event by people on television and radio. Newspapers and magazines would write articles about the nominees. Favorites would be photographed for the cover of People magazine. Good Morning America would be fired up before, during, and after the show, since it would air in prime time on their channel. The hosts would be as excited to interview Rebecca Stead as they would be to interview Sandra Bullock.

And how about some kicking parties after this award ceremony? Parties put on by Winnie the Pooh or Harry Potter. Parties that would turn away folks such as George Clooney and Meryl Streep because, frankly, they simply are not part of the “in” crowd.

Okay, maybe all the teachers, librarians, authors, illustrators, editors, designers, publishers, agents, etc. don’t need such a glamorous event to showcase their hard work. But they deserve it, don’t you think?