Charlotte author honored with second Christopher Award for kid’s book

Charlotte, N.C.-based author Kathy Izard and illustrator Aniella Ernández living in Greenwich, Conn., have been honored with Christopher Awards for Grace Heard a Whisper, (Ages 6 and up, Grace Press). It is one of 12 books for adults and young people as the Christopher Awards program marks its 76th year. This is Izard’s second Christopher Award.

The Awards celebrate authors, illustrators, writers, producers and directors, whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit” and reflect the Christopher motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”

In a loud and busy world, it can be difficult to hear anything but it is especially hard to hear our souls when they speak. One day, Grace hears her own little whisper that begins an adventure of what it means to listen, live, and love well. Brought to life by the magical illustrations of visual artist Ernandez, this story will have parents and their children dreaming big about what we are meant to do in this world.

Izard is an award-winning author and speaker who helped bring transformation to Charlotte, NC in homelessness, housing and mental health. She wrote about these efforts in her first inspirational nonfiction book “The Hundred Story Home” which received a 2017 Christopher Award. An advocate for the power of intergenerational reading to discuss big topics, Izard has now published five books—three for adults and two for children. “The Hundred Story Home” and “A Good Night for Mr. Coleman” can be paired to understand homelessness and her newest Christopher Award winning book, “Grace Heard a Whisper” can be paired with her adult book “Trust the Whisper” to explore the idea of living a purpose-filled life. Izard’s work has been featured on NPR and the “Today Show” inspiring people to be changemakers in their communities.

Ernández is a Venezuelan visual artist and illustrator who transforms colors and shapes into visual stories. With a background in graphic design and an eye for pattern, she creates illustrations that feel both familiar and surprising. From her Greenwich, CT home studio, Aniella fills sketchbooks with characters and worlds inspired by the overlooked magic in everyday moments. Her daughters remain her first audience, most honest critics, and endless source of inspiration.

Christopher Awards were also given to creators of 9 TV/Cable shows and feature films. They celebrate authors and illustrators as well as writers, producers and directors whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit” and reflects the Christopher motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness” which also guides the organization’s publishing and radio programs.

Tony Rossi, The Christophers’ Director of Communications, said, “Our award-winning stories, both true and fictional, highlight people who have the odds stacked against them, but who face their challenges with faith and perseverance, allowing them to move through the darkness into the light and serve a higher purpose than themselves. In other words, these books, films, and TV programs don’t just engage and entertain; they teach, they heal, and they inspire.”

The Christophers, a nonprofit founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. More information about The Christophers is available at www.christophers.org.

Social media: #ChristopherAwards, Facebook: The Christophers / X: @ChristophersInc