Atlanta Parrot Advocate's Book Wins International IPPY Award

May 8, 2012 - PRLog -- Atlanta, Georgia –The Lonely Parrot, written by Lisa Kelley and illustrated by Charles Akins, has received a bronze medal from the 2012 Independent Publisher Book Awards.

Published by BQB Publishing, The Lonely Parrot was recognized in the Best Children’s Illustrated E-Book category. The book is a colorfully illustrated children’s picture book inspired by the true-life events of JoJo, a moustached parakeet. It is a touching story about the joys of owning and loving a parrot, as well as the responsibilities that go along with it.

The IPPY Awards, launched in 1996, are designed to bring increased recognition to deserving but often unsung titles from independent authors and publishers. Medalists were chosen from over 5,000 total entries.

“I am extremely honored to have received a 2012 IPPY Award for the first book I have ever published!” says Kelley. “I’m immensely thankful to my husband, Richard Schindler, for introducing me to the joys of owning parrots, to Charles, who brought JoJo’s story to life with his gorgeous illustrations, and to Terri Leidich, who recognized that JoJo’s story was important and needed to be told. I truly hope that as a result of this award, JoJo’s story will spread and bring awareness to the emotional needs and care requirements of pet parrots.”

Her publisher, Terri Leidich, says, “We are so proud of Lisa and her book. This is a prestigious award, and having hers highlighted as one of the best out of such a large submission pool is a huge honor.”

About The Lonely Parrot
The Lonely Parrot is an exquisitely illustrated children’s picture book inspired by the true story of JoJo. JoJo was a very happy parrot who lived with Sammy, his best friend. But after a while, Sammy grew up, and JoJo became very lonely and sometimes naughty. JoJo desperately wanted a new best friend. But, most of all, he just wanted to be loved.  

Author Lisa Kelley, JoJo’s “Momma,” is thrilled to be sharing his story with young and old alike. And Charles Akins, an amazing artist from South Carolina, has created beautiful illustrations that children will love. You can learn more about JoJo, Lisa Kelley, and Charles Akins on http://www.thelonelyparrot.net/, purchase the book here: http://www.shop.boutiqueofqualitybooks.com/The-Lonely-Par...  or download the eBook from iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-lonely-parrot/id43887...

To book Lisa and JoJo for an interview or speaking engagement, email Julie@bqbpublishing.com

About BQB Publishing
Founded in August of 2010, BQB was created to be “the writer’s publisher,” focusing on quality writing from new authors. An independent hybrid publisher, BQB combines the quality processes of traditional publishing with hands-on author involvement to bring today’s new writers and tomorrow’s best sellers into the hands of booksellers and the reading public. To learn more about BQB, visit http://www.bqbpublishing.com/.