Yamada honored with 2nd Christopher Award for "Trying"

Seattle-based Kobi Yamada was again honored with a Christopher Award for Trying, (Preschool and up, Compendium), illustrated by Elise Hurst, Melbourne, Australia. It is one of 12 books for adults and young people by 17 authors and illustrators recognized as the Awards mark their 72nd year. The authors join creators of 10 winning TV/cable and feature films. The author won a first award in 2017 for "What Do You Do With A Problem?"

The book delivers an empowering tale about what failure can teach children when it is faced with courage, love, and the determination to try new things, regardless of the outcome.

The #ChristopherAwards were created in 1949 to celebrate authors, illustrators, writers, producers and directors whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit,” and reflects The Christophers' motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness,” said Tony Rossi, director of communications.

"Trying" tells a story that will resonate with anyone who has felt like a beginner, or has had doubts, or worried they weren’t good enough as well as for those who have experienced the pain of trying something new and not having it turn out as they had hoped. With black-and-white illustrations and a powerful message, the book celebrates the way failure is just the beginning of the journey and how it has so much to offer—lessons that help us learn, grow, and discover all the amazing things we can do.

Yamada is a New York Times bestselling author whose work includes picture books: What Do You Do With An Idea?, What Do You Do With A Problem?, What Do You Do With A Chance?, Maybe, Trying, Because I Had A Teacher, Because of You, Mom and Because of You, Dad. His books have inspired dance, symphony and musical theater performances and an upcoming animated film. His titles, which have sold millions of copies, have been translated into over 30 languages. Yamada also serves as President/CEO of Compendium, Incorporated, a gift and publishing company.

In addition to being an illustrator, Hurst is a fine artist and author, specializing in children's books. She says she works in a vintage alternate reality, creating characters we feel we know and worlds we would like to inhabit.

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.