Sandy Schuckett, FOCAL Board member who heads up the essay contest, led the group in the pre-event activities. Autumn, Gabriella, and Kataleya had time to get to know Lori, and each received a copy of Cactus Queen, signed by the author. Lori and the contest winners were then joined remotely by Jenn Ely, the illustrator. This was extra special, as, despite their working togther to create this remarkable book, Jenn and Lori had not met before!

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At 2 pm, Marilyn Robertson, current FOCAL President, opened the ceremony in the Mark Taper Auditorium of the Central Library by thanking the Award Committee members and discussing how the book had been chosen.

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Next, Jessie Kingsley presented one of the puppet awards to Lori Alexander. Jenn Ely will also receive a puppet, and one will join its predecssors at the Central Library Children’s Literature Department, as a permanent part of their collection. The puppet will be displayed alongside the book.

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The presentation of the puppet was followed by Lori showing some great slides about her process. She then answered the many questions posed to her by the audience.  

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Stephanie Moore, a dedicated FOCAL Board member who is in charge of our monthly book sales, teaches school full time. She actually took her students on a field trip to Joshua Tree National Park, where the kids found the Minerva Hoyt trail, which is named for the “Cactus Queen” who is profiled in the book. Minerva’s persistent efforts resulted in the preservation of Joshua Tree as a National Park.

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The award presentation and Q and A session were followed by a book signing and refreshments - delicious cookies from Homegirl Industries.

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Attendees who braved the weather - a serious downpour - were rewarded with the genuine warmth of Lori Alexander, Jenn Ely, and the Cactus Queen of Joshua Tree, Minerva Hoyt.