18
WEST VALLEY VIEW NEWS | JUNE 9, 2021
For more features visit westvalleyview.com WestValleyView.com
/WestValleyView
‘10 Ballet Dancers’ author wins prize BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
A
manda Malek-Ahmadi’s dream was to write a book. She not only accomplished that with “10 Ballet Dancers,” but she was honored for it. Malek-Ahmadi won a Silver Benjamin Franklin Award, which is presented by the Independent Book Publishers Association. The award for interior design represents one of the highest honors for small-press and independent publishing. The book was published by Tolleson’s The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group. “Getting the news that ‘10 Ballet Dancers’ earned a Benjamin Franklin Award was an experience beyond words,” the Glendale resident said. “I look forward to seeing that silver stickers on the cover.
“I am so grateful that The SmallTooth-Dog Publishing Group took a chance on my debut picture book.” The publisher, Sean Buvala, congratulated Malek-Ahmadi and illustrator Kathrine Gutkovskiy. “They produced a book that has a lovely story for young children and gentle, inviting art,” he said. “We also had a terrific alliance with TLC Book Design out of Austin, Texas. Being recognized by the IBPA for this work affirms the journey we are on. It gives us new energy as we continue to add to our current list of more than a dozen titles. “We certainly wanted this project to be a showcase-level book that families would be proud to give as a gift and read with their kids. While it’s intended for everyone, families with young dancers will really appreciate the cute story and
diverse characters.” Malek-Ahmadi said she believes “10 Ballet Dancers” received accolades because it’s a countdown book. The book, which uses French terms, includes a glossary at the end that’s fun, educational and helpful. “Another reason I believe it was recognized was thanks to the publishing team at The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group and the design team at TLC,” Malek-Ahmadi added. “They did an amazing job figuring out the details, like the font style and size and where everything should be placed. TLC Book Designs also created an aesthetically pleasing glossary where they added the pictures from the book to the terms rather than there just being words on the
Ballet...continued on page 19
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi, who has a dance background, penned “10 Ballet Dancers” to introduce children to ballet and the French language. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Malek-Ahmadi)
West Valley View Dining 1025 N Avondale Blvd. • Avondale 1540 N Verrado Way • Buckeye 130 N Estrella Pkwy • Goodyear
Reproductions of this coupon are not accepted. Expires 8/6/21. Shown: Vanilla Oreo Concrete and Chocolate Oreo Concrete Based on purchase at regular menu price. Please no substitutions. Not valid with any other offer. Value 1/200 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Valid only at Culver’s of Avondale and Buckeye 450/570-4/18.
Scratch Kitchen Restaurant A BUTTERY TASTE OF SOUL!
BAND/ENTERTAINMENT EVERY FRIDAY Monday - Wednesday 4:00pm-9:00pm Thursday - 11:00am - 9:00pm • Friday 11:00am-10:00pm Sat-Sun Brunch 10:00am-2:00pm with $3.00 mimosas Open until 9:00pm
623-240-2215 | theurbancorner.com | 55 N Litchfield Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85338
s Been Pete’s Ha Fried eep Serving D s For Goodnes ars! Over 74 Ye
Family Owned & Operated Since 1947
Thank you to our wonderful customers for your patience and support during these trying times. Need a menu? Visit us at www.petesfishandchips.com GLENDALE
NEC of 55th Dr. & Glendale 5516 W. Glendale Ave. - NO PHONE ORDERS M-Sat. 10am-10:30pm, Closed Sun.
TOLLESON
SWC of 91st Ave. & Van Buren 9309 W. Van Buren - NO PHONE ORDERS M-Sat. 10am-10:30pm, Closed Sun.
