Children’s author wins national award
GUELPH, ON—Despite being born legally blind, 72-year-old Jean Little of Guelph sees what many cannot—the hurting hearts of children.
Hence, the long list of accolades for this children's author, including a Canadian Children's Book Award, a Governor General's Literary Award, the Order of Canada and her latest, The Word Guild's 2010 Leslie K. Tarr Award for Outstanding Career Achievement.
"I am honoured to be included amongst writers like Grace Irwin and Rudy Wiebe," says Little, author of 45 books including the world-renowned Mama's Going to Buy You a Mockingbird (Penguin, 1984).
Formerly a teacher of handicapped children, Little tells stories in which characters often cope with physical challenges—something she can relate to.
"I want to make the world a better place," says Little, "particularly for children. I think being a child has some really hard things about it, even if you're in a very happy situation."
One of four children born to missionary parents in Taiwan, Little—who attends Three Willows United Church—learned early of God's love, and today considers herself a kind of missionary.
"I'm reaching out to children," she explains, "trying to help them see that they're not alone; when they have sadness and so on in their lives, that there are other people who struggle, and they really will survive and make friends."
In the meantime, she hopes to create characters who can befriend her lonely readers. "When I was a child, I was strengthened and held together by the books I read," Little says.
Yet "when I'm writing, I'm not thinking about any of this," she adds. Rather, she's simply enjoying telling a story—something she's done since elementary school.
On June 16, Little received the Leslie K. Tarr award, which celebrates a major career contribution to Christian writing and publishing in Canada, at The Word Guild's 2010 Awards Gala in Mississauga, Ontario.
"We chose Jean because of her accomplishments," says Wendy Elaine Nelles, a
member of the selection committee, in a recent news release. "The number and quality of her books, her ability to affirm young readers and her use of Canadian settings, stories and history are just a few of the reasons. As well, the values she portrays are based on her Christian worldview."
Yet Little believes first and foremost in writing good literature. "I don't want the message to be bigger than the story," she says. "I really want to write, not just for Christian children, but for all the children—reaching out to them with comfort and joy."
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