ililly world
About ililly World
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"When it comes to writing books kids love, nobody does it better"
–Ilene Cooper, Booklist
In a quiet town without a library, a young girl discovered the magic of books thanks to her mother, who arranged to have books sent by the State Library and served as the town’s unofficial librarian. That simple act sparked a lifelong love for reading. At ililly world, we believe every child deserves access to stories that inspire and nurture imagination. Even when faced with challenges in school, the passion for reading can open doors to confidence, creativity, and lifelong learning.
By the third grade, a young reader had mastered the art of reading and spent much of her childhood surrounded by books—either at home or in her local library. Encouraged by her school librarian to one day write for children, the idea took root. She dreamed of creating the kind of stories she longed for—funny, relatable tales about her neighborhood and the kids she knew. At ililly world, we celebrate that same spirit: storytelling inspired by everyday moments, real emotions, and the magic of childhood imagination.
When children ask where great story ideas come from, the answer is often simple: real-life experiences and the world around us. Inspired by young readers who shared their excitement for programs like “Drop Everything and Read” (D.E.A.R.), one storyteller included that very idea in a beloved children’s book. At ililly world, we value the connection between readers and writers, where everyday moments spark imagination and shared experiences bring stories to life—just like D.E.A.R. time brings joy to classrooms around the world.
Leading ililly world story hour in the park
These timeless children’s books have received numerous prestigious honors, including the 1984 John Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw. Additionally, Ramona and Her Father and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 were recognized as Newbery Honor Books in 1978 and 1982. At ililly world, we celebrate award-winning stories that leave a lasting impact on young readers and inspire a lifelong love for reading.
Among the many honors given in recognition of lasting contributions to children’s literature are the American Library Association’s 1975 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, the Catholic Library Association’s 1980 Regina Medal, and the University of Southern Mississippi’s 1982 Silver Medallion. In 1984, the U.S. nominated an author for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. Later recognitions included being named a Living Legend by the Library of Congress in 2000 and receiving the National Medal of Arts in 2003. At ililly world, we celebrate the storytellers whose work shapes generations and inspires young minds across the globe.
In 2009, the beloved Ramona series was adapted into the film Ramona and Beezus, bringing the characters to life for a new generation. In 2010, the Los Angeles Times honored this contribution to literature with the Robert Kirsch Award—marking the first time the award was given to a children’s book author. At ililly world, we believe stories that begin on the page can grow into something even greater, inspiring both young readers and the world around them.