The book-publishing debut from Eleanor Davis has been named as one of the honorees for the 2009 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, recognizing the most distinguished books for beginning readers. The awards were announced on January 26 at the American Library Association’s Midwinter Meeting in Denver, Colorado.

Stinky is the heartwarming story of a monster who loves pickles and possums - but is terrified of people! When a new kid enters his swamp, this adorable little monster comes up with all sorts of crazy plans to scare him away. But Stinky quickly learns to conquer his fear, as he realizes that bats, rats, and toads aren't the only friends you can find in the swamp.

Stinky debuted last fall to critical acclaim, including a favorable review in School Library Journal, with author Eleanor Davis being profiled as an emerging artist to watch in Publishers Weekly.

TOON Books is a line of easy-reader graphic novels edited by Françoise Mouly and Art Spiegelman, featuring unique works that combine the necessary simplicity of an Easy Reader with the comic book medium to create titles that are charming, inventive and adventurous; yet also instructive and easy to follow for young readers.

An exclusive BookShelf interview with Eleanor Davis and fellow TOON Books creators Dean Haspiel and Jay Lynch is available here.

Lesson plans for TOON Books, including Stinky, are available here.