‘The Many Colors of Friendship’ Wins 2 Book Awards

The Many Colors of Friendship, a children’s book written by Rita Kaye Vetsch and published by Strategic Book Group/Eloquent Books in 2009 has won its second major book award. It previously won an IBA International Book Award and was recently named a finalist in the Children’s Education category for the prestigious National Book Award.

Written and illustrated by Vetsch, The Many Colors of Friendship is a unique and fun story about diversity for young readers.

Luis is a new student in Katherine’s first grade class. But because he looks different, Katherine is afraid to talk to Luis and goes home sad.

After dreaming about finding herself in a strange forest with different creatures that become her friends, Katherine conquers her fears about others who are different. She realizes that friends come in all sizes, shapes and colors. When Katherine next goes to school, she talks to Luis and realizes just how much they have in common.

About the Author

Author Rita Kaye Vetsch lives in central Minnesota with her husband, Dan, who also helped with illustrations, and her 5-year-old daughter, Katherine. Her daughter was the inspiration for The Many Colors of Friendship, which took nearly two years to write. The author credits Beatrix Potter, E.B. White and Judy Blume for giving her the joy of reading when she was young.