Charlotte Nielsen Gunnofson ’94 forwarded the following press release, sharing her good news:
“Cedar Rapids Author Honored by National Children’s Magazine
Charlotte Gunnufson receives Pewter Plate Award from Highlights magazine
July 28, 2015 (HONESDALE, PA) – Highlights magazine has honored author Charlotte Gunnufson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for her verse titled “Seven Sailors,” which was published in the March 2015 issue. The work was named “Best of the Issue” by the editorial, art and production staff.
“Seven Sailors,” illustrated by Brendan Kearney, is about seven sailors traveling the seven seas on the sturdy ship, the Sandy Sue. The “seven stars” in the last stanza are the seven stars that make up the Big Dipper. As Earth turns, the Big Dipper moves around the North Star, which can help sailors with navigation.
A 1985 graduate of Brainerd High School in Minnesota, Gunnufson earned a BA in English from Gustavus Adolphus College and a MA in teaching from Minnesota State University at Mankato. She has had work published in Highlights, Highlights High Five, Highlights Hello, and Highlights Puzzlemania. Her first book was Halloween Hustle (Two Lions, 2013).
“Highlights is a top-notch magazine for children,” Gunnufson said. “Not only is it well respected, but kids love it! I’ve received e-mails from parents telling me how much their children have enjoyed my work and the magazine.”
“I submitted almost 30 pieces over a period of three years before sending something that was worthy of being published in Highlights,” Gunnufson said. “When I write, I always think of children reading my work. I thought children would enjoy a seafaring story written in rhyme.”
Gunnufson has three children, Perry, 26; Isaac, 18, and Ellen, 12.
Christine Cully, Highlights for Children Editor in Chief, says that authors like Gunnufson “help us achieve our objective of bringing the most imaginative and original works to our readers.” In recognition of the achievement, Gunnufson received an eight-inch pewter plate engraved with her name, the title of the winning work and the issue in which it appeared. The pewter plates are handcrafted in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, the home of Highlights since its beginning in 1946.
Devoted to “Fun with a Purpose,” family media brand Highlights for Children, Inc., (http://www.highlights.com/) has helped children become their best selves for generations. In addition to the flagship magazine, Highlights, the company’s other offerings include a preschool magazine (High Five), a bilingual preschool magazine (High Five Bilingüe), an infant magazine (Highlights Hello), a children’s book company (Boyds Mills Press / Highlights Press), puzzle book clubs, and a variety of digital products.”
