Awards and Reviews
Kizzie’s Awards
“The Art of Storytelling with Kizzie Jones” 2021
A rare Literary Arts display in an event highlighting the visual arts, the window scene showcased her newest book, A Tall Tale About Dachshunds in Costumes: How MORE Dogs Came to Be.
First in Category Award Little Peeps Books for Early Readers Picture Books – 2019
Chanticleer International Book Awards for 2019 given to A Tall Tale About Dachshunds in Costumes: How MORE Dogs Came to Be.
Notable Indie: #4 – 2018
100 Best Indie Books. Shelf Unbound.
First in Category Award Little Peeps Books for Early Readers Picture Books – 2017
Chanticleer International Book Awards for 2017 given to A Tall Tale About a Dachshund and a Pelican: How a Friendship Came to Be.
USA Book News Children’s Picture Book – 2016
Children’s Picture Book Fiction Finalist, 13th Annual “Best Book Awards”.
Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal First Place Winner – 2013
Fiction/Tall Tale, How Dachshunds Came to Be: A Tall Tale About a Short Long Dog.
National Indie Excellence First Place Winner – 2013
Children’s Book Design, 11th Annual Contest How Dachshunds Came to Be: A Tall Tale About a Short Long Dog.
Beach Reads Book Fest First Place Children’s Books Winner – 2013
How Dachshunds Came to Be: A Tall Tale About a Short Long Dog.
New York Book Fest 1st Runner Up Children’s Books – 2013
How Dachshunds Came to Be: A Tall Tale About a Short Long Dog.
San Francisco Book Fest Honorable Mention Children’s Books
How Dachshunds Came to Be: A Tall Tale About a Short Long Dog.
Write on the Sound Writing Contest – 2005
“Waters of Compassion,” First Place/Nonfiction.
How Dachshunds Came to Be
“This utterly charming tale captivates with both words and pictures. A delight to read aloud and begs to be read again and again. Adorable dachshunds capture the little girl’s heart and leap off the page to capture our hearts too.”
Edythe StrommePlaywright/Poet/Author“Kizzie’s tall tale is as much fun as low tide at the beach! … she weaves in the practice of leaving living creatures in their natural habitat … Kizzie gives voice to sea creatures rarely heard from … Scott’s charming illustrations … help imaginations of all ages run wild with the dachshunds on the sand!”
Laura Firth MarkleyBeach Naturalist and Researcher“…Young children will be mesmerized by the sophisticated yet accessible language and metaphors. … art work is gorgeous … warm-hearted story that will be a joy to read over and over!”
Kim VotryAuthor, My Own Magic“… this whimsical touching fable models the values of compassion, collaboration, and love as caring pathways for creating understanding and empathy for others.”
Ellin SnowMSW“A Totally Terrific Tale! This beautifully illustrated story is a delightful tall tale for early primary children, guaranteed to whet their curiosity about sea creatures and stimulate their imaginations…”
Marianne StewartRetired Early Childhood Educator“…By combining her love for the sea and her love for her own little dogs, she creates a fresh, fantastical tale full of specific, colorful details and subtly presented lessons. Scott Ward’s illustrations are bright, warm and delightful, enhancing the text…”
Gail Sosinsky WickmanReaders’ Favorite“…This sweet collaboration makes a perfect “read-to” for parents and grandparents of toddlers and an engagingly accessible tale for older children to delve into on their own.”
Chanticleer
A Tall Tale about a Dachshund and a Pelican
“…Kizzie Jones, has found a way to speak to children about a theme so very important in today’s world: fear and concern about those who are not like us. Using a charming Dachshund and a stately Pelican to illustrate the possibility that we can even be friends can then follow up in meaningful conversation with their children…”
Ellin SnowMSW Clinical Social Worker“A delightful story to read aloud. In lovely language, set by the sea, a marvellous friendship story unfolds. The unique description of the dachshund and pelican similarities had my three Granddaughters ears perk up. Their differences created an opportunity for discussion. I thoroughly recommend this book!”
Amazon Reader“…This enchanting book combines some of my favorite things to tell a story about friendship. A terrific gift for youngsters of any age. I enjoy reading it to my grandchildren and then listening to them read it to me…”
Edythe Ann StrommeCo-founder & President Children’s Caucasus Children’s Relief Fund“…a charming book about liking others without being alike and celebrating our differences. An early birthday gift, this is my granddaughter’s second book in the delightful series. The engaging story and illustrations keep it off the shelf and on the reader’s lap…”
Laurie Buchanan“I love this book about an unlikely friendship between a pelican and a dachshund! It is delightful and I will be buying it for all the little ones in my life any time a gifting opportunity comes up! Very sweet and engaging, perfect for kids…”
Laurie Buchanan
A Tall Tale About Dachshunds in Costumes
“Dachshunds in Costumes is a creative story that gives a lighthearted explanation for how the different breeds of dogs came to be, and as Jones’ previous books, we see the gift of self-acceptance. Also present is a meter that has a lilting and soothing quality. The meter pairs well with the wonderful illustration work from Scott Ward that has a unique and uniform shading style that readers of all ages will admire…”
Chanticleer Reviews“This is a Tall Tale that keeps on giving! … This whimsical by-the-sea story also offers three delightfully illustrated glossaries … plus annotated drawings of Pacific Northwest seaside vegetation which play a major role in ‘the costumes’ chosen by each creative Dachshund.”
Sharon Fay KochRetired Board-Certified Hospice Chaplain and former L.A. Times staff writer“Kizzie Jones and Scott Ward have done it again! … It’s what’s on the inside that matters and makes us who we are in this world … As a psychologist and a mom, I believe this is such an important message to share with our children. This is truly a creative masterpiece …”
Kate LundLicensed Psychologist, Best Selling Author, and Mom“Come. Join this joyful dachshund pack as they turn a doggone day at the beach into an adventure to spread love one friend at a time. Dance with them through delightful verse and playful pictures because a dachshund by any other name is still so sweet.”
Wendy KendallColumnist, Kids are Bookin’ It, My Edmonds News“In her lyrical style, Kizzie … has woven whimsy and nature together to create a story of transformation, the magic of being one’s true self.”
Peggy SullivanAuthor of Tevye the Magical Theater Cat, The Moon and Star, and Midnight and Moonlight“Having taught Kindergarten and lower grades for over thirty years, I find this book a wonderful teaching tool … Scott’s illustrations are great! Being a fan of storms, I especially love the girl and pups on the couch watching the raging tempest. I can hear the thunder!”
Leona KeithRetired Early Childhood Educator“… no matter what you look like, no matter who you become, at the heart of this playful romp called life ‘is the love that resides in each creature’s heart.’ The illustrations wondrously match the message.”
Patrick HowellDistinguished Professor in Residence at Seattle University“After reading a stack of books, my five year old granddaughter chose to reread Kizzie Jones’s three Tall Tales About Dachshunds over and over. Of the three, A Tall Tale About Dachshunds in Costumes How More Dogs Came to Be was the most favorite!”
JoeAmazon Reader“…a whimsical and heartwarming story that will delight readers of all ages. The dachshunds, dressed in imaginative costumes, bring humor and charm to every page, making it a joy to read. Perfect for dachshund lovers, this book celebrates creativity and individuality, while the playful illustrations add to its magic…”
Deepa SmithAmazon Reader
Writing in Place
“Writing in Place: Prose & Poetry from the Pacific Northwest is a lovely testimony to what’s possible when kindred spirits meet, bond, and commit to writing together. For seventeen years, these seven women have shared their words and lives so honestly and generously that place becomes not just physical but an emotional landscape they courageously explore together…”
Holly J. HughesAuthor of Passings (Winner of the 2017 American Book Award)“This creative writing bee of seven women brings to life the daily depth encounters that pass most of us by. Even the short stories have poetic verve, touch the heart, and dispel drudgery. ‘Tuck these things carefully away.’ They will bring solace and joy whenever you dwell on Writing in Place.”
Patrick Howell SJSeattle University and author of Great Risks Had to Be Taken: The Jesuit Response to the Second Vatican Council“…After reading these pieces, I felt like I’d just been in the company of a wonderful diversity of spirit—people of different spirituality and socio-economics, from wide-ranging family histories—a polyphonic collection of women’s journeys told in well-crafted language. Such encounters in writing are important, and so I’m glad for this book and the variety of stories it holds.”
Tod MarshallWashington State Poet Laureate“Writing in Place is full of ordinary moments from life turned extraordinary by the power of language. Readers are sure to be inspired not only to appreciate the beauty in their everyday lives but perhaps also to pick up a pen and write.”
Theo Pauline NestorAuthor of Writing Is My Drink“‘…As a reader, writer, and teacher, I recommend this book not only for the warmth and authenticity of its poems and prose but for the encouragement it provides others who seek growth through creating and sharing their own work.”
Amanda LaughtlandEditor, Between the Lines