Wow, just three more days until BookExpo America 2011 kicks off at the Javits Center. There is so much to see and do at BEA, and we’re sure you’ve filled your planner with some of the best!

We have a few “bests” of our own and we hope you’ve still got a little space in your days to meet our Alumni, learn about the awards, and maybe even win one of our giveaways. Let’s start with our prizes … we’ll talk about autographing in the next post!

The Jester has Lost His Jingle, a book written by her David Saltzman, won a gold honor in the Children’s Picture Book – Philanthropic category. David wrote the story, but died of cancer before it could become a book.

Proceeds from the book benefit the Jester & Pharley Fund, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to both helping ill children, especially those with cancer, and igniting a love for reading among students nationwide.

Our Mission: To give children joy, laughter, the love of learning, and a way to live up to the motto of the classic children’s book, “The Jester Has Lost His Jingle” — “It’s up to us to make a difference. It’s up to us to care.”©

On behalf of the Foundation, Barbara Saltzman, founder, has donated a copy of the book, as well as a Jester doll.

Josie Bissett, children’s author, actress and Mom’s Choice Awards Celebrity Mom of the Year and her publisher Compendium, are donating a Tickle Monster Laughter Kit for our raffle. The kit – which would make a great Father’s Day gift – include a copy of Josie’s book Tickle Monster, as well as the special Magical Tickle Monster Mitts.

 Thanks to the generosity of author Ellen Langas, we have two complete sets of the Girls Know How series for young readers. The titles in the set are: Will Stephanie Get The Story?, Raising the Roof, and Smart Alex.

We’ll also have drawings for …

• One free entry into the Mom’s Choice Awards
• Amazon.com gift cards
• Starbucks gift cards