NICOLE LATAIF AND KATY BETZ WIN A 2015 CHRISTOPHER AWARD FOR “I FORGIVE YOU,” ONE OF 11 BOOKS FOR ADULTS & YOUNG PEOPLE

At the 66th annual gala May 13th, Lataif, a Brookline, Mass.-based author & Sarasota, Fla. illustrator Kathy Betz, will be honored along with creators of films & TV programs

NEW YORK, April 8, 2015—Brookline, Mass.-based author Nicole Lataif wins a second Christopher Award for her book, I Forgive You (Preschool and up, Pauline Books and Media). Through fun rhymes and colorful illustrations, Lataif and illustrator Katy Betz, from Sarasota, Fla., teach children to forgive others and channel their anger in a positive way. Their book, along with actor Henry Winkler’s, is one of 11 for adults and young people being honored at the 66th annual Christopher Awards, to be presented in New York City on May 13th, 2015. The 15 authors and illustrators are joined by 83 creators of nine films and TV programs

Lataif, who also wrote Forever You: A Book about Your Soul and Body, [which won a Christopher Award in 2013] and Betz provide examples of when to forgive with simple explanations of what happens when a child withholds forgiveness. They encourage children to do so without compromising their safety and as God does: gently, and with willingness to do so repeatedly.

Created in 1949, The Christopher Awards are presented to authors and illustrators as well as writers, producers and directors whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.” Tony Rossi, Director of Communications, says, “The Christopher Awards are unique in that they celebrate both sacred and secular works across a variety of media. The stories we’re honoring—whether true or fictional—highlight people who rise above their own wants and needs to act selflessly, regardless of the sacrifice involved. These individuals are motivated by a higher purpose or a higher power—and sometimes both. As a result, they’re leaving their world better than they found it.”

The Christophers, a nonprofit organization founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. The ancient Chinese proverb—“It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness”— guides its publishing, radio, leadership and awards programs.   More information about The Christophers is available at www.christophers.org.