Now I know how Kelly Clarkson felt....

...but Kelly Clarkson never got to meet Judy Blume!

Are you there, God? It's me, JJK

Thank you, thank you, thank you -- to all of the kids who voted in the Children's Choice Book Awards! Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute is "3rd and 4th Grade Book of the Year"! I am humbled and honored by your support! And thank you to all of the teachers, librarians, parents and booksellers who have been turning their kids on to the Lunch Lady books. Your support means absolutely everything to me.

My buddy, Chad Beckerman, who was sitting in the row behind me, shot a video of my acceptance speech. Here it is for your viewing pleasure. (It may take a second to load.)

Here I am with the amazing crew at Random House Children's Books. If it weren't for these guys, Lunch Lady would live only in my sketchbook. Thank you to the best team in publishing!

And here are some pictures from the evening. I was constantly star-struck at every turn. (Please pardon what will be an excessive amount of exclamation points.)

Katherine Patterson!

Bridge to Terabithia!!!!

Peter Brown accepting the award for "Illustrator of the Year".

I remember Pete telling me about The Curious Garden years ago. I knew back then that the book would be something special. It is that and so much more!

SCIESZKA! (And me trying to figure out how to work my very old camera.)

Judi Barrett!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs!!!

*note Jerry Pinkney in background

Judi Barrett and Jerry Pinkney!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and The Lion and the Mouse!!!

*note Jerry Pinkney in foreground

Mr. Gordon 39 Clues Zoobreak Korman!

Now as the saying goes, behind every good man, is a good woman. That saying is almost true, next to me is the best woman in the entire world and I am lucky to have her. Gina is such a huge support and when I can't find my garment bag to schlep my suit across the country, she very happily lets me borrow her Vierra Bradley bag. Quilted with pink bows and flowers. Yes, Gina is enjoying every second of this . . .