By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Niles Daily Star
NILES – She was so excited as she applied the gold stickers to the cover of her first book, for sale at Sue's Hallmark in Niles.
Cheri L. Hallwood, a Niles self-published author, was informed by the Just for Mom Foundation that her first children's title, 'Winter's First Snowflake,' has been selected as a finalist for the Mom's Choice Award 2006 in the Children's Book-Holiday Category.
Hallwood found another Niles' woman to illustrate the little snowflake, Patricia M. Rose. The two have since become friends.
The book was published by Hallwood's company, Forever Young Publishers, in 2006. The two recently published another children's book, "The Curious Polka-Dot Present."
The two women have made appearances at area elementary schools explaining the process from the initial idea to writing the book, deciding on illustrations and through the printing process, including choosing the paper.
The Mom's Choice Awards Ceremony will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the New York City Marriott Marquis in Times Square. At that time, the winner for each category will be announced. For more information about the awards, visit www.justformom.com.
Hallwood has book signing scheduled at various locations in the Michiana area including an appearance on Sunday, Oct. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Buchanan Art Center located at 117 W. Front St. in Buchanan.