Illinois Governor JB Pritzker enjoyed learning more about Chicago Treasure from President and CEO Dr. Janet Szlyk during his recent tour of The Chicago Lighthouse. This inclusive children’s book features photographs of Lighthouse preschoolers with and without visual impairments, along with a diverse cross-section of Chicagoland youth. Author proceeds from Chicago Treasure are donated to The Chicago Lighthouse and Access Living, helping to provide necessary programs for children, families, and veterans living with disabilities.

The region’s top publishers, authors, editors, designers, and distributors recently gathered in Saint Paul, Minnesota for the 29th Annual Midwest Book Awards Gala. The sponsor of the event, the Midwest Independent Publishing Association (MIPA), is a nonprofit association that serves the independent publishing community in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin through educational programming, networking opportunities, collaborative support, and peer recognition. According to MIPA President Suzzanne Kelley and the panel of judges, “The awards recognize creativity in content and execution, overall book quality, and the book’s unique contribution to its subject area.”

Larry Broutman’s “Chicago Eternal” won the Silver Medal in the Art / Photography / Coffee Table Books category. “Chicago Eternal” is no stranger to critical acclaim. Just last month, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) recognized this new book’s high merits with the Benjamin Franklin Awards’ Silver Medal in the Regional category. American Book Fest named “Chicago Eternal” a finalist in the Photography category of their Best Book Awards. “Chicago Eternal” has garnished praise from Chicago and national news outlets, graveyard associations, and fellow professional tombstone photographers.

In “Chicago Eternal,” the lives of Chicagoans are raised up through a photographic journey of over thirty Chicagoland cemeteries. “Chicago Eternal” celebrates the sports icons, artists, inventors, entrepreneurs, politicians, and even gangsters that make up the Windy City’s colorful history. The book also brings to light everyday heroes, such as veterans and young victims of tragic fires. Historical context is provided for each of the hundreds of poignant photographs of graves, mausoleums, and monuments.

To learn more about the Midwest Independent Publishing Association’s Midwest Book Awards, please go to: mipa.org/midwest-book-awards/

To pick up your own copy of award-winning “Chicago Eternal,” visit: https://www.everythinggoesmedia.com/product-page/chicago-eternal

Over 250 Chicagoans came out to The Chicago Lighthouse to celebrate the release of the new book Chicago Treasure which stars local children, many of whom are preschool students at The Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Disabled. In this inclusive hardcover book, photographs of Chicago children have been digitally imposed into fairytale illustrations, classic works of art, and photography of Chicago landmarks to create a colorful world where every child, regardless of ability, ethnicity, gender, or age is free to see themselves take on great roles.

The young stars enthusiastically flipped through the pages of Chicago Treasure until they found their pictures, then proudly shared them with friends and family. Chicago Treasure creators Larry Broutman, Rich Green, and John Rabias happily signed autographs until their hands hurt for the never-ending line of eager book buyers. But the fun didn’t stop there.

VisionQuest, a rhythm and blues band made of members of The Chicago Lighthouse Adult Living Skills Program, gave a dynamic performance that had the crowd cheering for more. Elsa sang “Let It Go” with some help from talented and starstruck youngsters. Tinkerbell and Peter Pan even stopped by to pose for pictures with their new young friends.

A puppet show, face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, ice cream sundaes, cupcakes, and cotton candy were enjoyed by the young and the young at heart.

The Chicago Lighthouse President & CEO Dr. Janet Szlyk and Board of Directors Chairman Gary Rich spoke to the crowd about Mr. Broutman’s support of The Chicago Lighthouse over the years, which includes serving on the Board and donating proceeds from Chicago Treasure and his three other books of photography to The Chicago Lighthouse and Access Living. Access Living President & CEO Marca Bristo joined in the praise of Chicago Treasure and reminded the crowd of the necessity of telling everyone’s story. Coming to the podium after thunderous applause, photographer and author Larry Broutman shared that the idea for this innovative project came to him in a dream to which a supporter in the crowd yelled, “Keep dreaming, Larry!”

Chicago Treasure is available now from publisher Everything Goes Media, on Amazon, and in Chicagoland bookstores and gift shops.

Find out more at:

https://www.everythinggoesmedia.com/product-page/chicago-treasure

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Treasure-Larry-Broutman/dp/1893121798/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546910366&sr=8-1&keywords=Chicago+Treasure+Larry+Broutman

*Photographs appear courtesy of Othervertical for The Chicago Lighthouse.

In this touching video created by The Chicago Lighthouse, photographer and author Larry Broutman shares his inspiration for creating the children’s book, Chicago Treasure, and what the process taught him about what inclusion truly means. Diverse children take the lead roles in classic fairytales and nursery rhymes when photographs of the kids are digitally imposed with colorful fairytale illustration backgrounds by Rich Green. Local children and their parents explain why seeing their faces in the pages of this book is so meaningful. Interspersed throughout are scenes from the Chicago Treasure Book Launch where 250 Chicagoans came to The Chicago Lighthouse to celebrate the release of this enchanting book.

The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) has announced the finalists in its 31st Annual Benjamin Franklin Awards for excellence in book publishing. Chicago Eternal by Larry Broutman is one of three finalists in the Regional category. The highly regarded IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards, which recognize excellence and innovation in independent publishing, are one of the nation’s top honors for independent publishers. Gold and Silver winners will be announced on April 5, 2019 at the gala dinner ceremony at the Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile in Chicago. The ceremony is held in conjunction with Chicago’s IBPA Publishing University.

Over 1,500 entrants were thoroughly evaluated by 160 librarians, booksellers, and design and editorial experts during a seven-month judging process. IBPA CEO Angela Bole explained, "Unlike many other award programs, the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards demand both editorial and design excellence and entrants are judged independently on both." With over 3,100 members, IBPA is the largest publishing association in the US.

Already recognized as a finalist in American Book Fest’s Best Book Awards in Photography and praised in many national and local reviews, Chicago Eternal takes readers on a journey through Chicago’s storied past with illuminating photographs of gravestones and mausoleums from thirty Cook County cemeteries. Commentary sheds lights on the rich lives behind the tombstones.

To learn more about the IBPA and this prestigious award, visit:

https://www.ibpa-online.org/news/440987/31st-Annual-IBPA-Benjamin-Franklin-Awards.htm#reg

To get your copy of award-winning Chicago Eternal, go to:

https://www.everythinggoesmedia.com/product-page/chicago-eternal