The cover of the award winning book, Goodnight, Los Alamos. Courtesy photo

A page depicting a visit to Bandelier in the award winning book Goodnight, Los Alamos. Courtesy photo

COMMUNITY News:

…Los Alamos moms Whitney Spivey and Brenda Fleming wrote and illustrated this award winning book

Goodnight, Los Alamos has won the best children’s picture book category at the 2020 New Mexico–Arizona Book Awards.

The book was written by Whitney Spivey, illustrated by Brenda Fleming, and published in October 2018. It features two little girls who say goodnight to 26 notable places and things around Los Alamos including Bandelier National Monument, the Rio Grande and historic Fuller Lodge.

Spivey and Fleming are Los Alamos moms excited to see their book being recognized.

“It’s fun to see the book reaching a different audience,” Spivey said. “I hope people are inspired to come explore our little mountain town, learn about our history, and experience everything Los Alamos has to offer.” 

Now in its 16th year, the awards, hosted by the New Mexico Book Co-op, showcase the best books from New Mexico and Arizona authors and publishers. This year, 64 winners and 83 finalists were selected in 48 categories. Nearly 800 entries were submitted for consideration by the panel of judges; books were evaluated on criteria including writing, content, layout and cover design.

“I am thrilled that this book won the children’s picture category,” Fleming said. “Illustrating this book was a true passion project for me, a chance to reflect on watching my daughters grow up and explore this beautiful place we call home.” 

In March 2020, Goodnight, Los Alamos received an honorable mention in the children’s book category in the Zia Book Awards, hosted by the New Mexico Press Women. The book also is featured in a New Mexico True tourism video (Google “mountain town with a science problem.”)

Goodnight, Los Alamos is available at the Los Alamos Cooperative Market, Gadgets at the Bradbury Science Museum and Gadgets online, the Pajarito Environmental Education Center, the visitors center at the Valles Caldera National Preserve and etsy.com, or email Spivey at goodnightlosalamos@gmail.com to request a signed copy.

Follow Goodnight, Los Alamos on Instagram @goodnightlosalamos.