With the passing of Liz Goulet Dubois, a bright light went out in the children’s literature community on August 14, 2022. Not only was Liz a talented writer and Illustrator, she was also beloved by anyone who had the great fortune to know her.
We can’t tell you how many times we heard people praise Liz behind her back. People referred to her as intelligent, talented, unfailingly kind, and wise. She had incredible depth and was intuitive about the world and its people; she knew what was important. For all these reasons and more, she was a phenomenal wife, mother, daughter, and friend.
In the weeks following her passing, we heard from several people that “Liz was the first person I spoke with at SCBWI!” That’s because Liz would seek out the new people, those nervously scanning the room for someone to talk with. She’d saunter over, introduce herself, and ask them about themselves and their work. And she cared about the answer. She always wanted to uplift people. Liz was full of so much joy.
In keeping with this and wanting to hold on to all of this wonderful Liz goodness and multiply it in the world, we have launched a scholarship that will help creators get a start on their career. Eligible creators will be up-and-coming author/illustrators who wish to create for our very youngest readers, just as Liz did so magnificently.
It is with a heavy heart that we came to terms with the fact that Liz will never create for these young readers again, but it heartens us to know that recipients of the scholarship will be assisted in stepping into this incredible world of creating for children. Each of them will launch work that elicits wide eyes and big grins and hearty belly giggles.
Primary judges will be Liz’s mom, Liz’s three daughters, and her husband. Secondary judges will be Liz’s dear friends, Jenny Bagdigian and Lynda Mullaly Hunt.
The first year’s award allowed two young creators to attend the Spring 2023 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators New England Conference.
Starting in 2024, the award will focus on another association close to Liz’s heart: The Highlights Foundation. Liz’s illustrations graced the pages of Highlights Magazine, which granted her an invitation to their annual illustrator gathering on the Foundation campus. She also attended a number of workshops and events on the campus. The Highlights Foundation’s mission is to help storytellers inspire children. This was Liz’s mission as well. The scholarship will support picture book creators by funding an in-person workshop, retreat, or online course of their choice.
Thank you so much for your time. As you go forth into the world, remember to smile at a stranger. Approach someone who seems lonely. Really listen. And strive for magnificence but not perfection. And take chances creatively — go for it! You have nothing to lose by trying. This is how we can best honor Liz and her legacy.
Donate
If you would like to donate to the Liz Goulet Dubois scholarship, please use PayPal:
To avoid fees and maximize your gift, use PayPal’s “Send money” option to send funds to LizGouletDuboisScholarship@gmail.com.
Apply
Applications are open during the second half of January on the Highlights Foundation website.
Award Recipients
The winners of the 2023 scholarship were:
Michelle McGaughey for Lilly Bass and the Deep Dive Rescue.
Nohra Bernal for The Child and the Tree.
The winner of the 2024 scholarship was:
Andrea Cruz Floren for Pockets for All