Trending...
- Bigfork Bay Music Takes Two Awards and Four Additional Nominations at the 2026 Hollywood Independent Music Awards - 126
- Long Beach Airport's Fourth Annual Careers Taking Flight Program Connects Students with Aviation Professionals - 125
- Long Beach Animal Care Services Launches Adoption Specials as It Joins NBCUniversal Local's 2026 'Clear the Shelters' Campaign - 123
Irma Hersel's award-winning picture book, Where Chocolate Grows, celebrates curiosity, culture, and family while introducing children to the fascinating journey of chocolate from cacao tree to treat.
CAMARILLO, Calif. - Californer -- CAMARILLO, Calif. – Southern California children's author Irma Hersel has been awarded First Place in Cultural Diversity at the 2026 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards for her picture book, Where Chocolate Grows: A Sweet Journey of Curiosity and Discovery.
Presented annually by Story Monsters LLC, the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards recognize excellence in children's literature across a variety of categories. Hersel's book was honored for its celebration of cultural diversity and its ability to inspire curiosity through storytelling.
Inspired by childhood memories and a passion for multicultural education, Where Chocolate Grows follows a young boy named Roberto as he discovers where chocolate comes from. The story introduces children to the journey of cacao while naturally incorporating Spanish words, cultural traditions, and themes of family, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
More on The Californer
"My hope has always been to create stories that spark curiosity while helping children appreciate different cultures," said Hersel. "Receiving this recognition is an incredible honor and encourages me to continue creating books that celebrate learning, family, and diversity."
Based in Camarillo, California, Hersel writes children's books that encourage exploration, cultural appreciation, and meaningful conversations between children, parents, and educators. Her books have been recognized by educators, librarians, and families for their engaging storytelling and educational value.
Where Chocolate Grows is available through Amazon and Ingram for schools, libraries, and readers worldwide.
To learn more about Irma Hersel and her books, visit www.irmawrites.com.
For media inquiries, interviews, school visits, or speaking opportunities, please contact:
Irma Hersel
www.irmawrites.com
Presented annually by Story Monsters LLC, the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards recognize excellence in children's literature across a variety of categories. Hersel's book was honored for its celebration of cultural diversity and its ability to inspire curiosity through storytelling.
Inspired by childhood memories and a passion for multicultural education, Where Chocolate Grows follows a young boy named Roberto as he discovers where chocolate comes from. The story introduces children to the journey of cacao while naturally incorporating Spanish words, cultural traditions, and themes of family, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
More on The Californer
- Supreme Garage Door Repair Redirects Marketing Dollars Into North Texas Communities
- California: Governor Newsom awards $48.5 million to drive economic growth and advance innovation across the state, supporting the creation of 20,000 new jobs
- RAS AP Consulting Spotlights Managed AP Governance™ at Esker All Access
- Blue Planet – Red Tide Goes Free as Ocean Heat and Algal Blooms Make Headlines
- The World's No.1 Superstar® Completes SEMINAL as Music Industry Mourns Dolly Parton
"My hope has always been to create stories that spark curiosity while helping children appreciate different cultures," said Hersel. "Receiving this recognition is an incredible honor and encourages me to continue creating books that celebrate learning, family, and diversity."
Based in Camarillo, California, Hersel writes children's books that encourage exploration, cultural appreciation, and meaningful conversations between children, parents, and educators. Her books have been recognized by educators, librarians, and families for their engaging storytelling and educational value.
Where Chocolate Grows is available through Amazon and Ingram for schools, libraries, and readers worldwide.
To learn more about Irma Hersel and her books, visit www.irmawrites.com.
For media inquiries, interviews, school visits, or speaking opportunities, please contact:
Irma Hersel
www.irmawrites.com
Source: Irma Linda Hersel Author
Filed Under: Books
0 Comments
Latest on The Californer
- Kentucky's Plane Crash Data Lands Far from the State's Busiest Airports
- StockResearch AI Initiates Coverage on Apple (AAPL) With New Report Examining Valuation, AI Strategy and Future Growth
- Netberg Announces the Aurora X2 Switch Series, Built on Xsight Labs' Programmable X2 Silicon
- California: Governor Newsom announces appointments 8.25.2026
- Top of Los Angeles Publishes Its 2026 Ranking of the 50 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles
- Michael Bradford Podcast Features Deep Purple's Roger Glover as Debut Guest
- California: Governor, First Partner statement on the passing of Dolly Parton
- Alex Hormozi Taught Us This Way to Generate New Business
- Pete Verbica: America Needs Statesmanship and Common Sense — Not a Cult of Personality
- Why CASITA Chose Construction Management Over the Traditional ADU Contractor Model
- Echelon Studios Management Names Jamie Crosbie Executive Vice President, Head of Studio Operations
- Heidi G. Villari of The Villari Firm, PLLC Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2027 for Construction Law and Personal Injury Litigation
- Impact & Influence December 2025: Joel Rodriguez Tirado on The Greatest Gift You'll Ever Give
- Impact & Influence November 2025: Joel Rodriguez Tirado on Legacy, Loss & Protecting Families
- When the Coroner's Report Isn't Enough: Colorado Families Turn to Private Autopsy for Closure
- Pervaziv AI Introduces Cortex Connect, Linking Enterprise AI Across Mobile, Browser and Visual Studio Code
- ICYMI: The nation's economic engine, California, continues to lead in job creation and raising wages
- The New Marketing Funnel Starts Inside a Chatbox
- Technologist Suggests Meta Trial-Judge Review 97 Year-Old Letter as It Relates to the Damage Done by Social Media to Today's Children
- Ocean Thriller Blue Planet – Red Tide Goes FREE on Kindle for 48 Hours