Kate DiCamillo, author of 2005 Nene Award winner "Because of Winn-Dixie," is scheduled to be a special guest at the 41st Annual Nene Award Presentation Ceremony on Wednesday at the Kaimuki High School Performing Arts Center.

DiCamillo will participate in the ceremony and announce the 2006 winner of The Nene Award, which is presented to the favorite book voted by the children of Hawai'i in grades 4 to 6. Last year, more than 8,000 children statewide voted for the award at their school libraries or public libraries.

"Because of Winn-Dixie" is the story of 10-year-old India Opal Buloni, who moves south with her preacher father to Naomi, Fla., where she rescues a big, ugly dog that is creating chaos at the Winn-Dixie grocery store. Naming the pooch after the store, Opal and the friendly Winn-Dixie make some unusual friends, including the local librarian, who once fought off a bear with a copy of "War and Peace." A Twentieth Century Fox movie based on the novel and directed by Wayne Wang was released last year.

Student winners of the Nene Award Essay, Poster, Performing Arts, and Digital Arts (new category this year) contests will be honored and get a chance to meet the author. The winning posters will be on display during the ceremony.

In addition to the Nene Award ceremony, DiCamillo is scheduled to make three other public appearances: an autograph session, 3 p.m. Wednesday at Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall; "Meet the Author Kate DiCamillo," a live, interactive interview during which viewers are invited to call in questions, 9:30 to 10 a.m. Thursday on DOE-TV, Oceanic channel 56; and 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Kailua Public Library.

The annual Nene Award is sponsored by the Hawai'i Library Association's Children and Youth Section, Hawai'i Association of School Librarians and supported by the state Department of Education, state Public Library System, and the Hawai'i Association of Independent Schools.

The author's visit was made possible by grants from the Friends of the Library of Hawai'i and Barnes & Noble. The Hilton Hawaiian Village donated hotel accommodations. Perma-Bound Books will provide a copy of the 2006 Nene Award book to each of the participating public libraries and schools. Scholastic Book Fairs and Zippy's also contributed prizes to the contest winners.

The Chairwoman for the 2006 Nene Award Committee is Linda Uchima, librarian, 'Aikahi Elementary School.

Essay contest winners:

GRADE 4

1st place: Erin Voss, Moanalua Elementary

Honorable Mention: Xavier Imperial, Maryknoll Grade School

GRADE 5

1st Place: Jake Belding, Maryknoll Grade School

Honorable Mention: Christianne Michel, Maryknoll Grade School

GRADE 6

1st place: Kylie Ojiri, Maryknoll Grade School

Honorable Mention: Sasha Hall, St. John Vianney

Poster contest winners:

GRADE 4

1st Place: Sarah Zhang, Maryknoll Grade School

Honorable Mention: Michaela Yamashita, Maryknoll Grade School

GRADE 5

1st Place: Tatiana Phu, Maryknoll Grade School

Honorable Mention: Kara Kozuma, Maryknoll Grade School

GRADE 6

1st Place: Nathan Goo, Maryknoll Grade School

Honorable Mention: Bobae Kim, Maryknoll Grade School

Performance winners:

1st place: Song and Creative Movement: Kyleigh Amii, Liholiho Elementary (grade 5); Masako Imoto, Liholiho Elementary (grade 5)

Digital Arts winners include:

1st place: Dog's Eye View: Sierra Olds-Delaney, 'Aina Haina Elementary (grade 6); Michela Humphrey, 'Aina Haina Elementary (grade 6); Tatiana Meyer, 'Aina Haina Elementary (grade 6)