Cover to Cover

Czech children’s author Petra Malinova has won the silver medal in the annual Illumination Book Awards with her first book, Birth of an Angel.

Petra, who works for Montecito art and car collector Michael Hammer, beat out hundreds of other entries in the competition honoring Christian books.

“In a time of Nones, the award medalists offer real connections through personal experience, thoughtful reflections and joy in their faith,” says award director Amy Shamroe.

“Our awards shine a light on the books that enrich and inspire today’s Christians.”

Petra, who has a 2-year-old son, Peter, is a survivor of domestic violence and wrote the stories, charmingly illustrated by Tze-Chiang Lim, to help children in similar difficult situations.