Gift Days is the latest book from Kari-Lynn Winters.

A children’s book penned by a Brock teacher education professor is a contender for a prestigious literary award.

Gift Days, written by Kari-Lynn Winters, has been shortlisted for the Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize at this year’s British Columbia Book Prizes.

“There is a vibrant and active book community there and I know that the judges must have had a tough decision narrowing it down to five nominees,” said Winters, a former B.C resident. “I have such a strong connection to British Columbia. It will always hold a special place in my heart.”

The winner of the award will be announced in Victoria on May 4.

Gift Days is about a young African girl who dreams of an education. But after the death of her mother, she must take care of the household and raise her younger siblings until her brother gives her the gift of time – days off housework duty – to pursue her dream.

Proceeds from books sales when Gift Days was launched last November were used to send girls in Uganda to school.