MILWAUKEE, Wis. – USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced that "Stinky the Bulldog," (AuthorHouse, ISBN: 978-14208269-7-5; www.stinkythebulldog.com) a children's book written by Jackie Valent of Wauwatosa, has won the category for "Children's Picture Book: Paperback Fiction" category in its national "Best Books" 2007 contest. JPX Media, in Los Angeles, Calif., is the parent company of USABookNews.com and USABN Magazine Online, a monthly electronic magazine.

More than 500 winners and finalists were announced in more than 140 categories that inclcude print, audio books and courses, e-books and interactive CD-ROMs. Awards were presented for titles published in 2007 and late 2006.

Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, said this year's contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries, which were narrowed to more than 500 winners and finalists.

"This is a wonderful honor for 'Stinky the Bulldog' and real life Stinky's fans," Valent said. "Through the book and our other programs, Stinky continues to reach out and share his love for life and all of its opportunities for people of all backgrounds and lifestyles."

Packed with vibrant illustrations, "Stinky the Bulldog" was written with Valent's bulldog, Stinky, as the lead character. It is a family-focused story that highlights the value of accepting people who are different, and the wonders of true friendship. It further reinforces that words, regardless of intent, can hurt, yet just as easily, may heal when spoken with thought and compassion.

Among the other books honored by USABookNews.com:

• The Secret by Rhonda Byrne (Simon & Schuster - Atria Books) Best Self-Help: Motivational Book
• Clive Barker's recently released Mister B. Gone (HarperCollins), Horror category
• The Personality Code: Unlock the Secret to Understanding Your Boss, Your Colleagues, Your Friends…and Yourself by Travis Bradberry (Putnam), Business Career
• Indie Title, The Vengeance Trap by Axel & Linda Hansen (Ophir Publishing), General Fiction
• White Heat by Cherry Adair (Ballantine Books), Best Mystery/Suspense prize
• The First Commandment by Brad Thor (Simon & Schuster - Atria Books), Thriller/Adventure.

This year has proven a breakout year for Valent and Stinky. More than 20 bulldogs and their owners joined them in Milwaukee to celebrate the first National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day in April (www.bulldogsarebeautiful.com); they traveled to Oregon and broke biscuits with Zelda and ZeeZee, along with Zelda Wisdom (www.zeldawisdom.com) creator, Carol Gardner; and their story has attracted media from throughout the United States.

"We're thrilled to be recognized by USABookNews as we venture toward lots more fun and have lots of new activities in store for 2008," Valent said.

A complete list of the winners and finalists of the USABookNews.com National "Best Books" 2007 Awards are available online http://www.usabooknews.com/bestbooksawards2007.html.

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