Braille board book wins Bronze at 2026 IBPA PubWest awards

By AI, Created 6:06 PM UTC, May 26, 2026, /AGP/ – MCRL Overseas Group and BoardBookPrinting.com say Tara Keanuenue Gumapac’s children’s title earned Bronze in the Kids Special Format category at the 2026 IBPA PubWest Book Awards. The recognition spotlights a braille board book designed to give blind children and Indigenous readers a stronger sense of representation.

Why it matters: - The award puts accessibility-focused children’s publishing in the spotlight. - The recognition also underscores demand for books that reflect blind readers and Indigenous communities. - The honor may help draw more attention to braille board books as a viable special format for publishers.

What happened: - Tara Keanuenue Gumapac’s children’s book, The Adventures of Eva & Duke: Surfing with Pop Pop, won Bronze in the Kids Special Format category at the 2026 Independent Book Publishers Association PubWest Book Awards. - MCRL Overseas Group and BoardBookPrinting.com produced the braille board book. - The title is also identified as The Adventures of Eva & Duke: Ka He‘enalu ‘ana me Pop Pop: Surfing with Pop Pop.

The details: - Gumapac said the book was inspired by her mother, her Hawaiian culture, and a desire to publish a book her two blind children and Indigenous communities could see themselves in. - Mankit Chan, president of BoardBookPrinting.com powered by MCRL Overseas Group, said the company is proud of the audiences the book is reaching. - Chan said the braille book combines accessibility-focused design with board book manufacturing. - Chan said the IBPA recognition highlights exceptional design and printing. - The release includes a link for more information about Tara Keanuenue Gumapac and the braille board book.

Between the lines: - The award signals that accessibility can be a design strength, not just a technical feature. - The book’s cultural and family roots likely broaden its appeal beyond a standard special-format title. - Recognition in a mainstream publishing award can help normalize braille and other inclusive formats for children’s books.

What’s next: - MCRL Overseas Group and BoardBookPrinting.com are using the award to promote their board book and braille printing capabilities. - The company is directing readers to its LinkedIn page, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube channel, TikTok account, and BoardBookPrinting.com Instagram. - MCRL says it offers bound physical proofs, DDP pricing, and overseas printing for books, board books, games, packaging, and other complex printed projects.

The bottom line: - The Bronze Medal gives a specialized braille children’s book industry recognition and a stronger platform for accessible publishing.