Book excerpt: Internationally renowned floral artist Hitomi Gilliam AIFD and 5-time Gala Award-winning designer Kathy Whalen AIFD have teamed up to write the first US book in decades on judging floral design. "A Fresh Look At Judging Floral Design, A Guide for Judges, Designers, Teachers, Mentors and Hosts" has received three awards in 2014 for independent publishing: Gold Benjamin Franklin Award for Education Book; Gold Eric Hoffer Award for Reference Book; and Silver Benjamin Franklin Award for Professional/Technical book.Whether creating design, teaching design or judging design, the body of knowledge that all draw upon needs to be current and consistent. The book addresses the needs of the multiple audiences who are thirsty for 21st century perspectives on floral design beyond beautiful pictures - flower arrangers, teachers and judges, as well as hosts who hold flower arranging exhibits and festivals for communities, museums and galleries. "A Fresh Look At Judging Floral Design" is a substantive resource on current topics, particularly those about which little has previously been published. Its content is presented in a graphic and easy-to-read format with 338 images, 464 pages, many charts, a glossary, annotated resources and a CD with 25 images for practice-judging and more than 1000 botanical/common plant names. A number of people who know the literature of the field refer to the book as an updated version of Esther Hamél's revered book,"Encyclopedia of Judging and Exhibiting," originally published in 1966 - a humbling compliment indeed."A Fresh Look At Judging Floral Design" has been purchased by readers in 29 countries.Here's a sample of what people are saying:"Destined to become the standard 'reference icon' for years to come!"Jim Johnson AAF, AIFD, TMFADistinguished Lecturer and Director EmeritusBenz School of Floral DesignTexas A&M University