When the Bermuda Junior Service League published its handsome new cookbook, 'Island Thyme' last year, little did the registered charity imagine that its success would include being named a finalist in the prestigious, international Benjamin Franklin Awards.

Given by the Publishers Marketing Association and named in honour of America's most cherished publisher/printer, the Benjamin Franklin Award recognises excellence in independent publishing.

Grouped by genre, publications are judged on editorial and design merit by top practitioners in each field, and trophies are awarded to the best books in several categories. The awards are presented annually to books published during the previous year.

This year's top winners will be chosen from three finalists in each category, and on May 17 at the Washington, DC Convention Center the trophies will be presented to publishers of the best books during a gala awards ceremony on the final evening of the Publishing University (just before the opening of Book Expo America).

"The cookbook committee is thrilled that our hard work and passion for this project has resulted in an accolade as prestigious as the Benjamin Franklin Awards," Deborah Titterton Narraway, BJSL vice-president of marketing and public relations, said.

'Island Thyme, Tastes and Traditions of Bermuda' celebrates the unique culinary traditions of Bermuda through elegant island recipes, mouth watering photographs, cooking tips and information on local foods and flavours.

The 256-page cookbook contains over 200 recipes and 150 colour photos of food and traditional Bermudian celebrations.

Sales of the League's cookbook will be used to aid current and new community service projects, as well as annual financial donations to local organisations and individuals.

Partial funds will also be put aside to enable future re-prints. Thus, proceeds from sales of the cookbook will benefit Bermudians for years to come.

'Island Thyme' ($37.95) can be purchased in Bermuda at local retailers or by calling 332-2575.

Oversees purchases can be made through barnesandnoble.com or by calling 1-800-269-6839. For further information visit the League's website www.bjsl.bm.