The 2018 Golden Baobab Prize: Now Open for Submissions from African Writers and Illustrators
I’m very excited to announce that the Golden Baobab Prize
is back and accepting submissions from African writers and illustrators until 1st December 2017.
Awards are available in three categories:
- The Golden Baobab Prize for Picture Books, for the best story targeting a reader audience of ages 4-8.
- The Golden Baobab Prize for Early Chapter Books for the best story targeting a reader audience of ages 9-11.
- The Golden Baobab Prize for Illustrators for the best artwork that matches illustration briefs provided, intended for children ages 4-11.
Winners of the
2018 Golden Baobab Prize will each receive a cash prize of USD$5,000 USD. In addition to
press publicity, winning stories are guaranteed a publishing deal, finalist
writers are connected with publishers across Africa and finalist illustrators
participate in exhibitions and workshops.
Established in July 2008 to support the development of
children’s books by African writers and illustrators, the Prize invites entries
of unpublished stories and illustrations created by African citizens
irrespective of age, race, or country of origin.
Now in its ninth year, this year Golden Baobab is entering an exciting new
phase with a heavier focus on publishing. It also announces the re-opening of
the Golden Baobab Prize for Illustrators, the most important award for African
children's book illustrators.
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| Previously longlisted titles have already begun to be published, including this Picture Book longlisted in 2014 |
Here's what Victor Kyerematen, the organisation’s Prize Coordinator, had to say about the launch of the 2018 Prize:
In the past, Golden Baobab has done a fantastic job of highlighting and honouring fresh voices in African children’s literature. Henceforth, we are eagerly prioritising work that gets more African books in the hands of children.
Previous winners of the book prize includes Mary Okon Ononokpono with her short story Talulah the Time Traveller, who I had the pleasure of interviewing in 2014; while the winner of the inaugural prize for illustrators was the super talented, Xanelé Puren, who I interviewed in 2015. Find out more about this exciting prize on Golden Baobab's website.
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| Xanele Puren's winning illustration, Jama is late to borrow a book from the library. Image via Golden Baobab |
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