The Golden Baobab Prizes have announced their shortlisted writers for 2014. I’ve been following the story for a bit with some interest as this is the most credible prize for Children’s Literature on the continent. Talented African writers and illustrators go home with $20,000 in prize money as well as publishing and training opportunities.
The shortlisted folks for the awards include 3 writers from South Africa, 2 from Ghana, 2 from Kenya, and one each from Nigeria and Zimbabwe. They are:
The Golden Baobab Prize for Picture Books
- Portia Dery (Ghana) – Grandma’s List
- Shaleen Keshavjee-Gulam (Kenya) – Malaika’s Magical Kiosk
- Mandy Collins (South Africa) – There is a Hyena in my Kitchen
- Mike Mware (Zimbabwe) – The Big Ball
The Golden Baobab Prize for Early Chapter Books
- Bontle Senne (South Africa) – The Monster at Midnight
- Mamle Wolo (Ghana) – Flying through Water
- Mary Okon Ononokpono (Nigeria) – Talulah the Time Traveller
- Hillary Molenje Namunyu (Kenya) – Teddy Mapesa and the Missing Cash
- Jayne Bauling (South Africa) – The Saturday Dress
What did the panel that chose the shortlist have to say about the process? Golden Baobab executive director, Deborah Ahenkorah said, “Our esteemed judging panel has a tough job ahead and we wish them all the best! There are many wonderful stories in the shortlist this year. We are proud of the writers who have made it this far and wish them all the best! It is an honor for us here at Golden Baobab to play a small role in their writing careers.”
The winners will be announced on November 13, 2014.
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