Press release – 3 February 2012
BOOKCHAT AWARDS for 2011
When “Bookchat” was a printed magazine, there used to be a “Books of the Year” commendation. This custom was revived to cover 2010. Here is my selected short-list from the English books submitted to the “Bookchat” website during the past year. Those concerned have received certificates.
Fiction
A WISH THIS BIG by Ingrid Mennen, illustrated by Katrin Coetzer (Tafelberg)
FINDING AUNT JOAN by Jenny Hatton, illustrated by Joan Rankin (Jacana)
MOVING HOUSE by Jenny Hatton, illustrated by Joan Rankin (Jacana)
SOLOMON’S STORY by Judy Froman (Macmillan)
STEPPING SOLO by Jayne Bauling (Maskew Miller Longman)
THE MAGIC FISH retold by Margie Orford, illustrated by Lizza Littlewort (Jacana)
Non-fiction
FACT FINDER by Helen Lewis, illustrated by Nikki Miles (Metz Press)
HELEN SUZMAN by Gillian Godsell (Maskew Miller Longman: “They Fought for Freedom”)
MY FIRST BOOK OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN OCEAN LIFE by Roberta Griffiths, illustrated by Judy Maré (Struik Nature)
A commendable year’s list, though hard to pick the top spot. Nothing in the younger categories which was fully satisfying in all aspects – writing and illustration and design. Some reassuring non-fiction publications, and my choice of winner is on the edge of this category, fiction based on fact. It wins by sheer impact.
The “Bookchat” Book of the Year 2011 is –
SOLOMON’S STORY
by Judy Froman
(Pan Macmillan)
Special Awards
Recognition is offered to three people (in alphabetical order) who have, in their different ways, given outstanding support to children’s literature.
Gorry Bowes Taylor
For allocating regular time/space on her “Book Choice” programme on Fine Music Radio for many years.
Lona Gericke
For services particularly to Afrikaans children’s literature; many years on the committee of the SACBF and IBBY SA; and a past reviewer for Bookchat magazine.
Jean Williams
For leading Biblionef for over ten years to the publishing and re-issuing of key South African titles in all eleven official languages of our country.
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