The Golden Baobab Prize Announces 2016 Longlist

The 2016 Golden Baobab Prize Longlist

The Golden Baobab Prize Announces 2016 Longlist

Accra, November 18, 2016 – The Golden Baobab Prize today announces its 2016 Longlist. The Prize is often referred to as the “African Newbery Prize”, and is renowned as a pioneering and prestigious award in the African children’s literature industry. The 2016 longlist features eight impressive rising African authors from four countries across the continent.

This year, the Prize received over 150 stories from 11 African countries. The 2016 jury, made up of international experts from diverse backgrounds, went through a rigorous process to evaluate the stories and select the longlisted authors.

Though most of the authors were first time entrants to the Prize, the jury was impressed by the strength of their stories which featured multiple genres such as adventure, mystery and crime. This represents an exciting new movement in African children's literature characterized by bold imagery and daring characters.

The jury is delighted to unveil eight fresh voices in African children’s literature.

Here is the 2016 Golden Baobab Prize Longlist:

The Golden Baobab Prize for Picture Books

  • Lori-Ann Preston (South Africa)Mr. Cocka-Rocka-Roo

  • Lori-Ann Preston (South Africa)Snails Have Feelings Too!

  • Victoria Blain (The Gambia)The Baobab Ghee

  • Kai Tuomi (South Africa)A Dark Night for Wishes

  • Vennessa Scholtz (South Africa)- Kita and the Red, Dusty Road

The Golden Baobab Prize for Early Chapter Books

  • Oyeku Ayodele Moses (Nigeria)Maya and the Finish Line

  • Lori-Ann Preston (South Africa)The Ama-zings!

  • Dina Mousa (Egypt)Maya and the Mystery of the Cat Burglars

  • Khethiwe Mndawe (South Africa)Lights and Freedom

  • Chidinma Jay Nnamani (Nigeria)Soti and Zita's Escape to Earth

The Golden Baobab Prize awards finalist writers with African and international publishing opportunities as well as widespread publicity. The winner of each Golden Baobab Prize receives this finalist package as well as a cash prize of 5,000 USD. The winners of the 2016 Golden Baobab Prizes for African Children’s Literature will be announced on November 21st, 2016.