The Marsh Award Shortlist – Children’s Books in Translation

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the shortlist for next year’s Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation was announced recently, and here it is:

The Shortlist

Howard Curtis for In the Sea there are Crocodiles by Fabio Geda, translated from Italian, and published in the UK by David Fickling Books.

A harrowing story of a young boy travelling from his home in Afghanistan to Italy, in search of safety. Based on the experiences of Enaiatollah Akbari, his story is told with a sense of humour andadventure, and with great pace and tension.
The judges say: “a book to inspire and nourish young people”

Fatima Sharafeddini for My Own Special Way by Mithaa Alkhayyat (retold by Vivian French), translated from Arabic and published in the UK by Orion Children’s Books. Hamda wants to be a ‘big girl’ like her older sisters and wear the headscarf. A bold and simple story for early readers, about growing-up, individuality, and family.
The judges say: “a unique early reader that normalises another cultural custom”

Ros and Chloe Schwarz for The Little Prince by Antoine de St-Exupery, translated from French and published in the UK by The Collector’s Library. A whimsical and profound parable that enchants children and adults alike, and that warrants retelling to each new generation of readers.
The judges say: “A classic beautifully retranslated which retains all the ineffable charm of the original.”

Lucia Graves for The Midnight Palace by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, translated from Spanish and published in the UK by Orion Children’s Books. A fast moving tale of mystery and adventure set in 1930s Calcutta, following the story of twins separated at birth.
The judges say: “A powerfully told story for older readers, with a strong sense of time and place”

Karin Chubb for Themba by Lutz van Dijk, translated from German and published in the UK by Aurora Metro Books. A

hard-hitting, and emotional story of AIDS in South Africa, following Themba, ‘A boy called hope’, and his dreams of becoming a famous footballer.

The judges say: “A harrowing yet ultimately positive novel, which zips along and cheers the reader with its rags to riches ending and the twist in this excellently translated tale.”

The Judges:

• Wendy Cooling OBE, Founder of Bookstart, education consultant, and author.

• Colin Niven OBE, Founding Headmaster of the Dulwich Colleges in Shanghai, Beijing and Suzhou, and of Sherbourne School in Qatar.

• Sian Williams, Founder of the Children’s Bookshow.

• Gillian Lathey, Director of the National Centre for Research in Children’s Literature.

The prize of £2000 goes to the translator. The 2013 winner will be announced by the English-Speaking Union at an awards ceremony at Dartmouth House on 23 January 2013.

I have already written about The Little Prince, and I will see if I can get hold of at least some of the others before the winner is announced…

Related articles

• Other Worlds: Publishing children’s literature in translation (adiscounttickettoeverywhere.wordpress.com)