This year, the National Children's Book Festival offered an exceptionally rich and diverse program.
Among the events that focused on children's illustration in Bulgaria were the three exhibitions that opened on the first day – May 9, at the Dimitar Dobrovich Art Gallery – the exhibition of last year's winner of the Konstantin Konstantinov Award – Silvia Kaloyanova, an exhibition of the Serbian artist – Sašenka Vasilvič and the Italian illustrator – Romina Beneventi.
On May 9 and 10, a round table was organized on the topic “Books, Children, Teenagers: Reading Between Reason and Emotions”, which gave voice to some issues related to reading as a problem for children of different age groups. But as Prof. Dr. Albert Benbasat noted at the closing of the discussion on the second day, “we did not address the problem that our children do not read and that very often the things they read are not of good quality”. His remark was directed at the poor quality of children's literature published in Bulgaria, at the poor layout of children's books, both in terms of design and illustrations, as well as at the lack of support from the state and publishing houses for young authors and illustrators. During the readings, Dr. Victoria Biserova, whose topic of her report was "Campaigns to encourage reading for children under 14 years old," announced for the first time part of the program of the "Children's Book Week."
The second day ended its program with an official ceremony for the presentation of the National "Konstantin Konstantinov" Award for contribution to children's book publishing and a solemn concert-performance. The National Children's Book Festival is under the honorary patronage of Mrs. Maria Gabriel, who unfortunately could not attend the ceremony, but sent a congratulatory address.
This year's awardees are:
Damian Damyanov in the "Illustrator" category for his work on Gianni Rodari's two works published by "Ciela" Publishing House - "Gelsonimo in the Land of Liars" and "Favorite Christmas Stories". The award was presented by Ms. Rositsa Petrova - festival organizer and director of the RB "Sava Dobroplodni".
Petya Kokudeva in the "Author" category for her book "Questions" published by "Janet 45". The award was presented by Ms. Kristina Sabkova - chairwoman of the jury for determining the award.
An award in the "Publishing" category was not awarded this year.
Angelina Zhekova in the "Overall Contribution" category, the award was presented by Mr. Stefan Radev - mayor of the city of Sliven.
During the festival there was a small bazaar of various publishing houses, and as part of the program many books were presented: “Sea Tales” by Kina Kadreva, “The Kind Hearts” by Nikola Raykov, “Where Are You, Sun” by Yulia Spiridonova, “My Beautiful Horns” by Radostina Nikolova, “Mina and the Magic of Prediction” by Vesela Flamburari, “Little Cockerel” by Anita Tarasevich, “The Sock That Changed the World” by Zdrava Kamenova, “There is No Mistake, There is a Laughter” by Vasil Sotirov, “A Rainbow for a Friend” by Mikhail Samarsky and “Albert” by Ole Lunn Kierkegaard.
Expect an interview with Damyan Damyanov – winner of the award in the “Illustrator” category for 2017, on our website soon.
Photos: Milena Radeva
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