Bocas Children’s Book Prize open for submissions

Registration is open for entries for the 2023 Bocas Lit Fest Children's Book Prize.

Now in its third consecutive year, the prize is open to Caribbean-born authors of English-language books, including self-published writers, living anywhere in the world who have written books geared toward children aged seven-12 with stories about their cultural roots.

Submission opened July 17 and ends on September 18. The winner will be announced in December, and will receive a cash prize of US$1,000.

The judging panel includes head judge Kevin Jared Hosein, 2023 NGC Bocas Lit Fest participant and author of the internationally acclaimed novel Hungry Ghosts; Desryn TA Collins; and Kellie Magnus. The prize will include input from a young reader, Josh Hansraj, at the second stage of judging.

Launched in 2021, the Children’s Book Prize has encouraged the creation of culturally relevant literature tailored to the critical reading development phase of young minds.

The 2022 Children’s Book Prize winner, Trinidad and Tobago's Danielle YC McClean captivated readers with her publication The Whisperer's Warning: Secrets of Oscuros. She was featured in the 2023 NGC Bocas Lit Fest's Writers First event. Jamaican Kereen Getten’s When Life Gives You Mangoes won the inaugural prize in 2021.

Sponsored by the Wainwright Family, the 2023 Bocas Children's Book Prize entries are expected to attract writers who continue to push the boundaries of creativity and imagination, and foster a new generation of avid readers who will cherish and uphold the rich cultural legacy of the Caribbean.

For detailed submission guidelines and further information, visit: www.bocaslitfest.com/awards/childrens-book-prize/