Prix Bernard Versele 2021: two books from Belgian publishing houses nominated

The Prix Bernard Versele, founded in 1979 by the Families League (la Ligue des Familles), is a competition unlike any other: the prize is awarded to the best works of children’s literature and its extraordinary jury is entirely composed by children from all over Belgium.

Each year, children aged 3 to 18 select the best children’s book among five “Owl” categories of books.

In the 2021 selection, two Belgian children’s publishing houses are represented.

Two of the nominees were indeed edited by Pastel, the very productive Belgian branch of L’école des loisirs. Two illustrated books for children aged 3 to 6: Classe de lune, written and illustrated by John Hare; and Pablo, by the Belgian author and illustrator Rascal.

Bienvenue, a comic book by Raphaël Frier and Lauren Corvaisier, for children over 5 years, has also been selected for the Prix. This children’s book has been published by the dynamic Belgian children’s publishing house À pas de loups, that has already published several works awarded with prizes. For instance, Attends-moi ! by Claire Garralon (Prix de l’album de jeunesse de Corrèze 2020) or Calamity Jane by Anne Loyer and Claire Gaudriot (Prix Nénuphar de l’album jeunesse).

The winners will be announced during the month of June 2021 on the Families League’s website. The entire selection of nominees can be found here.