The Malta Book Festival – The Book Shop had its official opening this evening during an award ceremony for the 2021 Terramaxka Prize for children’s and adolescents’ literature. The ceremony was hosted by Daniel Chircop and Chrysander Agius (Danusan) who joined the shortlist, authors, illustrators, publishers and education minister Justyne Caruana.

In his first speech since his appointment, the Executive Chairman of the National Book Council (NBC), Mark Camilleri, stated that the presidency of the reopening of the Festival to the public after the online edition last year was an honor for him. Camilleri thanked the public health authorities for recognizing the importance of holding such an event of national importance that provides a critical opportunity for local publication. “It was only with time that literary awards for children’s books began to receive the recognition they deserved,” said Camilleri.

While thanking his predecessor and his name for the valuable work done to establish the Terramaxka Prize as a measure of excellence achieved in publishing for younger readers, Camilleri added that he will continue to work to ensure that literature for children to be able to reach new heights in terms of both the content and the production of books.

Recalling previous titles, Danusan presented a sneak-peak of their interactive quiz based on Terramaxka Prize-winning books from previous editions – ‘Books are Where the Magic Happens’ – which is being broadcast to classes in the future. of school children around Malta and Gozo. days.

A total of seven prizes were awarded in four different categories as part of the Terramaxka 2021 Prize which went to the authors, illustrators, and publishers of the winning books. The prizes awarded were for Original Works for Children aged 0-7, and 8-12, and for Translated Work for Children aged 0-7 and 8-12, as well as an award for Best Book Production. No prizes were awarded in the categories for original and translated works for adolescents aged 13-16. The full list of winners is being published below.

After the award ceremony, the Minister for Education Hon. Dr Justyne Caruana remarked on the challenges posed by the pandemic in organizing the Malta Book Festival. Looking ahead, the local publishing industry should also look at addressing the challenges related to their online presence and the publication of more ebooks. The Government will support these initiatives, along with several other projects invested in by the Ministry to further encourage reading and strengthen local industry. Among these is the implementation of the Education Exception and investment in the National Book Council. In closing, Minister Caruana wished a good Festival to the participating publishers who are showcasing their work in the next five days.

Winners of the Terramaxka Award 2021

Original works (0-7) Noel Tanti, Tal-Forn (Merlin Publishers, illustrated by Matt Stroud)

Original Works (8-12) Simon Bartolo, The Creature of the Well (Merlin Publishers, illustrated by José Luis Oscaña)

Translated works (0-7) ]Clare Azzopardi (trans.), Ors in Space (Deborah Abela, Marjorie Crosby-Fairall ill. – Merlin Publishers)

Translated works (8-12) Simone Inguanez (trans.), The Fractal Family and the Sick House (Kari Smeland, Francesca Grech ill. – Merlin Publishers)

Award for Best Book Production Merlin Publishers for the book Amazing Maltese Women by Kristina Chetcuti and illustrated by Marisa Attard.