While recently working in Hong Kong I learned about a relatively new player in the world of awards for Children books of distinction. The Feng Zikai award, handed out for the first time in 2009, is a biannual awarded aimed at promoting original, quality Chinese children’s books and recognizing the efforts of authors, illustrators and publishers. The award is comparable to the Caldecott Medal, which honors the most distinguished American picture book for children published in the United States each year.
The Award is named after one of China’s best-known illustrators, the late Feng Zikai. Many of the books are translated into English and some have bi lingual editions. I can’t think of a more perfect way to honor and keep alive the rich tradition of such a talented individual.
