The Golden Baobab Prizes Announce 2014 Judges

The Golden Baobab Prize has announced the judges for the 2014 Golden Baobab Prizes. Established to inspire the writing and publishing of African stories that captivate the minds of children, the prizes award $20,000 to talented African writers and illustrators. The shortlist includes Kenyan writer Shaleen Keshavjee-Gulam.

The 2014 judges are:

• Summer Edward, Anansesem Caribbean Children’s Literature Ezine founder and editor, Children’s publishing consultant
• Nancy Drost, Seasoned international educator, Golden Baobab board member
• Kinna Likimani, Mbaasem Foundation board member, Celebrated book critic (kinnareads.com)
• Doreen Baingana, Multiple award-winning Ugandan author, Former chairperson FEMRITE
• Nonikiwe Mashologu, African children’s literature critic, South African literacy activist
• Kananengo Diallo, 13-year old Tanzanian winner of the 2013 Golden Baobab Prize for Rising Writers
• Paul O. Zelinsky, International Award-winning American Illustrator and Writer, Caldecott Medalist
• Akua Peprah, Early Childhood Educator
• Kofi Kokua Asante Anyimadu, 8-year old Ghanaian book lover

“We are excited about working with our 2014 judges to discover and celebrate some of the best children’s story writers and illustrators in Africa today.”says the Executive Director of Golden Baobab. “In this 6th year of the prizes, we are proud of the contribution we are making to the children’s literature world and are actively searching for exciting partnerships to expand our reach and impact across Africa. We are seeking major corporate partnerships by our next prize season to further propel our vision of making the heads of children across Africa beautiful places for them to live!”

The winners of the Golden Baobab Prizes will be who will be announced on November 13, 2014.