Epigram vying for Bologna Prize again

Singapore publisher Epigram Books is in the running for the Bologna Prize for the Best Children's Publishers of the Year, for the second time in two years.

The awards are given to publishers around the world specialising in children's books, or who have an extensive number of titles for young readers.

According to the awards' website, they are given to "publishers that have stood out in terms of their creativity, their courage and the quality of their editorial choices over the last year".

The prize is organised by the Bologna Children's Book Fair in partnership with the Italian Publishers' Association. It is in its fifth year.

It will be presented at the 54th edition of the book fair, considered the leading professional event dedicated to children's publishing, which will take place from April 3 to 6.

Founded in 2011, Epigram Books has published more than 100 Singapore children's and young adult titles. These include the popular kid detective series, Sherlock Sam, which is being adapted into an animated television series.

Epigram Books is the only Singapore nominee in the Asian category. The other Asian nominees are South Korea's Borim Press; Japan's Kaisei-sha Publishing and One Stroke; and India's Karadi Tales.

The organisers award a prize for each of six geographical areas of the world - Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Europe, North America and Oceania.

Nominees are chosen by 2017 fair exhibitors, international publishers' associations and cultural institutions representing publishers.

The winners will be determined by votes from fair exhibitors.

Epigram founder Edmund Wee says that the company is "doubly honoured" to be nominated again and that building on the opening of its new London office late last year, "this nomination will expose our children's book authors and illustrators to the world as well".

Epigram Books was nominated for the prize last year for the first time, but lost to Kalimat from the United Arab Emirates.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 03, 2017, with the headline Epigram vying for Bologna Prize again. Subscribe