Claire Storey

Yoto Carnegie Medals Awarded to Translated Titles!

On the 21st of June, the winners of the prestigious Yoto Carnegie Medals were announced, and two translated books won the top awards.

Your favourite book might not yet be translated into a language that you understand.

Manon Steffan Ros

Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing

This year’s Writing category was won by Manon Steffan Ros for The Blue Book of Nebo (Firefly Press). This post-apocalyptic YA novel was originally published in Welsh as Llyfr Glas Nebo (Y Lolfa 2018) and translated into English by the author. In the press release, Chair of Judges Janet Nobel says, “In The Blue Book of Nebo, the world building and distinct voices of the two main characters, the son and his mother, are expertly realised and the reader is compelled to question their own relationship with the modern world.”

From Manon Steffan Ros’ acceptance speech: One of the greatest privileges of my life has been the fact that I was raised through the medium of the Welsh language. Having two languages from the outset of my life has brought me so much joy and opportunity. There’s a huge, lively, thriving Welsh language cultural scene that I’m honoured to be a part of. I’m told that The Blue Book of Nebo is the first book in translation to win the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing, a fact that is a source of great delight and hope for me. I can confidently tell you that this book is the tiniest speck on the very tip of a massive iceburg of Welsh language literature that you would love. Each language offers a unique and enriching perspective on the world, and so literature in translation has the potential to enhance our lives greatly. Your favourite book might not yet be translated into a language that you understand. – Read the full version here.

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Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration

The Medal for Illustration has been awarded to Jeet Zdung for graphic novel Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear, (Kingfisher, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Books). This book was created by Vietnamese duo Jeet Zdung and Trang Nguyen and was translated into English by Trang Nguyen. The Independent newspaper reports: “Zdung dreamed of drawing cartoons as a child growing up in Vietnam and said that the process of creating the book ‘was a journey to satisfy the child’s longing’ he had to create an immersive movie on paper using influences of comics and manga.” The judges praised Zdung’s “clever use of panelling” and infusion of graphic novel and manga styles to deliver “drama and impact” as well as creating “perfect synergy” between the visuals and the text.

From Zdung’s acceptance speech: “Together with Trang Nguyen, we hope these books will contribute to the conservation of wildlife by sharing with the readers what we know, what we love and care about. For me, this is a long and enduring journey.” Read the full version here

Janet nobel, Chair of Judges said, “Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear is a beautiful story, elegantly told, which brings together a global view of conservation and an empowering true story of an inspiring female environmentalist, told through dazzling manga art and watercolours. Jeet has crafted every illustration to immerse the reader, just as Manon draws the reader in completely with her vivid, deliberate prose.” – From the Yoto Carnegie press release. Read the full version here

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Global Literature in Libraries Initiative review by Laura Taylor.