Writer Paul van Loon has won the most important public prize for the best Dutch children’s book for the eleventh time. CPNB book dome announced this on Wednesday. Van Loon was distinguished for his book ‘Danse Macabre’, in which he tells the story behind the popular new Efteling attraction. The writer from Drunen won the prize of the Dutch Children’s Jury for the last time in 2009.
The other two nominated books were ‘Kermiskind’ by Bosschenaar Jacques Vriens and ‘Mr. Bart’ by Joost Schijns. In ‘Kermiskind’ Vriens gives a glimpse into traditional fairground life. ‘Mr. Bart’ is about a teacher who died in the MH17 disaster.
Unlike, for example, the Golden Granger and other prizes for children’s literature, the winner of the prize of the Dutch Children’s Jury is not determined by a professional jury, but by children between 6 and 12 years old. They cast their votes by filling in a form at the bookstore, library or school and via the internet. They could do this in the last two weeks.
Thomas van Grinsven
In the category 7 to 9 years old, the prize from the Dutch Children’s Jury went to YouTubers Rutger Vink and Thomas van Grinsven from Den Bosch, for the book ‘The adventures of Rutger, Thomas and Paco: the Safari’. It is the fourth consecutive year that this duo will have this award.
The prize of the Dutch Children’s Jury has been around since 1988 and is considered the most important Dutch public prize for children’s books.