The traditional Book of the Year awards took place on the Day of Press Recovery, Speech and Book. The children’s book of the year 2024 was chosen by the readers as the work “Komandosė” by the writer Eglė Jasė, published by the charity and support fund “Švieskime vaikus”, illustrated by Julija Račiūnaitė.
This is the third book published by the foundation that has won this prestigious recognition from readers. Ramunė Savickytė’s story “Adele’s diary. Autumn” and Ignė Zarambaitė’s “Magic grandpa’s shoes” are the children’s books of the year.
Vaida Mandrijauskaitė, the director of the charity and support foundation “Enlighten the Children”, says that “Kamandosė” is a warm and unique story about a strange but charming creature who lives among people, but belongs to the family of dwarfs and witches. Her world is full of interesting stories and adventures.
“When I heard that a book published by the foundation won, I felt euphoric inside, and shivers went through my whole body. I am happy for our authors that their books are appreciated by both the committee and the readers,” says V. Mandrijauskaitė.
The author of the book, E. Jasė, was happy with such an assessment and still could not believe her success. In addition, another manuscript by the author became the winner of this year’s National Children’s Literature Competition organized by the Foundation together with the Lithuanian Writers’ Union. This means that one more book by the writer will be published.
“Real miracles are happening. So much good news – I am very happy,” smiled the winner of the Children’s Book of the Year 2024.
The “Educate children” foundation, which is supported by the “Agrokoncerno” group, has published more than 90 original books by Lithuanian authors, with a total circulation of 2 million copies, during its twelve years of operation.
Publications are donated to the funds of educational institutions and public libraries in cities and villages of the country, as well as to young readers.
The foundation’s mission is to support the work of Lithuanian authors for children, to strengthen the culture of reading and to ensure that quality Lithuanian literature reaches every child, regardless of where they live.
