The Big Little Book Award (BLBA), an award that honours the contribution of Indian authors and illustrators to children’s literature, is inviting nominations for its second edition. Every year, BLBA selects one Indian language to award an author or illustrator. This year, the Award committee has selected ‘Bengali’. Authors writing extensively for children in Bengali, with a significant contribution to literature are eligible for nomination. Ms. Swaha Sahoo, who leads the Tata Trusts child literacy initiative Parag, said, “Bengali literature has a rich history with eminent people writing and illustrating for adults and children. Unlike many other Indian languages there are still many illustrious names writing for children.” The inaugural awards were announced at the Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest in 2016. Internationally renowned author-illustrator Ms. Madhuri Purandare received the Author award for her contribution to Marathi children’s literature, while illustrator and cartoonist Atanu Roy received the Illustrator award. “More people should know about this. Since Bengali is the language this year, the events should not be limited to West Bengal. Let children across India read translations of Bengali authors if possible,” said last year’s winner Madhuri Purandare. The nomination process will close July 15, 2017.
