Inaugural Mongolian Children’s Book Awards Honor Literary Excellence
Ulaanbaatar, May 7, 2024 — The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the Lorinet Foundation and with additional support from Zulzagan Dul LLC and Barloworld Mongolia LLC, proudly hosted the inaugural Storyteller Fox Mongolian Children’s Book Awards on April 24. As a part of our Let’s Read Mongolia initiative, the landmark event celebrated the burgeoning talent within Mongolia’s children’s book sector. It aims to cultivate a passion for reading, foster a rich reading culture among young children, inspire positive change, and enrich children’s literature for future generations.
Many esteemed authors, illustrators, publishers, and Let’s Read Mongolia partners and supporters were in attendance. During the ceremony, the organizers honored the finalists and invited the winners on stage to receive their awards. The awards included a cash prize and the right to display the award’s seal on their books.
The awards celebrated exceptional achievements in several categories:
Best Picture Book: “I Wonder What Buddy is Doing?” by B. Enk-Oyun, Geren Publishing.
Best Illustration: “A Little Tale about Grandma and Me,” illustrated by L. Nyamdorj, Tagtaa Publishing.
Best Story: “What Happens in Kindergarten?” by Enkhjargal.
Best Debut Book: “A Massive Utility Map” by N. Uranjargal. N and B. Gantulga, Jangar Children’s Book Publishing.
Best Unpublished Book: “The Stone Age” by B.Gantulga.
Storyteller Fox Mongolian Children’s Book Award winners and award presenters.
Professor Davaadorj Ishdorj of the National University of Mongolia highlighted the event’s cultural significance.
“The children’s picture book genre is relatively nascent in Mongolia’s literary heritage compared to the rich traditions of folklore, including proverbs, folk tales, and written literature for children. Nevertheless, the development of this emerging genre cannot be understated, as evidenced by the submissions we received for this year’s awards. I can proudly say that all the winning submissions have not only met but also exceeded the standards set forth for picture books, including the balance between text and illustration, semiotic expression, and graphic code.”
Sara Taylor, The Asia Foundation’s country representative in Mongolia, remarked on the goals of the Awards.
“Through the Mongolian Children’s Book Awards, we aim to ignite a passion for reading and creativity in the hearts of young readers. Celebrating these talented authors and illustrators not only highlights their exceptional work but also signals our commitment to the cultural and educational enrichment of children in Mongolia.”
Sara Taylor, The Asia Foundation’s country representative in Mongolia, with guests.
The event marked a significant step towards promoting reading and increasing the availability of high-quality children’s books in the Mongolian language. It also further strengthened efforts to support and nurture the literary community. Participants and guests left inspired to continue producing quality, imaginative literature for young readers.
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, our work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equality, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. We work in more than 20 countries through our 17 permanent country offices and programs across Asia and the Pacific, supported by a headquarters in San Francisco and an office in Washington, DC. Our funding comes from a diverse array of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
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