13th Flying Turtle Awards Wrap Up: No Golden Prize Winner Emerges!

The Flying Turtle Awards, now in its 13th edition, celebrated the best in children’s literature in Iran on Tuesday evening. This prestigious event, organized by the Book City Institute and the Children’s Literature Studies Periodical, recognizes outstanding contributions to children’s books. However, this year, the jury did not announce a winner for the coveted golden prize, marking a unique turn in the awards’ history.

Despite the absence of a golden prize, the jury awarded silver prizes to three exceptional books, each showcasing unique storytelling that resonates with young readers and reflects important cultural themes.

• “Son of the Ocean” by Mehdi Rajabi – This book was lauded for its artistic storytelling, which highlights the nuances of Iranian life and addresses social issues. The story centers around a young boy named Samir, who dreams of writing his own life story amidst the backdrop of a village devastated by a flood.

  As Samir grapples with the challenges of his reality, he creates imaginary companions—miniature animals—to combat his loneliness. His adventures, filled with dreams of being the captain of the ocean, illustrate his resilience and determination despite the fears that surround him.

  Haleh Ghorbani, the illustrator of this enchanting tale, received an honorable mention for her contributions, adding vivid imagery that complements Rajabi’s narrative.

• “Dotok: The Little Baluch Doll” by Zohreh Parirokh – This book captures the essence of local art woven into child-friendly language, making it accessible and engaging for young readers.

  The enchanting tale follows Dotok, a delightful doll living in a Baluchestan village, who faces various challenges that prompt her to reflect and seek solutions. Through her adventures, the story teaches valuable lessons about friendship, empathy, and the importance of perseverance, encouraging children to think critically about these themes.

  Honorable mentions were awarded to researchers Afsaneh Ehsani and Sepideh Shahbazi for their significant contributions to this title, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this impactful narrative.

• “The Seven Eternals” series by Marjan Fouladvand – This series, which consists of three books, explores a dystopian world where ash falls from the sky and serpents rise from the ground, signaling an impending doom.

  At the center of the story is Jamshid, who believes that the curse affecting his people is tied to malevolent spirits and the actions of a serpent-slaying hero. As he embarks on a perilous journey to break the curse, the narrative unfolds the importance of collective effort, as the people must also confront their own challenges.

  Set in a land fraught with danger, Jamshid’s journey is marked by reflection and confrontation with his past, ultimately leading him to seek redemption in the realm of the dead.

The Flying Turtle Awards serve as a crucial platform for recognizing the creativity and talent within Iran’s children’s literature scene. Each of the awarded titles not only entertains but also imparts essential life lessons that resonate with young audiences. The commitment to nurturing children’s literature in Iran is evident through these awards, and the honor bestowed upon these authors and illustrators reflects their dedication to inspiring the next generation.

In summary, while the absence of a golden prize at this year’s Flying Turtle Awards may have been unexpected, the recognition of significant works in children’s literature continues to shine a light on the importance of storytelling in shaping young minds. The awarded books not only enrich the literary landscape but also foster a sense of cultural identity and resilience among children in Iran.

This event not only celebrates literary achievements but also encourages a love for reading among children, promoting creativity and imagination in their formative years. As the awards continue to evolve, their impact on the future of children’s literature in Iran remains profound.

Photo: This combination photo shows the front covers of the winning books at the 13th edition of the Flying Turtle Awards.

SAB/