The Etxepare Euskal Institutua has launched a new call for submissions for illustrated children’s albums, inviting original, unpublished works written in Basque. The deadline for entries is May 9, 2025, and participants can submit their projects individually or as part of a team wiht illustrators. Each submission must adhere to specific format requirements, including a minimum size of 20 cm by 21 cm and at least 15 double pages, excluding protective sheets and covers. The jury,composed of experts in children’s literature and illustration,will announce the winner by June 27,2025,awarding a single prize of €5,000,with the winning work published by Pamiela Argitaletxea. last year’s competition saw 31 entries, with the project “Mamuki” by Maite Rosende and Nerea Ariznabarreta taking home the top honor for its engaging exploration of fear.
Q&A with Children’s Literature Expert on the Etxepare Euskal Institutua’s New Submission Call
Time.news editor: Thank you for joining us today. There’s an exciting prospect for creators with the Etxepare Euskal Institutua’s recent call for illustrated children’s albums written in Basque. Can you share what makes this competition critically important for the literary community?
Expert: Absolutely, it’s a pivotal moment for Basque literature. The Etxepare Euskal Institutua not only encourages the creation of original,unpublished works,but it also promotes the Basque language,which is often underrepresented in the children’s book market.This initiative is essential as it supports cultural identity and linguistic diversity in children’s literature.
Time.news Editor: The submission deadline is set for May 9, 2025. What can aspiring authors and illustrators expect in terms of submission guidelines?
Expert: Participants must adhere to specific format requirements: each submission needs to have a minimum size of 20 cm by 21 cm and include at least 15 double pages, excluding protective sheets and covers. This structure ensures that the works are significant enough to showcase both storytelling and illustration effectively.
Time.news Editor: The jury consists of experts in children’s literature and illustration. How does the composition of the jury impact the competition?
Expert: Having a jury knowledgeable in both fields enhances the selection process substantially. Experts can evaluate the depth of storytelling, artistic quality, and the book’s capacity to engage young readers. Their insights will likely ensure that the winning submission resonates well with the intended audience.
Time.news Editor: Can you tell us about the prize and its implications for the winner?
Expert: The winner will recieve a €5,000 prize and publication by Pamiela Argitaletxea, which is a fantastic opportunity. Winning not only provides financial support but also the chance for the author and illustrator to reach a wider audience, thereby amplifying their professional profile in the industry. This can lead to further opportunities for both creators.
Time.news Editor: Last year’s competition was quite fruitful,with 31 entries.”Mamuki” by Maite Rosende and Nerea Ariznabarreta won for its engaging exploration of fear. What lessons can new entrants learn from this?
Expert: “Mamuki” serves as a perfect exmaple of how critical themes can captivate young readers. New entrants should focus on originality and meaningful storytelling that explores emotions or issues relatable to children. This approach not only engages young minds but also fosters discussions around sensitive topics.
Time.news Editor: As we look toward the upcoming submissions, what advice do you have for authors considering entering this competition?
Expert: I encourage authors to collaborate with illustrators to create a holistic product. They should also familiarize themselves with proper formatting and presentation guidelines to ensure their submission stands out. a strong narrative combined with thoughtful illustrations that complement the story can really set their work apart in a competitive landscape.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing yoru valuable insights. As we move closer to the May deadline, it’s clear that this competition will foster creativity and cultural expression within the Basque literary scene.