The world of French children’s literature celebrated its brightest stars this week with the announcement of the 2026 Prix Sorcières winners. Awarded by the Association des librairies spécialisées pour la jeunesse (Aslj) and the Association des bibliothécaires de France (Abf), the prestigious prizes recognize excellence in youth literature across six categories. This year’s selection, chosen from a pool of 31 nominated titles, highlights a diverse range of storytelling and illustration, with two publishing houses, Éditions des Grandes Personnes and Éditions Thierry Magnier, particularly recognized for their contributions.
The Prix Sorcières, now in its [unconfirmed date – searching for founding date of the award] year, isn’t simply about picking “the best” books. It’s a curated selection intended to guide librarians, booksellers, and, young readers toward exceptional works. The jury, comprised primarily of members from the Aslj and Abf, focuses on quality, originality, and the ability of a book to spark imagination. The awards are considered a significant indicator of trends and quality within the French-language children’s book market, influencing purchasing decisions and reading lists nationwide.
Celebrating Visual Delight: The “Beau” Categories
The “Beau” categories – “Beau mini” and “Beau maxi” – celebrate the artistry of picture books. This year’s winner in the “Carrément Beau mini” category is 36 mois by Julia Spier, published by Éditions des Grandes Personnes. The award recognizes books that excel in visual appeal and design for the youngest readers. Spier’s work is known for its gentle illustrations and relatable depictions of early childhood experiences.
For the “Carrément Beau maxi” award, Antonin Faure’s La chasse aux rainettes, published by Éditions Thierry Magnier, took the prize. This category acknowledges picture books with more complex illustrations and narratives, designed to captivate slightly older children. Faure’s work often explores themes of nature and adventure, and La chasse aux rainettes is no exception, promising a visually rich and engaging story.
Stories That Captivate: The “Passionnant” Awards
Moving beyond visual appeal, the “Passionnant” categories – “Passionnant mini” and “Passionnant maxi” – recognize books that excel in storytelling and narrative drive. Dromeo et Chuliette by Marcus Malte, with illustrations by Henri Meunier (éditions du Rouergue), won in the “Carrément Passionnant mini” category. This suggests a story that successfully grabs the attention of younger readers with a compelling plot and memorable characters.
Nathalie Bernard’s La part du vent, published by Éditions Thierry Magnier, was awarded the “Carrément Passionnant maxi” prize. This category highlights books with more intricate plots and character development, aimed at engaging older children with a more sophisticated narrative. The title itself, “The Wind’s Share,” hints at a story exploring themes of loss, memory, or the passage of time.
Fiction and Non-Fiction: Expanding Young Minds
The Prix Sorcières too recognizes excellence in both fiction and non-fiction. Anne-Florence Lemasson’s Dia de Muertos, illustrated by Dominique Ehrhard (éditions Les Grandes Personnes), won the “Carrément Sorcières fiction” award. The title, referencing the Mexican Day of the Dead, suggests a story that explores themes of remembrance, family, and cultural traditions. The inclusion of illustrations by Ehrhard likely enhances the emotional impact and visual storytelling.
Finally, the “Carrément Sorcières non-fiction” award went to Fanny Pageaud’s Voir & savoir. Dans l’intimité du monde végétal (éditions Les Grandes Personnes). This title, translating to “See & Know: In the Intimacy of the Plant World,” indicates a non-fiction work that aims to educate and inspire young readers about the natural world. The focus on “intimacy” suggests a detailed and engaging exploration of plant life, potentially through stunning visuals and accessible explanations.
The success of Éditions des Grandes Personnes, securing three awards, and Éditions Thierry Magnier, with two wins, underscores their commitment to publishing high-quality children’s literature. These publishers have consistently championed innovative storytelling and artistic talent, solidifying their positions as leaders in the French-language publishing landscape.
The full list of nominees and winners can be found on the Association des librairies spécialisées pour la jeunesse (Aslj) website: https://www.aslj.asso.fr/. The awards ceremony itself is a key event in the French literary calendar, bringing together authors, illustrators, publishers, and booksellers to celebrate the power of reading and the importance of fostering a love of books in young people.
Looking ahead, the Aslj and Abf will begin the selection process for the 2027 Prix Sorcières later this year, continuing their mission to identify and celebrate the most exceptional contributions to children’s literature. The ongoing success of the awards demonstrates the enduring value placed on quality storytelling and the vital role it plays in shaping young minds.
What are your favorite children’s books? Share your recommendations in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation about the power of reading!
