Will be the Solothurn Literary Days 2026 to provide the backdrop to the awarding of the 2026 Swiss Children's Book Prize, scheduled for Saturday 16 May at 16.00pm at the Kino im UferbauThe event, free to attend and with no reservation required, represents one of the highlights of the event, now in its 48th year.
During the ceremony, the public will be able to get a closer look at the five finalist works, presented by the authors and illustrators themselves along with the jury members. The meeting will be moderated by Josephine de Weck.
Five works to tell the world of children
Competing for the award—which annually recognizes the best children's books published in Switzerland—are five titles selected from 98 entries from 62 publishers. This selection reflects the richness and diversity of publishing for children and adolescents.
The finalists of the 2026 edition are:
- Herschel, der Gespensterhund, Thomas Meyer (text) and Magali Franov (illustrations), published by Atlantis
- Jean-Blaise papa poule, Émilie Boré (text) and Vincent, published by La Joie de lire
- The little king, Sylvie neeman (text) and Francesca Ballarini, also for La Joie de lire
- Ocean, Gionata Bernasconi, published by Einaudi Ragazzi
- Schlich ein Puma in den Tag, with illustrations by Verena Pavoni, poems by Lena Raubaum and project of Franziska Walther, for Kunstanstifter
Five diverse offerings, each with its own language and expressive form, testify to the diversity of the contemporary children's book scene.
A double appointment with authors and public
The day of May 16th will be divided into two main events. In the morning, at 11:30 a.m., again at the Kino im Uferbau, the "JuKiLi for Adults" event will be held, during which the finalists will present their work, offering a glimpse into the creative process: from the initial idea to the book's creation. The event will be moderated by Rafael Blatter and will be held in multiple languages (German, French and English).
In the afternoon, the official awards ceremony will take place, followed by an aperitif open to the public.
An award that promotes reading from a young age
The Swiss Children's Book Prize aims to annually recognize the most significant illustrated books and works dedicated to children and adolescents. In addition to the cultural recognition, the winner will receive a prize of 10.000 Swiss francs, while the other finalists will each receive 2.500 francs.
More than a simple competition, the award is intended as a tool to promote reading among young people and to highlight the role of literature as a space for growth, discovery, and exchange. Children's books thus become a bridge between different artistic languages and the various linguistic regions of the country.
A network of institutions supporting the project
The initiative is promoted by Schweizer Buchhandels- und Verlags-Verband SBVV, from Solothurn Literary Days and by the 'Swiss Institute for Media and Children ISMR, with the support ofFederal Office of Culture.
Various foundations also contribute to financially and organizationally supporting the project, including Pro Helvetia and the ProLitteris Cultural Fund, confirming a shared commitment to promoting culture and reading.
Further details on the program and the protagonists are available on the official website www.premiolibroragazzi.ch and on dedicated social channels.
