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Latvian literary works included in The White Ravens Catalogue

2016, October 28

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Each year, the International Youth Library in Munich selects the most noteworthy works of children's and youth literature from around the world to be included in the prestigious White Ravens catalogue. This year's catalogue includes Luīze Pastore's book “Neredzamais cilvēks(The Invisible Man) and Mārtiņš Zutis' work “Nenotikušais atklājums” (The Discovery That Never Was).

The International Youth Library in Germany, Munich, has created currently the largest database for children's and youth literature in the world. Each year, researchers and publishing experts create a special list of newly published books to be included in the annual White Ravens Catalogue. This year, Luīze Pastore's book “Neredzamais cilvēks” (The Invisible Man, illustrated by Elīna Brasliņa, published by “Neputns”) and Mārtiņš Zutis' work “Nenotikušais atklājums” (The Discovery That Never Was, illustrated by Mārtiņš Zutis, published by “Liels un mazs”) were selected from a wide range of Latvian literary works. The aim of the White Ravens Catalogue is to attract wider world's attention to books deserving recognition for their universal themes and/or innovative artistic and literary approach. The jury chooses the best out of the works submitted to the library by publishing houses and literary organizations from all over the world.

The works included in the White Ravens Catalogue are traditionally presented at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, this year taking place from 3rd until 6th April in Italy, Bologna. “The fact that these books have been included in this, I should say, prestigious list is an honour. This collection gets exhibited in the largest book fairs where the world's publishers will learn which works are included in the White Ravens Catalogue. It will make all these books internationally more recognizable. Both IBBY Latvia and several individual publishers work on the part of Latvia in collaboration with the Munich Library”, revealed Alīse Nīgale, IBBY Latvia board member.

The International Youth Library was founded in Munich, in 1949, and its mission is to promote the best and most innovative children's literature around the world. The White Ravens Catalogue has previously also published Juris Zvirgzdiņš' “Miega pasaka” (Sleep Fairytale, illustrated by Anita Paegle, published by “Zvaigzne ABC), Bikibuks collection of 100 poems for children (compiled by Inese Zandere, illustrated by Rūta Briede and Artis Briedis, published by “Liels un mazs”) and other works of Latvian literature.

More about the organization: HERE

About the authors:

Luīze Pastore is the two-time winner of the Annual Latvian Literature Award (Laligaba) in the nomination for “The best work of Latvian original children's literature” (in 2013 and 2016), as well as the winner of the Jānis Baltvilks Prize in 2015.

Mārtiņš Zutis has been nominated for the International Baltic Sea Region Jānis Baltvilks Prize, in the “New Growth” category for his début in children's literature and book art in 2015.

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