Shortlist Announcement - Otto Foundation Children’s Book Award

Press Release: 31 July 2026

The Otto Foundation is proud to announce the shortlists for its second Children's Book Award, a bi-annual celebration of children’s stories, which aims to spotlight South African storytelling.

"The Otto Foundation Children's Book Award exists to showcase local talent, encourage publishers to invest in homegrown stories, and make sure our children grow up seeing themselves - and their own country - reflected in the books they read." Frouwien Bosman - CEO, Otto Foundation

In its second iteration, the award drew an extraordinary response from the local book community, with over 100 nominations from a wide variety of local authors, illustrators and publishers.

The submissions were reviewed by the Otto Foundation team to arrive at a shortlist of six picture books and five chapter books/graphic novels.

Describing the shortlisting process, Tania Kliphuis, Manager: Literacy Projects at the Otto Foundation says: “The submissions were assessed against clear criteria: authentic South African representation, originality, and outstanding writing and illustration."

"We look for stories that could inspire wonder, pique curiosity and ignite imagination - stories that make children feel excited to read.” Tania Kliphuis - Otto Foundation

Pam Hoffman, Director of Literacy, Learning and Curriculum at the Otto Foundation says this year's submissions confirm that South Africa's literary talent is ready to shine. "Local authors, illustrators and publishers are creating world class books that are contextually relevant for South African children and will spark a genuine love of reading in a new generation of readers.”

Two prizes will be awarded: one for a picture book aimed at readers aged 5 to 9, and one for a chapter book or graphic novel for readers aged 10 to 13.

The shortlists are as follows:

Picture Books

• Big Shoes to Fill, written by Upile uThixo Bongco and illustrated by Zinelda McDonald

• Butterfly Heart, written by Lalu Mokuku and illustrated by Rebecca Potterton

• Cheesecake in Love, written and illustrated by Celest N. Lotter

• Neo’s Invisible Blanket, written by Salamina Mosese and illustrated by Subi Bosa

• Pumpkin and the Hidden Heroes, written by Bianca Flanders and illustrated by Zinelda McDonald

• Show and Tell, written by Marleen Lammers and illustrated by Bronwyn Webb

Chapter Books & Graphic Novels

• Cook-off at Gogo’s Spaza by Salamina Mosese

• Die Doodgewone Bure by De Wet Hugo

• The Lightning Bird by Jaco Jacobs

• The Most Amazing Story of Phoebe and the Trojan Elephant by Patricia Schonstein

• Nafu Wants Food by Subi Bosa

Winners in the two award categories will be selected by an Advisory Panel chaired by Tania Kliphuis and Pam Hoffman from the Otto Foundation. Panel members were selected to bring unique perspectives on children’s books based on their experience in the South African publishing and literary community.

The Picture Book Advisory Panel includes:

• Samantha Waligo - Book Blogger, Sammikoalareads

• Thembela Mbatha - Book Blogger, Afro Mom Reads

• Carmen Holtzman – Area Manager, City of Cape Town Library and Information Services

• Corinne Rosmarin – Podcaster, The Book Tree; founder and organiser of the Kingsmead Book Festival’s Young Writers’ Competition

• Pam Hoffman - Director of Literacy, Learning & Curriculum, Otto Foundation

The Chapter Book and Graphic Novel Advisory Panel includes:

• Branden Grant - Children’s Book Curator, The Book Lounge

• Frankie Murrey – Coordinator, Open Book Festival

• Flippie van der Walt – Area Manager, City of Cape Town Library and Information Services

• Nadia Davids – Author and Playwright

• Liselihle Majodina – Astronomy Education Collaborator, University of Oxford’s Global Jet Watch

• Tania Kliphuis - Library Project Manager, Otto Foundation

The shortlisted titles will also be included in the Otto Foundation’s Reading Relay, which is hosted among ten schools in the District Six and CBD areas in Cape Town. Book reviews submitted by participating learners during the relay process will be considered in the final selection of the award winners by the Advisory Panel. 

The Otto Foundation Book Award winners will be announced in October 2026. The winners will receive prize money to the value of R30 000 each.

For more information about the Otto Foundation Children’s Book Award please contact Tania Kliphuis, at tania@ottofoundation.org.

To learn more about the Otto Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.ottofoundation.org

Detail on the award categories, eligible titles, the reward criteria, and the process for selecting the award winners can be found in this award overview document.