As a child, there were several books that made an impression on me. Of those books a number were translated into English. One of my favorites was “The Hockey Sweater.” This is great tale about a young guy whose mother mistakenly orders him not just the wrong hockey jersey, but the rival hockey team jersey! The original version by Roch Carrier is in French, but I got to read it in both French and English, and I can report that I was doubly entertained. What luck, that both Francophones and Anglophones got to delight in that very Canadian of stories.
Among the nearly one hundred awards that recognize the best in Canadian children’s literature there has only been one award for Canadian translators of children’s literature.* This award has been listed as “on hold” since 2004.
According to its website: “This award, administered by the Children’s Literature Service of Library and Archives Canada, was established to promote the dissemination of children’s literature by rewarding the translators who have introduced young readers, both English- and French- speaking, to the culture of children’s literature of Canada, in the two official languages.”
It’s difficult to imagine that this award is less relevant now. If anything, we need more awards like it. What about awards for Canadian translations of Chinese, Punjabi, or Hindi children’s books? – just to name a few.
In order to remind ourselves of the importance of translated children’s literature why don’t you let us know about your favorite children’s book that was originally published in a language other than English. Then, we will post a Top 10.
If you have any trouble remembering the title or author of your favorite children’s book, Terry Clarke, CBC’s own “special children’s book sleuth” might just be able to find it for you. You can get the information for that intriguing resource by clicking on this link.
*From the awards list at the Canadian Children’s Book Centre
