OREANDA-NEWS. September 25, 2012. The BBC’s annual literary award, rewarding the best work of fiction in the Ukrainian language, will now expand to include children’s literature. This year, BBC Ukrainian has launched Book of the Year (Книга року 2012) and Children’s Book of the Year (Дитяча Книга року 2012) awards in partnership with the Cultural Programme of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), reported the press-centre of EBRD. 

The new nomination for the best children’s book will be judged by the same panel that selects the BBC Ukrainian Book of the Year.

The winning author in each category will be awarded a Ukrainian hryvnya equivalent of ?1,000. The publishers of the two winning books will have the right to use the logos of the BBC Ukrainian book awards on subsequent editions.

Nina Kuryata, Editor-in-chief, BBC Ukrainian, says: "The BBC Ukrainian Book of the Year award has become a prestigious fixture on the Ukrainian literary scene. We are really excited that, from this year, books for children will compete within a category of their own - and have a better chance for recognition."

For the first time in the award’s eight-year history, the competition for the BBC Ukrainian Awards will be mounted in partnership with the Cultural Programme of the EBRD. Jonathan Charles, EBRD Director of Communications, adds: "We welcome the opportunity of partnering with the BBC to help promote Ukrainian literature for current and future generations of readers."

This year the panel includes:

Vira Ageyeva, professor, Ukraine National University "Kiev-Mohyla Academy".

Olga Gerasymiuk, politician and TV presenter.

Nina Kuryata, editor-in-chief, BBC Ukrainian.

Svitlana Pyrkalo, writer, EBRD Cultural Adviser.

Rostyslav Semkiv, editor-in-chief, Smoloskyp publishers.

Pavlo Solodko, journalist, "Ukrainska Pravda".

Publishers can submit up to three books in each category, and up to two new books by previous winners. Submitted books must be works of fiction in the Ukrainian language, published within the last 12 months. For detailed terms and conditions, go to bbc.ua.

The long-lists in each category will be selected by the BBC Ukrainian team. The panel will select shortlists and winners. The deadline for nominations is 1 October 2012. The winners will be announced in December 2012.