Winners of the 2014 City of Victoria Butler Book Prize and the Bolen Books Children's Books Prize will be announced at a literary gala this month.
Authors and illustrators from the Capital Regional District whose books were published between April 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014 were eligible to apply, provided they met certain guidelines. Finalists are then chosen by two juries, one for each award. The jury is separate from the Victoria Book Prize Society, and is different every year.
“We try and get a mix of authors, book sellers, librarians, folks who are in the book world and have knowledge and experience in assessing books with literary merit,” said Michelle Wong, president of the Victoria Book Prize Society.
Each of the awards is worth $5,000, and will be presented to the two winners at the gala at the Union Club on Oct. 15.
“These are authors who are appreciated and respected nationally and internationally, so it's very important for our community to celebrate that and to acknowledge that,” said Wong.
Tickets for the gala are $20, and can be purchased at Bolen Books, Ivy's Bookshop, Munro's Books and from the Victoria Book Prize Society by calling 250-595-8430.
Doors open at 7 p.m., and the event starts at 7:30 p.m.
Finalists for the City of Victoria Butler Book Prize:
Every Happy Family (fiction) by Dede Crane (Coteau Books)
The World Afloat (fiction) by M.A.C. Farrant (Talonbooks)
The Lost Letters (poetry) by Catherine Greenwood (Brick Books)
Vancouver Island (non-fiction) by Michael Layland (TouchWood Editions)
Finalists for the Bolen Books Children's Book Prize:
Day of the Cyclone (ages 8-12) by penny Draper (Coteau Books)
Pterosaur Trouble (ages 4-7) by Daniel Loxton with Jim W. W. Smith (Kids Can Press)
Whatever (ages 12+) by Ann Walsh (Ronsdale Press)