Judging by the objective of awarding prizes to children's and young adult literature from the last two years in Mozambique, we can say that the jury of the third edition of the National Children's and Young Adult Literature Prize has just revealed the five best works.
We are talking about the finalist books, recently announced by the Kulemba Association, organizer of the award. They are: “Xica the Butterfly in the Village of All Species”, by Mélio Tinga; “Kioni, the Little Witch Doctor – Calls Saint Benedict Great”, by Joana Carneiro Vasconcelos; “Lila, the Giraffe Who Was in a Hurry to Grow”, by Vânia Óscar; “Moya and the Little Lonely Giant”, by Álvaro Fausto Taruma; and “Who Taught Grandma to Tell Stories”, by Nelson Lineu.
According to the jury, which includes Sara Jona Laisse (Mozambique, president), Ninfa Parreiras (Brazil) and Adélia Carvalho (Portugal), the five selected works are those that best align with the established criteria for a notable literary work, thus deserving the distinction of the award.
In the coming days, the jury will meet again to determine the grand winner, whose announcement will take place during the 9th edition of the Kulemba Children's Book Festival (FLIK 2026), scheduled to take place between June 18th and 20th in the city of Beira.
Let's look at the works:
“XICA THE BUTTERFLY IN THE VILLAGE OF ALL SPECIES”
This work explores the relevance of biodiversity, collaboration, and solidarity in solving environmental issues. The protagonist, Xica, a butterfly full of joy, faces the loss of her favorite tree. To resolve this situation, she gathers other animals to make collective decisions and care for the environment.
“KIONI, THE LITTLE WITCH – CALLS SAINT BENTO GRANDE”
This story narrates the discovery of the world by Kioni, a 12-year-old Mozambican girl, through games, music, and the teachings of capoeira masters. The title alludes to “São Bento Grande,” one of the most iconic berimbau rhythms. This book combines the culture and traditions of Mozambique with the principles and philosophy of Capoeira, celebrating both ancestry and musicality.
“LILA, THE GIRAFFE WHO WAS IN A HURRY TO GROW”
This book tells the story of a young giraffe who wants to learn how to grow quickly to discover the great secret of life.
“MOYA AND THE LITTLE LONELY GIANT”
A boy strolls serenely through the waters of the Mwahulwane lagoon while listening to his father's stories about ancient and fascinating times when magical creatures inhabited the place as if they were part of a dream. From this dream emerges the little lonely giant; feared by many, but who in reality possesses an innocent aspiration.
"WHO TAUGHT GRANDMA TO TELL STORIES?"
This story recounts the experience of young Olga, who felt sadness because her grandmother Madalena didn't know how to tell stories. This pain was eased by the narratives of her grandfather Angorete. After his death, Olga realized that her grandmother also missed the stories and decided to help her, thus valuing listening, memory, and the power of affection.
(By MozaVibe)
