Children’s book SEULS wins TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award 2023

Mélanie Baillairgé and Paul Tom. Photo credit: Marc-André Perron

Picbois Productions is proud to share that the children’s book Seuls (Alone), an adaptation of the documentary film of the same name, has won the TD 2023 Children’s and Young People’s Literature Award, announced by Communication-Jeunesse (CJ) and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC).

“The reality of young refugees is a subject we rarely hear about, and even less so in such a humane way. Thanks to Paul Tom’s text and Mélanie Baillairgé’s illustrations, Seuls makes this difficult but essential theme accessible to young people, and enables them to better understand – through the experiences of the three protagonists – the reality of thousands of other people who have come to Canada to find freedom and security. What better value to pass on to the next generation than openness to others and empathy? – The TD 2023 Prize jury

The documentary tells the stories of Afshin, Alain and Patricia, who found refuge in Canada without their parents when they were children. They bear witness to the many heartbreaks and obstacles that marked their journey.

The story, published by éditions la courte échelle, is based on the script for the film and the illustrations developed for the animated sequences. Since its release, it has won numerous awards and nominations:

• Prix illustration Jeunesse du Salon du livre de Trois-Rivières (winner), 2023, Petit roman illustré
• Tamarac Prize (winner), 2023
• BRAW Amazing Bookshelf selection, 2023
• Prix jeunesse des Libraires (finalist), 2023, Ages 6-11
• Governor General’s Award of Canada (finalist), 2022, Children’s literature – Illustrated books
• Selection of children’s books from Communication Jeunesse, 2022

The documentary film is still available free of charge at www.telequebec.tv