The Chen Bochui International Children's Literature Award (CICLA), formerly known as the Gardener Award for Children's Literature, was established in 1981 by Mr. Chen Bochui, a leading figure in China's children's literature. In 2014, the Shanghai Municipal Press and Publication Bureau, the People's Government of Baoshan District of Shanghai, and the Professional Committee of the Chen Bochui Children's Literature Fund came together to upgrade the award. Running for 40 years (with 33 sessions held in total), CICLA stands as one of the literary awards in China with the longest history and the most award-winners.
For the past 40 years, 474 literary works and 380 writers of children's literature have been awarded for their outstanding contributions. Additionally, since 2014 more than 1,000 works from over 50 countries have participated in the award selection.
The award promotes the concept of "Great Literature for Little Kids" and carries forward Mr. Chen's original aspiration — rewarding outstanding organizations and individuals engaged in the creation, publication, research, dissemination, and promotion of children's literature (including children's picture books) globally. Subsequently, the CICLA aims to foster new creators and new works for children's literature, especially in China, promote children's literature exchanges worldwide, and provide children with high-quality works of literature. The CICLA hopes to grow to an international award for children's literature with extensive global influence, high industry identity, and the ability to promote new distinctive writers.
CICLA is held once a year, through its Collection and Awarding Office in Shanghai Dayin Bookmall Co., Ltd. The event is jointly established and sponsored by the Shanghai Municipal Press and Publication Bureau, the People's Government of Baoshan District of Shanghai, and the Professional Committee of Chen Bochui Children's Literature Fund, and organized by the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Baoshan District, Shanghai.
Four awards will be presented for the 2022 (34th) CICLA, namely, Best Picture Book Award, Best Literacy Award, New Chinese Writer Award, and Exceptional Achievement Award.
1.Exceptional Achievement Award
The participants for this award are expected to be institutions and individuals of outstanding contributions to the creation, publication, research, promotion, and dissemination of children's literature at home and abroad this year.
2.New Chinese Writer Award
The participants for this award are expected to be writers who have created, published, or illustrated more than two children's books in Chinese within the last five years or one single children's book with considerable artistic value, impact, and circulation.
3.Best Literacy Award
The participants for this award are expected to have published children's books in Chinese. There are no restrictions to the subjects, the type of writing, or the lengths of works — including but not limited to fairy tales, novels, poems, fables, play scripts, and single pieces of children's literature published in newspapers or periodicals.
4.Best Picture Book Award
The participants are expected to have picture books for children published domestically or abroad (with no language restrictions).
In 2022, the inaugural list of "Recommended Works of the Year" was released by organizers to promote excellent children's literature and picture books. Additionally, an upcoming Matchmaking Meeting of Chinese Excellent Children's Literature will also be held to bridge the cooperation between authors, publishers, and investors.
