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Taiwan picture book wins Belgian lit prize

The French edition of Jimmy Liao’s “Sound of Colors” is a Prix Versele favorite, selected as one of its five best books for children aged 9 to 11. (Courtesy of Jimmy S.P.A Co. Ltd.)

• Publication Date：06/14/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Kwangyin Liu

“Sound of Colors,” an illustrated book by Taiwan author Jimmy Liao, has been named winner of the Prix Versele, a Belgium-based children’s literature prize.

The French version of Liao’s book, published in 2009, was among five books chosen by 45,710 online voters as favorites for young readers aged 9 to 11, sources said June 14.

Inspired by subways in Tokyo, New York and Taipei, Liao tells the story of a blind girl who navigates through a bustling city in search of a way out, with illustrations featuring imaginary creatures and colorful cityscapes.

“I’m happy to know that ‘Sound of Colors’ can still move readers in all corners of the world,” Liao said after being informed of the award.

The final voting followed editorial selections by professional writers and educators, according to the League of Families, organizer of the award.

The Prix Versele, inaugurated by Belgian child psychologist Bernard Versele in 1979, makes an annual selection of children’s books for readers in five age groups from 3 to 11 and older, according to organizers.

First published in Chinese in 2001, the 80-page book has been translated into English, French, Italian and other languages.

It was adapted as a musical and film in 2003, and a TV series in 2006, sources said. The musical will be revived by director Li Huan-hsiung July 6-8 at the National Theater in Taipei City. (THN)

Write to Kwangyin Liu at kwangyin.liu@gmail.com