Nikšić-based writer Goran Radojičić won the "Golden Planjax Pen" award for the best story for children and young people at the 11th Planjax publishing house competition. This award is a testament to his creativity and dedication to literature for the youngest. For Boje jutra, Radojičić reflected on the award and the significance of the story he wrote:
"An interesting fairy tale about the magic of the holidays, the kindness and innocence of children, but also the importance of play, harmony and adventure for their growth, has won the Golden Planjax Feather award in a competition that has been held by the Planjax publishing house for more than a decade."
He pointed out that the award also recognizes him as an author, because it comes at an important moment in his literary creation:
"I am currently in the process of finalizing my poetic plan, but what is most important to me is that I am still in the process of learning. I am fortunate to collaborate with numerous writers from the region, as well as with people who are involved in the study of children's literature. This award gives me confirmation that my story has aroused interest, but also shows me which path I should take – what are the themes and structures that respond not only to the demands of the professional public, but also to what children like and what leaves the desired impression on them."
His award-winning story is imbued with motifs of family and holiday magic, which, he points out, are crucial to a child's growth:
"The story combines two important motifs – family, which is the basic support of a child, and the magic of the holidays. What is perhaps different is the way I organized the children in the story – they join forces, show togetherness and help Santa Claus complete all his duties. In this way, through the story, I bring values such as solidarity and team spirit closer to the children."
Speaking about the challenges of contemporary children's literature, Radojičić emphasizes the importance of adapting storytelling to today's young readers:
"The time we grew up in was marked by writers like Branko Ćopić, Desanka Maksimović and Dušan Đurišić. Those were times when children's writers were given much more attention and when they were cultural icons of sorts. Today, it is important to find ways to motivate children to read more, to make stories close and understandable to them, and to interest them in the world of books in a way that is natural and close to them."
This award for Radojičić is not only a recognition for his work to date, but also an incentive to continue creating stories that inspire and leave a mark in the world of children's literature.
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