Vivian Wilkes Award for 2001 to illustrator and photographer

The winner for 2001 is Ah-Bekutheni? with illustrations by Vian Oelofsen and photographs by Sue Kramer, published by the Early Learning Resource Unit (ELRU) and Project for Alternative Education in South Africa (PRAESA). Both Reviva Schermbrucker (ELRU) and Carole Bloch (PRAESA) deserve commendation for the whole concept of this excellent publication. The prize of R3000 is shared equally between illustrator and photographer.

Ah-Bekutheni? is an extremely original ABC of multilingual rhymes in Xhosa, Afrikaans and English with each letter of the alphabet on an individual loose, double-sided thick paper sheet which makes it practical for classroom usage, as well as for a child to play with the letters of the alphabet in the real sense of the word!

Vian Oelofsen is a young, fresh illustrator who has here successfully combined the two art forms of photography and illustration in a most creative and pleasing manner. The bright, cheery backgrounds add life to the more static characters and the cartoon additions show close affinity with the text.

The photographer, Sue Kramer, is applauded for her delightful and natural photographs of children which form the main character of each alphabet card. She is skilled at making children look relaxed and happy at what they are doing. Her work has been seen in several of the Keteka series published by ELRU.

Lona Gericke: SACBF

Other books shortlisted in alphabetical order

An African ABC - written & illustrated by Jacqui Taylor (Struik)

Cindy - photographs by Motihalefi Mahlabe (ELRU)

Hare helps - illustrated by Jean Fullalove (Maskew Miller Longman Stars of Africa)

Modjadji, the Rain Queen - retold & illustrated by Donvé (New Africa Education)

Tickey, the lonely tickbird - written & illustrated by Pamela Kelly (Covos Day)

Yebo, Jamela! - story & pictures by Niki Daly (Tafelberg)

Wat doen jy, Daniel? - illustrated by Annelie van der Vyver (LAPA)