A former local has been honoured with the UK’s only award for children’s illustrations.
Sydney Smith, formerly of Lunenburg and Queens counties, recently won the Kate Greenaway medal.
It was for his artwork in the book Town is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartz – a children’s book that takes place in 1950s Cape Breton.
Being from Nova Scotia, Smith says he had to prove to the author, the publisher, and readers that he was the right person for the job.
“The biggest challenge for me was making sure all the details were right so that when someone, from home, was looking at the book they’d say ‘that’s right, you got that right.’
Smith says he was passionate about the book.
“I am this book’s biggest fan and I can objectively had worked as much as I could on this book.”
Smith will receive a cash award as well as money to donate books to a library of his choice.
He says he and the author are looking at libraries in Cape Breton for the donation.
The award was established in 1955 for work in children’s illustrated books and named after a famous illustrator.
It’s the only prize in the UK for children’s illustrations only.
Story by Brittany Wentzell
Twitter: @BrittWentzell
Email: wentzell.brittany@radioabl.ca
