The State Library of NSW has launched a new humour writing prize for young people to add to its biennial Russell Prize for humour writing.
State Librarian, John Vallance said the new category for youngsters was aimed at ensuring everyone could have a laugh as they emerged from a year which wasn’t particularly humorous.
“We all need a good laugh now more than ever and the State Library is thrilled to administer not one but two prizes which celebrate the value and importance of humour writing,” Dr Vallance said.
“Someone far wiser than I once noticed that if you can’t laugh, you can’t be serious,” he said.
Dr Vallance said the Russell Prize for Humour Writing, established by the bequest of Peter Wentworth Russell, was awarded to the best work of literary humour by an Australian author published in the previous two years.
“The new Humour Writing for Young People award is offered for a published work intended for readers between the ages of five to 12 years,” he said.
Dr Vallance said applications for the prizes were open until 8 February.
Further information on the prizes, including nomination guidelines, can be accessed at this PS News link.
