– This was a literary task I set for myself. But I was also aware that I had come up with a good text, that it was not a book to be kept in a drawer – smiles Katarzyna Pranić, a Polish teacher and teacher at the Młodzieżowy Dom Kultury in Bolesławiec. In the Astrid Lindgren Competition, organized by the “ABCXXI – All of Poland Reads to Kids” Foundation, the Bolesławiec woman took second place. The first prize was awarded to the well-known writer Marcin Szczygielski (ex aequo with Katarzyna Ryrych).
The novel “Ela-Sanela” will be published by Stentor in April 2011. – I encourage you to read this book. It is worth devoting some time to it – assures Katarzyna Pranić. – The title character is an ordinary-extraordinary girl. If I were twelve years old, I would want to have such a friend myself.
– This book happened to me by chance – the author modestly admits. – It was easy and pleasant to write. I had a great deal of fun doing it. I hope it will be received in the same way, that it will win children’s approval and bring them joy.
Is writing a book for the youngest readers more difficult than writing for adults? – I think you have to put much more heart into it and bear in mind that the reader has a particular sensitivity – says Katarzyna Pranić. – A child reads honestly, with their whole self. They should be able to identify with the characters in the text.
The author of “Ela-Sanela” has been conducting literary workshops at MDK for years. – These classes are a space we have prepared for middle- and high-school students. So that they can work creatively with words, define and discover their needs – the teacher explains.
– I demand correct texts from myself because I demand the same from others. One must not neglect the knowledge one has already acquired – says the winner of the Astrid Lindgren Competition. As she admits, until now she had not taken her own creative work very seriously. – This award has given me wings – she emphasizes.
Will the debut book have a sequel? – It all depends on the interest “Ela-Sanela” receives – says the author. – If the title character strongly asks for more adventures, perhaps we will give her a chance – she laughs.
(GA report)