Author François Gravel and illustrator Pierre Pratt will
share a $20,000 prize. The publisher, les editions Dominique et compagnie,
will also receive $2,500 for promotional activities.
The jury considered this book, geared toward children ages seven and
over, as the most distinguished French children's book published in 2005. "The tone is accurate and the writing is fluid. The adorable character David knows how to communicate the philosophical side of childhood while evolving with the turn of a page. The text and illustrations form a perfect package that is realistic and brimming with humour and emotion," mentioned jury members Nadine Fortier, children's literature consultant; Charlotte Guerette, retired Universite Laval associate professor in Education Sciences; Ginette Guindon,librarian; Francoise Lepage, literary critic; and Eric Simard, bookseller and literary critic.
All literary pieces, of any genre, first published in Canada and written in French, and intended for children ages 0 though 12, were eligible for the award.