DainaMaina Award

Dainamaina Award - 2025

An international competition for creators of children’s and young adult works

A global call for bold, creative voices in children’s storytelling, gaming, and entertainment

In a world facing war, crisis and uncertainty, we believe in the healing power of imagination and the strength of children.

The Dainamaina Prize invites storytellers, illustrators and game makers from around the world to offer children and young people ways to dream, play and understand the world around them.

Who can participate?

Creators with any experience or background in creating and working for children in the following fields can participate in the Dainamaina International Competition:

Children’s stories (picture books, guidebooks, young adult novels)

Entertaining storytelling and storytelling games

Illustration and visual storytelling

Mixed formats that combine play, education and emotions

And…

The Dainamina Cultural and Artistic Institute, along with Gando Publishing, invites writers, designers, artists, and creative individuals to participate in the Dainamaina event. The aim is to discover new voices and perspectives in children’s and young adult literature and the world of children’s entertainment. By professionally reviewing their works, participants can assess their chances for publication.

Categories:

• Children's storybook (without illustrations)
• Children's picture book (illustrated)
• Young adult novel
• Story, podcast, or any audio content for children or teenagers
• A song or lullaby for a child audience
• Designing games and entertainment for a child or adolescent audience (physical or digital)
• Shows and theater for children or adolescent audiences
• Artificial intelligence (AI)