The book, an 80-page juvenile fiction beautifully illustrated by Daly, follows the adventure stories of Lolo.
By Helena Olori
South African artist/illustrator, Niki Daly, has been awarded a Skipping Stones Award for his book, Fly High, Lolo. The book was awarded in the “Multicultural and International” category. Given by Skipping Stones magazine, the Skipping Stones Awards “promote an understanding of cultures, cultivate cooperation, and/or encourage a deeper awareness of nature, ecology, and diversity.”
Daly is one of the 28 winners selected from the many outstanding entries for the 2023 Award.
(Read also: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Notes on Grief Wins Indie Book Award for Non-Fiction)
Fly High, Lolo, the fourth book in Daly’s Lolo series for beginning readers, has been earning praise from critics and readers since its release in 2022. It earned wonderful reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal, the latter of which also named the book a Best Chapter Book of 2022.
The book, an 80-page juvenile fiction, is about a kind-hearted girl named Lolo in South Africa. Fly High, Lolo follows her as she takes on different roles in a school play, meets Miss Teen the Beauty Queen, teams up with her mama’s new friend to clean up a beach, and creates beautiful Christmas decorations from recycled materials. The charming illustrations by Niki Daly make Lolo’s adventures come to life.
(Read also: Lagos International Poetry Festival Calls for Submissions for Márọkọ Issue II)
Niki Daly is a celebrated author for young readers. His 1985 book, Not So Fast Songololo, was the winner of a US Parent’s Choice Award and paved the way for post-apartheid South African children’s books. Daly has also been awarded a Children’s Literature Choice Award and a Parents’ Choice Silver Award. Most recently, his picture book On My Papa’s Shoulders (also published by Catalyst Press) has also been in the spotlight. It was awarded a Charlotte Zolotow Award and a Next Generation Indie Book Award.
Founded in 1988, Skipping Stones stands as a timely and timeless advocate for multicultural and global education. The international magazine welcomes original artwork and writings from individuals of all ages, in every language.
Book reviews for the 28 winning titles are expected to be made available on the Skipping Stones’ platform in the coming weeks.