The Silva Award is an international competition created to support original, thoughtful, and imaginative picture books for children. Our goal is simple: to discover new voices, nurture creative talent, and contribute to the future of children’s literature.
The first edition of the Silva Award focuses on unpublished picture books for children aged 3–6. Whether you’re an author, an illustrator, or both — if you have a story that deserves to be read, we’d love to see it.
The Jury
The jury panel will consist of selected experts in alphabetical order:
Alex Latimer
Marco Somà
Rocio Bonilla
Key Dates
• Deadline: June 15, 2026
• Winner announced: October 2026
(Yes, you’ve got time. But no, we don’t recommend waiting until the last minute.)
What’s the Award?
There will be one winner, who will receive:
• 2,000 EUR
• A publishing contract with Tudem Publishing Group
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to anyone who:
• Is 18 years or older
• Submits a project in English
• Has a passion for picture books
What We’re Looking For
• Text-based picture books (fiction or nonfiction)
• Silent books (where the story is told entirely through illustration)
• Projects created by individuals or teams
• All submissions must be unpublished and suitable for children aged 3 to 6.
How to Submit Your Work
Please read our Terms & Conditions carefully before submitting. They include all information about eligibility, format, and how to prepare and submit your entry.
About Us
The Silva Award is new — but we’re not new to discovering talent. For over 23 years, Tudem Publishing Group has organized the Tudem Literature Awards, one of the most respected literary competitions in Turkey. It has helped introduce many of the country’s leading children’s and YA authors to readers. With Silva, we’re opening the door wider — to connect with creators from around the world and support stories that resonate across borders.
We’re Excited to Read Your Work
We believe picture books can open doors, plant seeds, and sometimes change the course of a day — or a life. If you’re carrying a story like that, we’d be happy to read it.
Make us laugh. Make us pause. Make us want to read it again. Whatever your story holds – we’re ready.
