Heinz Janisch: Strem’s new star of children's literature with pricing

Heinz Janisch: Strem’s new star of children's literature with pricing

Heinz Janisch, an author living in a lively, has recently received great recognition in the world of child and youth literature. Four weeks ago, he was awarded the Hans-Christian-Dandelsen Prize, one of the most renowned awards for children's book authors who are awarded worldwide. In addition, he can also call himself the bearer of the Christine-Nöstlinger Prize, which further underlines his successes.

In an interview with Meinverzirk, Janisch talks about the importance of these prices and about his view of the literature for children and adults. "The Hans-Christian-Andersen-Prize has an immense meaning for me. It is the most important international award for children's book authors, comparable to the Oscar for actors," he explains enthusiastically. This honor was allowed to share only a few Austrians; According to writers like Christine Nöstlinger and illustrator Lisbeth Zwerger, Janisch is only the third Austrian who is awarded this price.

prices and successes

The award took place in Trieste at the end of August and was the opportunity for an unforgettable festival. Janisch describes the moment as overwhelming: "I've never been so much hugged and photographed." When he received the medal, it was a dream for him that became true. In addition to the Hans-Christian-Dandelsen Prize, he was also awarded the Christine-Nöstlinger Prize, another award that not only appreciates his literary work, but also strengthens his connection to children's literature.

"I dream of a demanding book that is intended for both children and adults," reveals Janisch. His goal is to write stories that encourage and stimulate imagination. He wants to be appealing with his works for a wide audience. "Well -made picture books can also be enjoyed by adults." The drawer who he sought is an abomination to him; He emphasizes the meaning of stories that can bridge generations and inspire all readers.

Janisch also has ideas on how to bring children closer to reading. "I often play rhyme games with the children who are fun and make the imagination," he says. It is important to him that both children and adults do not consider books that are dusty on the shelf, but as valuable resources to promote their language skills. He would like to encourage people to tell and hear stories, because "we read the power of language".

A great influence on Janisch's writing comes from his own childhood memories and the observations that he used to do. In this context he mentions his favorite authors: "As a child, I loved the stories of Astrid Lindgren. Today, authors like Italo Calvino inspire me who work with short and captivating texts." Fairy tales from all over the world also captivate him and are often source of inspiration for his own works. "Being an author is a nice job. You are an inventor of worlds," he says with passion.

Janisch has firmly anchored its roots in the southern Burgenland. His connection to the region is strong: "My mother came from Heiligenbrunn, and my father was a customs investigator near Lutzmannsburg. We lived in German Bieling until I was six years old and then moved to Vienna." 25 years ago, he and his wife acquired an old house in Strem, which tells him a lot about his childhood and that he renovated bit by bit. "Now that I am in early retirement, I'm more here and rediscover the region again," says the author enthusiastically.

about Heinz Janisch

Heinz Janisch, born in Güssing in 1960, is not only a successful author, but also a trained journalist. He studied German studies and journalism in Vienna and worked for ORF, where he designed radio programs. His works have been translated into more than 25 languages, and his dedication to children's literature and poetry is obvious. The numerous prices he won underline his extraordinary talent, most recently the two prestigious awards that catapulted him into the Olympus of Children's Literature.

For more information about Heinz Janisch and his fascinating works, Reporting on www.meinbezirk.at .