It is The great journey by Erik The man who won, this Saturday, October 5, the Ouest-France Dimoitou Prize 2024. After three rounds of voting, the ten children selected from 417 applications to constitute the prize jury chose this story which leads the readers in the footsteps of three children, in the heart of the kingdom of Ankou, Breton guardian of death.
Moved, because despite his 35 pounds, including The Book of Stars (800,000 copies sold), the 56-year-old author stressed that he was “unaccustomed” to literary prizes, especially a prize awarded directly by its readers.
Erik L’homme then answered questions from his jury for two hours, over lunch, like those of the “adult” literary prizes: “Is that the title you chose?” For what ? How do your ideas come about…”
In The great journeyVictor, 12 years old, and his two friends Fanch and Léonie, set off on a very painful and risky quest in the land of Ankou, the guardian of the land of the dead. “For me the main theme is the power of friendship which helps to overcome the most painful trials”underlines Erik L’homme. There is also the question of school bullying. “When I was in sixth grade, I was… I don’t dare say harassed, I was bothered by a girl who was in the class above. She was very painful. I like to exorcise my bad memories. That’s the benefit of becoming a writer. » For him, it is not a question of slipping “values” or other hidden messages. “I tell stories and I put things in them that are important to me. Simply. Courage, loyalty to friends. Don’t let them down. »
The Ouest-France Dimoitou Prize
Created by Sunday West-Francethe Ouest-France Dimoitou Prize has been awarded, since 2009, to a children’s novel for 8-10 year olds published during the year. It is one of the very rare literary prizes awarded by young readers. The jury is in fact made up of ten children, aged 8 to 10 years old. Last year it was Pauline’s path by Julie Bonnie (Albin Michel Jeunesse), who won over the young jurors.
The 5 novels in the Ouest-France Dimoitou prize selection
The great journey Erik The Man. Éditions Gallimard Jeunesse, 204 pages. €9.90.
A chainsaw love Colin Thibert. Editions Thierry Magnier, 87 pages. €11.90.
Léon 1916 Tristan Pichard. Éditions Octopus Fictions, 190 pages. €11.95.
The legend of Sigrid Julie Steis. Éditions Talents Hauts, 160 pages. €14.90.
A crumb and glitter Anne Rehbinder. South Youth Acts, 81 pages. €12.50.
Partners of the Ouest France Dimoitou prize
La Maif, the Doucet bookstore in Le Mans, Get reading! The Reading Festival and the City of Le Mans are partners of the Ouest-France Dimoitou Prize.
