Children’s author Sjoerd Kuyper won the 2026 Gouden Griffel for his book Maantje verhuist de zee, according to NOS Nieuws. Kuyper passed away two days ago at age 74. He received the award last week in the presence of his family, as his grandchildren visited him with flowers and cake to share the news.
The 2026 Gouden Griffel Winner and Jury Praise
The Gouden Griffel is a juried award recognizing the best-written children’s book of the year. The official jury praised the winning title for combining literary quality, humor, warmth, creativity, and imagination into a story that treats children with complete seriousness while touching both “head, heart and imagination,” reported NOS Nieuws.
Kuyper reflected on the tone of his work last week. He noted that the book is fundamentally cheerful and funny, despite tackling a serious subject matter. The narrative follows a young girl named Maantje who writes a story to cheer up her seriously ill grandmother. After the grandmother passes away, Maantje continues inventing stories to regain her own joy.
Did you know? One of the most memorable fragments from Kuyper’s award-winning book captures the transition of grief: “A week ago grandma moved, first she lived in the world, now she lives in my head.”
Historical Context of Kuyper’s Literary Career
This marks another major milestone in a career for the author. Sjoerd Kuyper previously won the Gouden Griffel in 1996 for his book Robin en God, according to NOS Nieuws records.
Contribution to youth literature was also honored in 2012, when he received the Theo Thijssen-prijs for his entire oeuvre. At the time, the jury commended his ability to find the exact words across all genres, noting that Kuyper could translate difficult and grand concepts into simple language that lingers in the reader’s mind like a song.
The Gouden Penseel 2026 for Illustration
Alongside the Griffel, the 2026 Gouden Penseel—awarded for the most beautifully illustrated children’s book—was granted to illustrator Karst-Janneke Rogaar for Lucy en Donker, published by Querido. Rogaar both wrote and illustrated the story, which centers on a girl named Lucy and a creature living under her bed named Donker. Rogaar is scheduled to receive the award at the Kinderboekenbal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gouden Griffel?
The Gouden Griffel is an annual Dutch literary prize awarded to the best-written children’s book of the year.
Who won the Gouden Griffel in 2026?
Author Sjoerd Kuyper won the 2026 prize for his book Maantje verhuist de zee shortly before his passing at age 74.
What is the plot of Maantje verhuist de zee?
The story follows a girl named Maantje who writes stories to cheer up her seriously ill grandmother and later uses storytelling to cope with her grandmother’s death.
Who won the 2026 Gouden Penseel?
Karst-Janneke Rogaar won the Gouden Penseel for illustrating and writing Lucy en Donker.
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