The Korean Publishers Association on April 1 said three domestic picture books including "Mo Story" have earned honors at this year's Bologna Ragazzi Awards, dubbed the Nobel Prize of children's literature. Shown is the venue of last year's Bologna Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy. (Korean Publishers Association)

By Cao Thi Ha

Three domestic picture books have earned honors at this year's BolognaRagazzi Awards of Italy, dubbed the Nobel Prize of children's literature.

Attesting to the world-class excellence of Korean children's literature, Korea since 2004 has won awards every year at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, the world's biggest trade show of its kind.

The Korean Publishers Association on April 1 said "Mo Story" by Choi Yeonju won special mention in the Opera Prima category, while "Rice Cake House of a Tiger" by Seo Hyun and "As You Drive" by Kim Ji-an each earned special mention in the Comics - Early Reader category.

A special mention is an award for excellence. Opera Prima honors a writer's debut work for text and illustrations and the Comics - Early Reader category recognizes works for children ages 6-9.

The Ragazzi Awards honor works with outstanding content, artistic value and creativity among all submissions to the fair in five categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Opera Prima, Comics and Toddler.

The awards ceremony will be held on April 8 at the fair's venue in Bologna, Italy.

shinn11@korea.kr