French-American Susie Morgenstern, a living legend of children’s literature, was awarded the Prix La Grande Ourse du Montreuil Children’s Book Fair. This is the sixth time the prize, awarded for lifetime achievement, has gone to a woman.

The 79-year-old novelist and illustrator, born in Newark on the east coast of the United States but a long-time Francophile, has lived in Nice for several decades. She has penned over a hundred titles. “ Her books, which celebrate everyday life, school, family, sisterhood and intergenerational relationships, are imbued with her capacity for wonder and her quest for happiness, whether through laughter, emotions or the beauty of little things. “commented the jury in a press release.

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In 2021, she published an autobiographical book, “ My 18 exiles “in which she said she would like her epitaph to end with the phrase: “ Loved life! “ She continues to publish or collaborate on several books each year.

The Salon du livre et de la presse jeunesse de Montreuil (Montreuil Children’s Book and Press Fair) is holding its 40th edition in this city near Paris, from November 27 to December 2. Nearly 200,000 visitors are expected. The theme of this year’s event is “ Colorful dreams “and the organizers are announcing 250 guest artists, in addition to 2,000 authors and illustrators signing books.