A writing competition sponsored by the Danish Embassy is seeking to raise the profile of the fantasy genre in children’s literature.

"Fantasy is an important genre in children’s literature around the world, but it is still a new and unexplored style of writing in Vietnam,” said Le Phuong Lien, head of the children’s literature section under the Vietnam Writers Association’s and a member of the jury board for the writing competition called A Magical Day.

Fantasy writing, “is distinct from fairy tales, animal stories, myths or science fiction and stimulates children’s imagination, creativity and curiosity”, Ms Lien said.

This year’s competition focuses specifically on promoting the fantasy genre. Fifteen writers and illustrators will compete in the final round of the competition, including well-known names such as Tran Hoai Duong, Que Huong, Thu Tran, and Nguyen Thi Bich Nga.

“The competition is a practical activity, and we hope to stimulate the interest of Vietnamese writers and illustrators in developing more fantasy writing and picture books for Vietnamese children,” said Nguyen Thi Dat, head of the organising committee and a member of the jury board.

The competing works were developed in a workshop, entitled A Mysterious Story in Life, held last month by the Kim Dong Publishing Co. Another workshop is scheduled in early December, followed by an awards ceremony to announce and honour the winners.