Jamaican children's author, Diane Browne, recently won The Story for Children special prize in the 2011 Commonwealth Short Story Competition, for her entry The Happiness Dress.
A children's author and literary blogger, Brown has worked with Heinemann Caribbean, the Ministry of Education in Jamaica and on International educational projects. Her work has been published in Jamaica, the UK and the USA. She has won awards in Jamaican literary competitions and been recognized with a Musgrave Medal from the Institute of Jamaica. Her stories celebrate children's potential to be the heroes and heroines of their own lives.
Commenting on her win on her blog, Brown said, "My reaction has caught me unawares. I admit that I am delighted and overwhelmed at getting this award, and overwhelmed at the number of persons who have congratulated me and their congratulations have been truly sincere and lovely. I'm pleased that people are happy for me. And I am giving thanks."
She said she was honoured to receive the prize, adding that she hopes it will be a catalyst for increased interest and support for the genre, and provide children with greater access to local and Caribbean children's books.