In a world where African stories are often overlooked, one Cape Town-based publisher just proved they’re not only worthy of shelf space — they’re worthy of the world stage.
Imagnary House, the beloved home of imaginative, local children’s books, has won the 2025 Bologna Prize for Best Children’s Publisher: Africa — a milestone moment at the prestigious Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy. The fair is the Olympics of children’s publishing, and this win is like bringing home gold for South African storytelling.
And what a story it is.
Imagnary House is a South African publisher and developer of children’s and YA content, dedicated to nurturing bold African voices and bringing original, imaginative stories to young readers across the globe.
Started in 2015 by Brad and Alison Harris, the publishing house began as a dream shared across kitchen tables and creative sketches — a mission to amplify bold, authentic African voices in children’s literature. Ten years later, their books are not only found in local classrooms and libraries, but also in bookshops across Europe, Asia, and America.
“We’ve always believed our stories matter,” said Alison Harris, co-founder and Creative Director. “Being surrounded by global giants at Bologna didn’t intimidate us — it inspired us. This win validates what we’ve known all along: South African talent is world-class.”
With beautifully crafted titles like Hello Trees and Finding Filbert Frog and Friends, Imagnary House has carved out a space where children can see themselves — their homes, their dreams, their languages — on the page. And readers around the world are paying attention.
The Bologna Prize is awarded to publishers who push boundaries, champion creativity, and elevate diverse voices. For Imagnary House, it’s more than an award. It’s a celebration of every author, illustrator, editor, and child who believes in the magic of storytelling.
Brad Harris, Publishing Director, described the moment as “surreal, humbling, and deeply personal.”
“This started as a passion project between Alison and me, but today it’s a platform for so many South African creatives to be seen and heard globally. This win belongs to all of them.”
It’s not their first recognition — the publisher was previously shortlisted in 2019 and 2020 — but 2025 is the year the dream came full circle. And it’s already opening new doors: more international deals, wider reach, and a renewed energy to take African stories into film, audio, and beyond.
In an industry often dominated by the West, Imagnary House is a loud, proud reminder that the South has something to say — and children everywhere are listening.
As Education and youth development remain at the heart of Africa’s future, Imagnary House’s rise signals more than success. It’s a rallying call: to support local creatives, to invest in our stories, and to make space for a new generation of dreamers with something worth telling — and publishing.
