Dutch childrens author Sjoerd Kuyper wins posthumous Gouden Griffel for final book

Dutch author Sjoerd Kuyper won the 2026 Gouden Griffel for his children’s book *Maantje verhuist de zee*, the CPNB announced on Thursday. Kuyper, who died on Tuesday at age 74, received the award in person last week on his sickbed, surrounded by his wife, publisher, and grandchildren .
The jury praised the book for its literary quality, humor, warmth, creativity, and imagination, stating it “takes children completely seriously” . This marks Kuyper’s second Gouden Griffel, following his 1997 win for *Robin en God*.
*Maantje verhuist de zee* explores the death of a grandparent through a child’s perspective, a theme that resonated with the jury’s criteria for exceptional children’s literature . The prize includes €10,000.
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