Rohan Agalawatta praised for his first book

Stand-up Rohan Agalawatta has won a prize for his first children’s book.

The FAB prize was set up in December to find new writers and illustrators from black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds.

Agalawatta won the inaugural writing prize for The Monster Orphanage, described as ‘funny, atmospheric, and self-assured, with a charm all of its own’.

It revolves around a boy called Odel and a talking yeti, and  is described as combining pacy storytelling with laconic humour.

Agalawatta now receives a year’s mentoring with publisher Faber and literary agents Andlyn, as well as £500 cash.

Freelance illustrator Lucy Farfort won the other prize, with judges praising ‘the richness of her jewel-like colour work’ as she reinterpreted classic fairytales.

Published: 1 Jun 2017