Kamel Essabane, religious scholar and PhD Candidate at the FPTR, and Sabine Wassenberg, philosopher and philosophy teacher, wrote De zoon van de gazelle. It is a famous ancient story, reimagined for children, with each chapter containing fundamental questions. The Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies warmly congratulates Sabine Wassenberg and Kamel Essabane on winning the award.
The book was already named 'Best philosophical children's book of the year' during Children's Philosophy Week earlier this year. Now the book has won the Berrie Heesen Prize, a biennial award for innovative and creative ideas in the field of children's philosophy. The jury praised the book: "When you take the book in your hand, you know: here you have something precious in your hand."
Stories invite wonder and putting oneself in the position of another. It creates connection and conversation. The jury also enthused: "Thanks to a pearl from the Islamic past, citizens of very different origins can find each other in a conversation about... philosophical questions. Philosophising with children takes on a multicultural, intergenerational, historical, critical and spiritual dimension with this book."
Want to know more about the book? Visit the publishers page or listen to an interview with Kamel about his book on Spotify.
