Translating Graphic Novels and Comics - Why and How?

To celebrate World Kid Lit Month, award-winning literary translator Anam Zafar will walk us through two of her recent translation projects: Elfie’s Spellbook, a children’s graphic novel series from French (forthcoming from Puffin Graphics) and Yoghurt and Jam, a graphic memoir from Arabic, aimed at adults and young adults (Balestier Press, 2023).

Using these two as practical examples, she will explore how translating graphic novels and comics is different from translating other types of literature, as well as the practical steps for finding and sustaining work in this area considering the current climate. She will also introduce us to the work of World Kid Lit, a non-profit that aims to bring diverse, inclusive, global literature into the hands and onto the bookshelves of young people.

Key take-aways:

• What strategies to employ when translating graphic novels and comics

• How to find work as a KidLit translator and how to make it sustainable

• Why children’s literature in translation is important

Anam Zafar MCIL is an award-winning literary translator, editor and creative workshop facilitator, with a focus on platforming marginalised voices. As a translator from Arabic and French into English, prizes awarded include a PEN Presents x International Booker Prize, and publications include with Penguin Random House and The Paris Review. She appears on the 100 Inspiring Muslims: Next Generation Edition list (Emerald Network/Aziz Foundation).