What Began as a Childhood Dream Is Now Receiving International Recognition
Seattle-based nonprofit Open Hearts Big Dreams (OHBD) is celebrating a major milestone as Beautiful Dreams, coauthored by teenage writer Leyla Angelidis and her mother Ellenore Angelidis, has been nominated for the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) 2026 Honour List. The book was recognized in the “Best Illustration” category for its vibrant artwork by Ethiopian illustrator Nahosenay Negussie.
Beautiful Dreams is part of OHBD’s Fine Art series, which showcases artists from Ethiopia and around the world while centering stories that affirm possibility, identity, and imagination. The book encourages young girls to dream freely and boldly—an idea deeply rooted in Leyla’s own story. As a child, Leyla envisioned a world where children in Ethiopia could access the same beautiful, high-quality books she enjoyed growing up in the United States.
I am thrilled that more kids in Ethiopia are getting to enjoy quality books with gorgeous art, Leyla said, and that children around the world are learning about Ethiopia.
IBBY’s Honour List recognizes books that represent the best of children’s literature globally while reflecting the cultural, social, and political realities of young people. Titles selected are showcased at international exhibitions and housed in major cultural institutions worldwide. This nomination is particularly historic for Ethiopia, marking only the second time the country has appeared on the list and expanding representation across its official languages—including Afar Af for the first time.
OHBD’s global momentum continued in 2025 when two of its titles earned top honors at the 30th International Gourmand Awards in Portugal, often referred to as the “Oscars” of food publishing. The True Story of Teff and The Art of Cooking placed in multiple international categories among submissions from more than 230 countries.
OHBD Founder and Executive Director Ellenore Angelidis emphasized the broader mission behind the accolades, noting the organization’s commitment to conservation, peace, inclusion, and expanding access to culturally relevant books.
With Ethiopia home to tens of millions of people lacking literacy access, OHBD’s work—alongside IBBY Ethiopia—continues to bridge gaps through language, art, and imagination, proving that young voices can spark global change.
The full selection of OHBD titles can be found at https://ohbd-rsgbooks.com/
