Toronto/IBNS: Maurice Vellekoop has been awarded the 2024 Toronto Book Award for I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together, published by Random House Canada.

Announced last night at the Toronto Reference Library in partnership with the Toronto Public Library (TPL), 'I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together' is the first graphic novel to win the award.

'I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together' marks Vellekoop's debut as an author.

"Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Toronto Book Awards…Congratulations to Maurice Vellekoop…graphic novel I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together…coming-of-age story about a queer artist in 1970s Toronto,”  Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library said.

Entwined with vulnerability, humour, a blend of insight and richly-illustrated scenes, Vellekoop’s memoir explores his journey to live authentically within a traditional family and the often-intimidating Toronto arts scene of the 1980s and ‘90s.

With a 35-year-career spanning in international editorial and advertising art, Vellekoop hails from Toronto and graduated from Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University).

“I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to accept the 2024 Toronto Book Award during the 50th anniversary year. Thanks to the City of Toronto staff for their work to continue promoting, defending and celebrating books,” said Vellekoop.

The 2024 jury, composed of past winners or finalists, includes authors Desmond Cole, Anthony De Sa, Jane Farrow, Rabindranath Maharaj and Kerri Sakamoto.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Toronto Book Awards, established in 1974 to celebrate books of literary merit that are inspired by Toronto. The award provides $15,000 in total prize money, with $10,000 for the winner and $1,000 for each finalist.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)