The "KIWI – Children's and Youth Audiobook Award of the State Capital of Wiesbaden" goes to narrator Benito Bause for his narration of the audiobook "The Boy in the Wrong Shoes" by Tom Percival, published by Argon Verlag/Sauerländer Audio. The prize is endowed with 10,000 euros and was awarded at the conclusion of the hr2 Hörfest Wiesbaden on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 3 p.m. as part of a children's audio gala in the Kleines Haus of the Hessian State Theater in Wiesbaden. 

The Children's and Youth Audiobook Prize of the State Capital of Wiesbaden has been awarded for over 20 years in cooperation with the jury of the hr2 audiobook bestseller list and is one of the most highly endowed prizes in this field. 

"The Boy in the Wrong Shoes" by Tom Percival is an empathetic story about growing up in poverty. Young Will lives in a family with little money: the refrigerator is often empty, his clothes are second-hand, and his shoes are old and worn. This makes him stand out at school, even though he does everything he can to remain invisible. But he refuses help and occasionally goes astray. It is only through drawing that he learns to accept friendship and help.

The jury praises the authentic story, which is crowned by the perfect interpretation of actor Benito Bause. His warm, pleasant voice sounds sometimes cool, sometimes vulnerable, like a boy who can find hope again after a great low point. And this exceptionally intense and exciting audiobook also ends on a hopeful note, in the opinion of the jury.

Benito Bause, known from the series "Doppelhaushälfte" and "All you need," is also an accomplished theater actor and lends his audiobook interpretations an intense, resonant sound with his youthful, soft voice.