The "KIWI - Kinder- und Jugendhörbuchpreis der Landeshauptstadt Wiesbaden" goes to narrator Benito Bause for his narration in the audiobook "Der Junge in den falschen Schuhen" by Tom Percival, published by Argon Verlag/Sauerländer Audio. The prize is endowed with 10,000 euros and will be awarded at the end of the hr2-Hörfest Wiesbaden on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 3 p.m. as part of a children's listening gala in the Kleines Haus of the Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden.

For over 20 years, the Children's and Young People's Audiobook Prize of the State Capital of Wiesbaden has been awarded in cooperation with the jury of the hr2 Audiobook Best List and is one of the most highly endowed prizes in this field.

"The Boy in the Wrong Shoes" by Tom Percival tells an empathetic story about growing up in poverty. Young Will lives in a family with little money: his fridge 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 off the rails. It is only through drawing that he learns to accept friendships and help.

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

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