HRH Crown Princess Victoria Presented the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
The Canadian picture book artist Jon Klassen received this year’s Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award at a grand ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall on Monday, May 25. The award was presented by HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
− I will spend as much time as possible going forward trying to express what this award means to me. It is truly life-changing, said Jon Klassen in his acceptance speech.
In addition to the prize sum of SEK 5 million, Jon Klassen received a diploma created by Clara Dackenberg. The evening’s host was Philomène Grandin. Entertainment was provided by Esther and Kompani Giraff.
Minister for Social Services Camilla Waltersson Grönvall praised the laureate in her speech:
− Jon Klassen, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Thank you for sharing your imagination with us in both written words and congenial illustrations.
The jury’s citation
“Through his subtle and evocative storytelling in words and pictures, Jon Klassen opens new perspectives on our place in the universe. What happens when a rock falls from the sky, when hats disappear or a skull begins living a life of its own? With precision, emotion and inventive wit, life’s challenges of uncertainty and hopefulness are portrayed in an interplay of colour and form. Jon Klassen’s brilliant tales stand out for their effortless elegance and ambiguous depth, where the reader becomes a co-creator.”
About Jon Klassen
Jon Klassen is a Canadian illustrator and picture book artist. His breakout book I Want My Hat Back is a layered, ingeniously told tale of ownership and morality. Klassen's body of work forms a subtle, astute, and humorous investigation into existential questions, where feelings of anticipation, suspense, and shock play a central role.
Find out more on alma.se/en
Press contact
André Vifot Haas
andre.vifot.haas@alma.se
+46 (0)76-540 10 33
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
Kulturrådet, Box 27215, 102 53 Stockholm
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award was created in 2002 by the Swedish government to promote every child’s right to great stories. This global award is given annually to a person or organisation for their outstanding contribution to children’s and young adult literature. With a prize of five million Swedish kronor, it is the largest award of its kind. Administrated by the Swedish Arts Council.
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