World’s Largest Children’s Literature Award: From Vimmerby to the World

On March 24, 13.00 CET, the recipient or recipients of the 2010 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award will be announced from Astrid Lindgren’s unique childhood home in the south of Sweden. The announcement will be broadcasted live to the world’s largest children’s book fair in Bologna, Italy, as well as online on www.alma.se starting 12.55 CET.

The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is the world’s largest award for children’s literature was instituted in honour of the Astrid Lindgren, author of popular children’s classics such as Pippi Longstocking and The Brothers Lionheart. Now, the 5 million SEK award (approx 480, 000 Euro) encourages authors, illustrators, oral storytellers and promoters of reading world wide.

“The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is designed to promote interest in children's and young adult literature, and in children's rights, globally. Making the announcement available online is an important step in spotlighting the winner or winners and making them more available to readers globally.” Says Erik Titusson, director of the award.

If you wish to book interviews with representatives of the jury, previous winners, or Astrid Lindgren’s family, contact the award office: agnes.lidbeck@alma.se or call +46 (0)76-540 10 17. Photos and video from the announcement will be made available at the award website on March 24.

The previous recipients of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award are: Tamer Institute for Community Education (Palestinian Territories, 2009), Sonya Hartnett (Australia, 2008) Banco del Libro (Venezuela, 2007) Katherine Paterson (USA, 2006),  Ryoji Arai (Japan 2005), Philip Pullman (Great Britain, 2005), Lygia Bojunga (Brazil, 2004), Christine Nöstlinger (Austria, 2003) and Maurice Sendak (USA, 2003).