World’s Largest Children’s Literature Award Presented Tonight

Illustrator Kitty Crowther receives the world’s largest children’s literature award in Stockholm tonight, 1 June. The 5 million SEK (approx 490, 000 EURO) Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is presented by H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden.  The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award was instituted in honor of Astrid Lindgren, author of children’s classics such as Pippi Longstocking. The award promotes work of the highest artistic quality, in the humanistic spirit of Astrid Lindgren. Describing herself, this year’s winner Kitty Crowther says:

“If I had to choose one word to describe myself, it would be ‘storyteller’. I’ve been steeped in stories from as far back as I can remember.”

Kitty Crowther was born in Brussels in 1970 from an English father and Swedish mother. She lives and works in Belgium. Her 35 titles have been published in 14 countries world-wide. The jury citation reads as follows:

Kitty Crowther is the master of line but also of atmosphere. She maintains the tradition of the picture book while transforming and renewing it. In her world, the door between imagination and reality is wide open. She addresses the reader gently and personally, but with profound effect. In her deeply felt empathy with people in difficulty, she shows ways in which weakness can be turned into strength. Humanism and sympathy permeate and unify her artistry.

Interviews with Kitty Crowther, Odile Josselin, Kitty Crowther’s publisher, Larry Lempert, chairman of the award jury and Judith Drews, German illustrator and expert on Kitty Crowther’s work, together with highlights from the award ceremony, can be downloaded for broadcasting or streaming at www.thenewsmarket.com/alma . If you are a first-time user, please take a moment to register. In case you have any questions, please email journalisthelp@thenewsmarket.com.

Contact for further information: agnes.lidbeck@alma.se or +46 (0)76-540 10 17.