New international children´s literary award announcement for year 2003

NEW INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S LITERARY AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT FOR YEAR 2003 The first prizewinner of The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Literature will be announced on 18 March 2003, in Vimmerby, Astrid Lindgren's home town in southern Sweden. H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria will present the award in Stockholm on 4 June 2003, at a prize-giving ceremony open to the public. The award was founded by the Swedish Government in 2002 and the prize money totals SEK 5 million (approx. USD 553 000). An Award for Children's Literature and Children's Rights Astrid Lindgren, Swedish author and creator of the much loved characters Pippi Longstocking, Emil, The Brothers Lionheart and Karlson On The Roof, has an ever growing impact on literature for children and young adults both in Sweden and worldwide. The annual award aims to increase global interest in literature for children and young adults. Throughout her life, Astrid Lindgren was committed to children's rights and always spoke out on their behalf. Seen in this light, the award also aims to promote children's rights at a global level, in keeping with Astrid Lindgren's humanistic beliefs. Authors, Illustrators and Projects to Promote Reading The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Literature will be awarded to authors "who in their writing have produced literature for children and young adults of absolutely the highest artistic quality and in the humanistic spirit associated with Astrid Lindgren". Promoters of reading among children and young adults as well as illustrators may also be nominated. The award may be granted to one or more recipients, but may not be awarded posthumously. Jury 12 Swedish researchers, authors, illustrators, librarians and literary critics have been appointed to nominate and select the winners. One member of the jury represents Astrid Lindgren's family. Due to lack of time, the prize committee has been entrusted to nominate prizewinners this year. In the future, however, a number of relevant organisations around the world will be invited to submit nominations. For additional information, please visit www.kulturradet.se or contact: Anna Cokorilo, Project Manager, The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Literature, Swedish National Council for Cultural Affairs Phone: +46-8-519 264 00/08, Fax: +46-8-519 264 99 E-mail: literatureaward@kulturradet.se Larry Lempert, Jury Press Officer Phone: +46-8-508 312 20, +46-70-46 312 20 E-mail: larry.lempert@kultur.stockholm.se ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/01/27/20030127BIT00630/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/01/27/20030127BIT00630/wkr0002.pdf