When Katherine Paterson addressed memebers of the Swedish Parliament on her visit to the House of Parliament Library, she spoke of the importance of children's literature and the role it can play in shaping lives and futures.
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) is the world's largest prize for children's and young adult literature. The award, which amounts to SEK 5 million, is awarded annually to a single recipient or to several. Authors, illustrators, oral storytellers and those active in reading promotion may be rewarded. The award is designed to promote interest in children's and young adult literature, and in children's rights, globally. An expert jury selects the winners from candidates nominated by institutions and organisations worldwide. The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is administered by the Swedish Arts Council, and was founded by the Swedish government in 2002.
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial AwardSwedish Arts CouncilP.O.Box 272 15102 53 Stockholm
Visit: Borgvägen 1–5, StockholmTelephone: +46 (0)8-519 264 00Fax: +46 (0)8-519 264 99E-mail: literatureaward@alma.se