Astrid Lindgren, creator of the much loved characters Pippi Longstocking, Emil, The Brothers Lionheart and Karlson On The Roof, has had and continues to have enormous influence on literature for children and young people in Sweden as well as in many parts of the world.

The Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson says:
- I hope the prize will have a dual purpose - to remind us of Astrid and her life's work and to draw attention to and encourage good children's literature.

An Award for Children's Literature and Children's Rights

The aim of the prize is to enhance world-wide interest in literature for children and young people. Astrid Lindgren was very committed to children's rights and always spoke out on their behalf. It is therefore important that this prize should promote children's rights at a global level, in keeping with Astrid Lindgren's humanistic beliefs.

An Award for 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 people of absolutely the highest artistic quality and in the humanistic spirit associated with Astrid Lindgren". Individuals or others who promote reading among children and young people as well as illustrators may also be rewarded. It is proposed that the award may be granted to one or more recipients, but may not be awarded posthumously.

A Swedish Jury to Select the Prize Winners

A jury consisting of 12 Swedish researchers, authors, illustrators, librarians and literary critics has been appointed to nominate and select winners. One member of the jury represents Astrid Lindgren's family. This year, due to lack of time, the jury itself will nominate the prize winners. In the future, however, a number of organisations around the world will be invited to submit nominations. Every year in March, the jury will announce the winner in Vimmerby, Astrid Lindgren's home town, which is situated in the county of Småland in southern Sweden. The prize will be awarded in June at a ceremony in Stockholm.

The Swedish National Council for Cultural Affairs, which is responsible for the award management, has established a special office to provide support for the jury, financial administration and information concerning the prize.

- It is our hope that the prize will give literature for children and young people the recognition it deserves, says Kristina Rennerstedt, Director-General at the Swedish National Council for Cultural Affairs.

For additional information, please contact:
Anna Cokorilo, Project Manager
Swedish National Council for Cultural Affairs
Phone: +46-8-519 264 00/08, Fax: +46-8-519 264 99,
E-mail: anna.cokorilo@alma.se