The World's Largest Children's Literature Award

Press

Christine Nöstlinger and Maurice Sendak - 2003 year's prize-winners

Jury's reasoning for choosing this year's winners:

030318 News

"Christine Nöstlinger (Austria) is a reliably bad child-rearing influence of the same calibre as Astrid Lindgren. Her diversified and highly committed authorship is characterized by disrespectful humour, clear-sighted solemnity and inconspicuous warmth. She is a staunch supporter of children and those living on the margin of society".

"Maurice Sendak (USA) is the modern picture-book's portal figure. He is unparalleled in developing the picture-book's unique possibilities of narrating - to the joy of constant new picture-book illustrators. Furthermore, he is one of the most courageous researchers of the most secret recesses of childhood - to the delight of constant new readers".

The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Literature, established by the Swedish Government, is an annual, international prize for children's and young adults' literature. The five-million-kronor prize (approx. 540 000 euro) can go to authors, illustrators and promoters of reading whose work reflects the spirit of Astrid Lindgren.

The presentation of the literary award will take place at a ceremony to be held at the open-air museum of Skansen in Stockholm, on 4 June, 2003.

Contacts
Larry Lempert
Jury's Press Spokesman, The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Literature
Tel.: +46-70-463 12 20
E-mail:larry.lempert@kultur.stockholm.se

Anna Cokorilo
Director The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Literature
Tel:+46-8-519 264 00/08, +46-70-602 51 15
E-mail:anna.cokorilo@alma.se

Per Svenson
Head of Information, The Swedish National Council for Cultural Affairs
Tel: +46-8-519 264 00/49, +46-70-397 76 80
E-mail:per.svenson@kulturradet.se

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 Award
Swedish Arts Council
P.O.Box 272 15
102 53 Stockholm

Visit: Borgvägen 1–5, Stockholm
Telephone: +46 (0)8-519 264 00
Fax: +46 (0)8-519 264 99
E-mail: literatureaward@alma.se