13/04/2026
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The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is proud to announce the recipients the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Awards, the world’s highest international distinction in children’s literature. 🌟
Presented by Jury President Shereen Kreidieh at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the 2026 awards recognize two extraordinary creators for their lasting contributions to the field:
✍️ Winner for Writing: Michael Rosen (United Kingdom) Celebrated for his extraordinary ability to speak to children with honesty, humor, and respect. From poetry to non-fiction, Rosen’s work combines playfulness with emotional depth, inviting young readers to explore complex themes of history, family, and identity.
🎨 Winner for Illustration: Cai Gao (China) Honored for her outstanding artistic quality and unique visual language. Cai Gao’s illustrations bridge tradition and modernity, using color and composition to create visually striking, emotionally resonant worlds that empower children to interpret the world around them.
These winners were selected from 78 candidates across 44 countries by an international jury of ten experts. They join a lineage of laureates including Astrid Lindgren, Tove Jansson, and Maurice Sendak.
Congratulations to our 2026 Finalists: Authors: Ahmad Akbarpour (Iran), María José Ferrada (Chile), Timothée de Fombelle (France), Lee Geum-yi (Korea), Pam Muñoz Ryan (USA). Illustrators: Beatrice Alemagna (Italy), Linda Bondestam (Finland), Gundega Muzikante (Latvia), Walid Taher (Egypt), María Wernicke (Argentina).
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsor, Nami Island Arts & Education Inc., for their generous support.
The medals and diplomas will be presented at the 40th IBBY World Congress in Ottawa, Canada, this August.
Read full biographies and learn more at: ibby.org
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