International Award Winners Announced

On the same day we heard the news about the Hans Christian Andersen Award winners (one for writing and one for Illustration) and the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award winner.

The Hans Christian Andersen Award is the highest international recognition given to an author and an illustrator of children's books. Given every other year by IBBY, the Hans Christian Andersen Awards recognize lifelong achievement and are presented to an author and an illustrator whose complete works have made an important, lasting contribution to children's literature. The Author's Award has been given since 1956 and the Illustrator's Award since 1966. The Award consists of a gold medal and a diploma, presented at a festive ceremony during the biennial IBBY Congress. 

And the winner for writing is .... Michael Rosen. Read my post from 2024. And here is his web page.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Michael Rosen's Reading Manifesto:

1. Reading books helps children make the most of what school and the world offer them.

2. Books give children language, thoughts, ideas and feelings.

3. Books show them places and times and cultures very near and dear to them.

4. Books show them places and times and cultures they may not have come across before.

5. Books help children walk in other people’s shoes, seeing things from someone else’s point of view.

6. Books help children see that they are not alone.

7. We have to do what we can to put books into children’s hands.

8. We have to do what we can to find space and time for children to talk about books.

9. We have to celebrate children’s books.

10. Children’s books are for everyone because we are all children at some time or another.

The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is a global award given annually to a person or organisation for their outstanding contribution to children’s and young adult literature. With a prize of five million Swedish kronor, it is the largest award of its kind. Above all else, it highlights the importance of reading, today and for future generations.

And the winner is ... Canadian author/illustrator Jon Klassen. Read more here. 

Extra Yarn

Check out my previous posts about the ALMA for 2026 and the HCAA ten short listed authors and illustrators. The 2026 HCAA Illustrator winner is Chinese artist Cia Gao. I don't think any of her books have been translated into English but I expect that will now happen following on from this award.  You can read her dossier. There are links here on the IBBY page. 

Previous ALMA winners include our Australian Indigenous Literacy Foundation; Shaun Tan; Sonya Hartnett; Jacqueline Woodson; Christine Nostlinger (Conrad the story of a factory-made boy); Laurie Halse Andersen; and Maurice Sendak.

Previous HCAA winners for writing include Patrician Wrightson (Australia); Jacqueline Woodson; David Almond; Margaret Mahy; Martin Waddell; Aiden Chambers; Katherine Paterson; and Astrid Lindgren. Previous HCAA winners for illustration include Maurice Sendak; Mitsumasa Anno; Robert Ingpen (Australia); Lisbeth Zwerger; Anthony Browne; Max Velthuijs (Frog is frog); Roberto Innocenti; Roger Mello; Suzy Lee; and Sydney Smith. 

IBBY Who What and Why

IBBY is an non-profit organization that was founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 1953. Today, it is composed of 85 Sections all over the world. It represents both countries with well-developed book publishing and literacy programmes 

and countries with only a few dedicated professionals who are doing pioneer work in children's book publishing and promotion.

In social situations I am often asked about IBBY. It is difficult to know how much detail to explain and exactly what to say and an even bigger puzzle, which I cannot answer in this post, is whether I should try to entice the questioner into joining IBBY Australia. But first I will focus on the bigger international picture by starting point with the IBBY Children in Crisis Fund:

Go to the webpage and click on each image to read more

IBBY also compile and maintain several very important book lists and collections - Silent Books (wordless); International Honour Books; Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities (Australian list is here); Children's Books from and about Palestine; Books to support the Sustainable Development Goals; and IBBY-UNESCO Collection of Remarkable Books in Indigenous and Endangered Languages.

I recently read a fabulous interview between the US IBBY president Susan Polos and Betsy Bird. I am going to quote large chunks of it here.

Betsy: The other day a librarian colleague of mine reached out to me. They found that after years of doing their job they found themselves in a bit of a slump. They were hoping to find new outlets of interest in the world of children’s literature to pursue. At the same time I was also meeting with a newly minted children’s librarian, fresh out of library school. For her, she was looking for ways to advance her career. Or, maybe, just keep in touch with the wider world of children’s books out there.

Enter the USBBY. And it’s not a new organization, not by any means. But to get at its origins you need to look at another organization first. In 1953 The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) was founded, based on the vision of its creator, Jella Lepman. IBBY´s mission is to promote international understanding through children’s books. And USBBY is the U.S. national section of IBBY.

All well and good, but what’s the organization do? And what’s the advantage to joining? To answer that, we’re talking today to the President of USBBY, Susan Polos. After all, there’s no better way to get some answers than to start asking some questions.

For folks unfamiliar with the organization, can you tell us a little bit about what it is and what it does?

Susan: The United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY) is the United States’ section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). As such, it works with 84 other sections to promote increased international understanding through sharing outstanding books for children and young adults.

What, would you say, are the benefits of seeing books for children from all over the world?

Susan: Reading books from other countries and cultures broadens children’s awareness of the world and their place in a global society.

If a person is interested in learning more about books for kids from other countries, what’s the best way that they can begin their education? Where should they be looking? What would you recommend that they read?

Susan: Read works by recipients of the Hans Christian Andersen Award to understand global narrative and artistic traditions. Consult curated reading lists such as IBBY Honour Lists. Explore catalogs from independent presses specializing in translated and international children’s literature. Engage with academic journals, conferences, and university coursework focused on comparative children’s literature. Develop critical awareness of translation, cultural context, and representation when selecting and sharing international texts. And note how illustrations are often so distinctly different from what we are used seeing.

Use global awards/international lists as entry points, not endpoints, asking why certain books are recognized and others are not. When you read books from other countries, pay attention to how you feel after reading these books. Sometimes the plot in books from non-Western countries are not in the order of “starting point-climax of the story-ending” because there are many other types of storytelling such as circular narratives, nested stories, etc.

And if a person were interested in joining USBBY (or IBBY or  IBBY Australia), what could they expect? 

Susan: There is an IBBY Congress in Ottawa with the theme “Listening to Each Other’s Voices” this August (2026). ... Whenever you do anything with IBBY or USBBY, you can be assured that you will be surrounded by some of the most wonderful people in publishing and education you will ever know. You can expect to grow and learn and be very glad you joined!

In these terrible times, we look for hope. ... USBBY (and IBBY) will continue to be engaged in uplifting stories that represent many different cultures and that speak to and celebrate diversity within cultural groups. Jella Lepman, a founder of IBBY, believed that books for children could help heal the world after the atrocities of WWII. We need healing now, don’t we? I agree with you that people who love children’s books are some of the kindest and most open-minded people. ...  International children’s books (are) as USBBY’s mission declares, they are a bridge to understanding. Thank you!

Back to IBBY Australia - celebrating 60 years in 2026:

IBBY Australia, was established in 1966 and Ena Noël, OAM became its first president remaining in this role for over 20 years.  Australia has twice hosted International Children’s Book Day the annual international celebration on behalf of IBBY.  The first time was in 1978, when Colin Thiele wrote the message and Robert Ingpen illustrated the poster with a picture from Storm Boy supported by a grant from the Literature Board.  The second time was in 1988, when Patricia Wrightson wrote the message The Magic Carpet, and Robert Ingpen again illustrated the poster with an image from The Idle Bear with support from the Bicentennial Authority.

IBBY Australia nominates Australian children’s authors and illustrators for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Awards.  The Hans Christian Andersen Award is the highest international recognition given to an author and an illustrator of children’s books. The award is made to a living author and illustrator whose body of work has made a lasting contribution to children’s literature. In 1986, both Hans Christian Andersen Awards were won by Australians: Patricia Wrightson for writing and Robert Ingpen for illustration. Our 2026 nominees were Bruce Whatley (illustration) and Emily Rodda (writing). 

Here is our 2026 IBBY Australia International Children's Book Day Video which celebrates our 60th. 

Take a look at our past Newsletters and read about the prestigious Ena Noel Award.

Purpose and goals:

• To promote international understanding through children’s books
• To give children everywhere the opportunity to have access to books with high literary and artistic standards
• To encourage the publication and distribution of quality children’s books, including those in their own languages (eg the Indigenous languages across Australia)
• To provide support and training for those involved with children and children’s literature
• To stimulate research and scholarly works in the field of children’s literature

I highly recommend these two books about the founder of IBBY Jella Lepman.  Click the link below each book to read more about this feisty, determined woman who had a wonderful vision for a better world. 

Jella Lepman and her library of dreams

The Lady with the Books

Hans Christian Andersen Award short list for 2026

To write for children is to speak of truth, tenderness, and enduring hope

Maria Jose Ferrada

The Hans Christian Andersen Award is the highest international distinction given to authors and illustrators of children's books. Given every other year by IBBY, the Hans Christian Andersen Awards recognize lifelong achievement and are given to an author and an illustrator whose complete works have made an important, lasting contribution to children's literature. The Winners of the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Awards will be announced at the IBBY Annual Press Conference on 13 April 2026 at the Bologna Children's Book Fair.

I am thrilled to see Timothée de Fombelle from France; Pam Muñoz Ryan from United States; and Michael Rosen from United Kingdom because I know their work and also Beatrice Alemagna from Italy nominated for illustration. Now I will dig deeper into the work of the other short-listed nominees. Our Australian nominees were Bruce Whatley and Emily Rodda (they didn't make the short list). Here is a list of all the 2026 nominees from around the world. 

Timothee de Frombelle

(This is one of my favourite books for readers aged 11+)

I read this book many years ago. Parts of the plot still linger with me. This book is a mammoth one to read but the story is so beautifully crafted. A rich reading experience.

Read my profile of Michael Rosen

Here are a few brief facts about each of the short-listed candidates.:

Ahmad Akbarpour: One of Iran’s most celebrated authors for young readers, with over fifty books to his name. He was shortlisted for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2023 and 2025.

Timothée de Fombelle: In 2006, his debut novel Tobie Lolness: La vie suspendue (Toby Alone) — the story of a boy one and a half millimeters tall fighting to save his world, a giant oak tree — became an international sensation, translated into over 30 languages and hailed as a modern classic for its moral depth and visionary worldbuilding. Other books include Captain Rosalie and Celeste My Planet.

María José Ferrada: She has since published over sixty books across genres and age groups, translated into more than twenty languages. Her work is marked by quiet precision and emotional depth — celebrating small wonders (a cloud, a word, a gesture) while confronting heavy histories: dictatorship, exile, injustice.

Lee Geum-yi: Lee’s work consistently centers marginalized voices — women, migrants, disabled individuals, non-traditional families — and challenges adult stereotypes that harm young lives.

Pam Muñoz Ryan: Ryan’s award-winning works — including The Dreamer (2010) and Echo (2015) — explore identity, social justice, and the transformative power of music and storytelling, all rendered in lyrical prose with deeply authentic characters. Her stories celebrate cultural diversity, resilience, and the human spirit — inviting empathy across borders and generations.  Here is her web page.

Michael Rosen: He has written over 200 books — for children and adults — often collaborating with illustrators like Quentin Blake, Tony Ross, and Helen Oxenbury. As Children’s Laureate (2007–2009), he championed poetry in classrooms.

Beatrice Alemagna: “Writing and drawing children’s books is a terribly political act for me,” she says — about building worlds of respect, justice, and freedom. Her art invites readers — children and adults alike — to linger, imagine, and complete the story themselves. Her books, like On a Magical Do-Nothing Day (2017), celebrate quiet wonder and emotional honesty — winning the Landerneau Prize, Grand prix de l’illustration, English Association Book Award, and a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators (USA). She was shortlisted for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award four times (2014–2017).

Read about this book here

Linda Bondestam: she is one of the Nordic region’s most distinctive and celebrated illustrators — known for her bold, evolving “Bondestamian” style: rich, dark palettes that make jewel-toned highlights pop, layered textures, and whimsical, miniature creatures that scurry through her pages. Her work thrives on contrast — visual, emotional, and narrative — blending humor, mystery, and quiet wonder. Characters are richly detailed, each hinting at hidden stories the reader is invited to imagine. Her books — over forty illustrated, several authored — are published across Finland and Sweden, and translated into more than a dozen languages, including Arabic, German, Russian, and Turkish. 

Cai Gao: Her style is richly versatile: blending Western textures, Chinese folk art’s vigor, and classical painting’s elegance.

Gundega Muzikante: Over more than thirty years, she has illustrated over seventy children’s books, her distinctive visual language also appearing in animated features such as Cuckoo and Her 12 Husbands and on commemorative Latvian collector coins. Her illustrations are celebrated for their warmth, humor, and meticulous detail — inviting readers to return again and again, discovering new layers with each look. She was twice nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (2020, 2025), and is a nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2018 and 2026.

Walid Taher: His books encourage empathy, self-awareness, and imagination — values he sees as essential to raising thoughtful readers. Taher has illustrated over ninety children’s books, more than thirty of which he authored himself. His work has been translated into multiple languages and recognized with honors including the Kaheel Lifetime Achievement Award. 

María Wernicke: Since 1981, she has worked independently as a graphic designer, and in 1994, she published her first illustrated book. Over the following decades, she has illustrated dozens of titles published across Argentina, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. in 2006, her debut as author-illustrator, One and Another, won the Outstanding Book Award for Best Picture Book from Argentina’s ALIJA and represented the country at the 2007 Biennial of Illustration Bratislava. In 2012, it was named one of Argentina’s ten best picture books and included in IFLA’s global project “The World through Picture Books.”

Jella Lepman and her Library of Dreams by Katherine Paterson illustrated by Sally Deng

Subtitle: The woman who rescued a generation of children 

and founded the world's largest children's library

I am a member of IBBY Australia and so I am already familiar with the wonderful work of Jella Lepman but I learnt so much more from this new book. 

Dr Robin Morrow AM, past president of IBBY Australia said, in Magpies Volume 40, Sept 2025:

"... this comprehensive but accessible book (112 pages) is a must-have for public libraries and for upper primary and secondary collections, and an excellent resource for students researching influential women. ... The world has changed but the challenges for those who care about children, and good books and the possibilities for peace remain remarkably similar to those of eighty years ago."

The word that shines through most forcibly reading this book is determination. Jella Lepman acted on her vision that the children of Germany, who had lived through the most dreadful circumstances, children who had seen things no one, adult or child, should ever see, that these children needed to see different ways of living, and imagining and interacting and, she knew, that could come from children's books. But there were so many problems in Germany in 1945. She had to convince the authorities (men in the US army); she needed money; she needed books (lots of them hopefully for free); she needed helpers; she needed to maintain her strong voice and vision; she needed a space for her exhibition of books and children's drawings; and later she needed a space to set up a library. For all of this Jella Lepman used her determination. 

I loved the scene where she has to sneak in at night to use a typewriter and then has to invent 'a demanding high raking officer' who has ordered her to work late into the night. 

Because of her work and vision and fierce belief in the power of children's books as a force for good in the world today we have IBBY (The International Board on Books for Young People). Read more here.

I have read right through Jella Lepman and her Library of Dreams twice. There are parts that made me cry. Jella sees a little child in a bombed out city holding a winter flower; Jella follows another little girl who had been begging for treats from US soldiers only to discover older children are using her and taking everything from her begging; Jella is given money for a book mobile but this never eventuates because bureaucrats raise issues of money and staffing; officious men tell her the children will steal the books (this does not happen) and others declare they should not be allowed to touch the books with their dirty hands. I loved the idea of children from all over the world sending paintings to the children in Germany and the way Jella insisted her library should have a space for children to create their own art projects. Imagine attending her conference in 1951:

"But onto her greatest achievement; Jella had been seeking to make peace through children's books since 1949. Perhaps she should gather people from around the world who also gave their lives to children and their books, who might also believe that books could be a bridge for peace. Jella made up a list of people she considered the who's who of children's literature and sent out 60 invitations. Very quickly the acceptances poured in, along with pleas from people who had not received an invitation but who wanted to come."

And did you know that today you can visit her library in Germany - it is in Munich and it is housed in a castle. It is my own dream to one day make a visit to see the now impressive collection of over 600,000 items.

When you pick up this book make sure you look really closely at the cover - there are some famous characters walking alongside the children and then take of the dust jacket (yes I love that this book has a dust jacket) and even better the case reveal shows children having fun with some of those characters from the cover. 

Publisher blurb: Jella Lepman was a woman who stood her ground, challenged convention, and worked fiercely to transform her biggest dreams into reality. In 1945, when Jella was tasked with what seemed like an insurmountable challenge―to create a haven of imagination and joy for the children of a Germany scarred by war—she turned to a steadfast companion: books. As a Jewish woman who had fled from the Nazis, Jella was determined to restore a sense of childhood to the young people who had only known conflict and violence. Despite constant obstacles, Jella persevered, and with the help of publishers and children from around the world, she amassed an extraordinary collection of 4,000 children’s books in pursuit of her mission to promote peace. The roving literary collection would eventually find a home as the International Youth Library in Munich ...

Anyone with a connection to IBBY will want to grab this book with both hands! It is a good price from this online book seller, or you could put in a request your local library might be able to source a copy. I did find this audio book version. You could also read this using Overdrive from your library. 

Jella Lepman established IBBY and the International Youth Library. Here is a quote from her biography:

We are looking for ways to introduce children in Germany to the children's books of other nations. German children have almost no books left after the children's and youth literature of the Hitler era was eliminated. Educators and publishers also need books from the free world for their orientation. Children are not to blame for this war, so let your books be the first messengers of peace! They are to be compiled into an exhibition that will first travel to Germany, and later perhaps to other countries. To overcome foreign language difficulties, we ask above all for picture books and illustrated books. But good narrative literature should also be made accessible to the children in group work. We hope that German publishers will be able to acquire the translation rights to many of these books. We also ask your country for children's drawings and children's paintings. These pictures speak an international language and will delight the children. (Lepman 1964, 51 f.) Read more here - the IBBY Congress in Trieste

One bookseller said this book is perfect for:

• Librarians, educators, and parents seeking engaging history and nonfiction books for kids
• Fans of true stories, biographies, and fascinating facts
• Anyone interested in learning about children’s literature and children's book libraries
• Special occasion or thank you gift for teachers and librarians
• Fans of Katherine Paterson and her award-winning books, including Bridge to Terabithia, Jacob Have I Loved, and The Great Gilly Hopkins

White Rabbit books said:

WORLD HISTORY FOR KIDS: This book reflects on the aftermath of WWII and its effect on children in Germany. By Jella Lepman’s inspiring example, readers will learn how working together and being part of a community can help bring peace after war, displacement, and loss.

FASCINATING TRUE STORY: This picture book biography introduces a little-known historical figure who changed the world through children’s books. Anyone who loves history, biographies, or children’s literature will find themselves inspired by the life and work of Jella Lepman.

IMPORTANCE OF BOOKS & LIBRARIES: Featuring inspiring illustrations of global cooperation, crates of international books being shipped to the library, and children in the harshest of conditions finding solace in reading, this book is perfect for celebrating librarians and their positive impact on young lives. It also highlights the ongoing work of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organization that represents an international network of people who are committed to bringing books and children together.

A stirring, singular tribute to a woman well aware of the importance of children’s books in times of trauma and recovery. Kirkus Star review

Dr Robin Morrow mentioned Jella Lepman and her Library of Dreams could benefit from an index - but for my reading I wish there was a timeline - this would be an excellent way to gain an overview of Jella's work. I love these words from the Kirkus review I just quoted: The subject’s dedication, candor, and sheer chutzpah burst off the page.

Companion books:

The Lady with the Books

Katherine Paterson, as a supporter of IBBY and a HCAA winner, is the perfect person to take on creating this wonderful book so that children and adults can have a glimpse into the life and work of this incredible woman. I imagine she would have spent many years completing her research. You can see a list of all the awards given to Katherine Paterson. She is a Life Member of IBBY and a past winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Here are all the US winners of the HCAA:

• 1962 - Meindert DeJong (Author Medal)
• 1970 - Maurice Sendak (Illustrator Medal)
• 1972 - Scott O'Dell (Author Medal)
• 1978 - Paula Fox (Author Medal)
• 1992 - Virginia Hamilton (Author Medal)
• 1998 - Katherine Paterson (Author Medal)
• ​2020 - Jacqueline Woodson (Author Medal)

​

100 Outstanding Picture Books 2025 Bologna Children's Book fair

 

Nearly all of the books on this list are not yet translated into English and many most probably will not make our Australian market but I found all the different covers, titles and subjects fascinating and in some cases these were books I wish I could read right now! Visitors at the recent Bologna Children's Book Fair are sure to have seen many of these books. Here is the link to the list of 100.  I have put a few examples below. I stumbled across this list because Britta Teckentrup posted photos from Bologna where she was proudly showing her book written by the Hans Christian Andersen award winning author Cao Wenxuan from China. 

Skimming through the100 Outstanding Picture Books page (luckily the titles are presented in English) you will see some BIG names - Julie Flett; Eva Lindstrom; Armin Greder; and Serge Bloch. Do you see any other names you recognise?

Here are four of the books that I hope I can see some time in the future. I asked Britta Teckentrup (on Instagram) about this book and she said the rights were being negotiated. The world of book rights in a mystery to me.

The Little Cicada and the Old Ox (China)

by Cao Wenxuan and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup

Publisher blurb (German site): When a cicada saves the life of an old, stubborn ox, a lifelong friendship takes its beginning, as from that day on, the two are inseparable. Often, the cicada rests on an apple tree but even more often, it lands on one of the horns of the old ox or on his back and accompanies him to the meadow on the bank of the river. They spend all of their time together until the cicada has to leave this world … The old ox promises to watch over the cicada’s children. After the larva’s have gone underground (like cicadas are known to do), the old ox stands guard by the apple tree, day and night, year after year. And one night, the little cicadas finally emerge from the earth and climb up the apple tree, one by one. The old ox watches them and marvels and can’t get enough of them. But at some point, his eyes close. Perhaps he has fallen asleep. Or maybe he is already on his way to heaven, looking for his little cicada …

For a Thousand Blouses a Day (Italy)

Text: Serena Ballista

Illustrations: Sonia Maria Luce Possentini

The jury said: Deeply emotional and personal historical account of New York’s worst ever industrial accident. Evocative storytelling using the garment as a narrative voice to guide the reader through themes of migration, workers’ rights, the oppression of women and the exploitation of human capital. The highly emotive cover image, combined with a poignant title draws the reader in, the artwork combines witness statements, archive references and exploits a graphic novel/picture book format. The expressive, black and white imagery articulates the tragic and painful subject matter, evolving into a beautiful dedication to our heroine Rose.

Nobody but Me (Sweden)

Text and illustrations: Sara Lundberg

The jury said: Lyrical, magical, fantastical, dreamlike and at the same time intimate, symbolic, sentimental and universal, this book bewitched the judges. Thick with tributes to the greats of literature and art, from Matisse to Sendak, from the painting of Rousseau to contemporary illustration, Sara Lundberg’s book combines a perfect use of different compositional registers with a rich and varied page layout. The images describe an imaginative and poignant educational journey that crosses realistic and imaginary places and landscapes, encountering dangers as well as magical helpers. Floating on the surface of the river, condensing a great adventure into a short space of time, expanding the space of their own autonomy through adventure, the central character and the author invite us to witness the magic of a perfect childhood novel.

The Walk of the Field Mouse

by Nadine Robert illustrated by Valerio Vidali

Bookseller blurb: One morning, out for one of its usual walks, a field mouse discovers something rather unusual: a mysterious blue object sitting at the foot of a big rock. As a group of animals gather to carefully inspect the object, they realize that a robin's egg has rolled down from its nest all the way at the top. Wondering who will roll it back up, the field mouse quickly volunteers, only to be met with laughter and mockery from its fellow animals. The field mouse, spurred on by a determination to prove them wrong, musters all of its strength to take on the Sisyphean task-but will it succeed?

Here is the Kirkus Star review.

Hans Christian Andersen Award Nominees for 2026

The Hans Christian Andersen Award is the highest international recognition given to creators of children’s books whose complete works have made an important, lasting contribution to children's literature. The Author's Award has been given since 1956 and the Illustrator's Award since 1966. The Award consists of a gold medal and a diploma, presented at a ceremony during the biennial IBBY World Congress which in 2026 will be held in Ottawa, Canada. 

At the end of the nomination period on 15 February 2025, 78 candidates from 44 countries were confirmed as nominees to the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Awards. Among these, 41 are nominated in the Writing category and 37 are nominated in the Illustration category. This is in an unprecedented volume of candidates and the highest-ever number of participating countries. 

I will pen a post with more details about many of these fabulous book creators over the coming weeks. 

Here are a few names for you to investigate if you are reading this in Australia:

Authors: 

Emily Rodda (Australia)

Michael Rosen 

Pam Munoz Ryan

Eoin Colfer

Timothée de Fombelle 

Illustrators:

Bruce Whatley (Australia)

Emily Gravett 

Sophie Blackall (see her dossier here) Ruby's wish is one of her five books sent to the HCAA Jury. 

Leo Timmers

Ivar Da Coll

Linda Bondestam 

Beatrice Alemagna

Oyvind Torseter (I have read his books The Hole and Brown)

Elena Odriozola (see her dossier here)

Art by Elena Odriozola (Spain) for the Bologna Children's Book Fair 2022

Farmhouse

IBBY Australia are thrilled to announce our HCAA nominees: Bruce Whatley (illustration) and Emily Rodda (writing).

Here is the dossier for Bruce Whatley

I have fond memories of Bruce Whatley visiting my school library in Lithgow, NSW not long after his first book The Ugliest Dog in the World was published. I am so pleased that we have submitted his book One Tree by Christopher Cheng as one of the five titles sent to the jury. It has the most stunning illustrations.

Here is the dossier for Emily Rodda

I read Bob the Builder to thousands of Grade Two kids in my school library. I also read the small Solo title Green Fingers to many groups. Emily Rodda is the author of over 100 books. His name was Walter is one of the five books sent to the HCAA jury.