International children’s literary prize Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award nominated candidates 2024. Three Ukrainian authors and a festival are on the list.

One of the most important literary prizes in the world, Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, is awarded annually to organization or a person for their contribution to children’s literature and work that “is of the highest quality, and in the spirit of Astrid Lindgren.” In total, 245 candidates from 68 countries have been nominated for the 2024 award, according to information on the website of the award. Among candidates are authors, organizations, illustrators and reading promoters from many countries, including Central and Eastern Europe. The laureate will be announced on Apr. 9 2024.

The long lists of the 2024 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award also include Ukrainian children’s writers Ivan Andrusiak, Halyna Vdovychenko, Sashko Dermanskyi (nominated for the third time), as well as the international festival Book Arsenal.

“You!” Said the Hedgehog, Vivat Publishing House (Ukrainian edition)

Sashko Dermanskyi is a children’s writer, member of the National Writers’ Union of Ukraine. Some of his works were published under pen names Sashko Volodarsky and Nazar Dibrova. Sashko Dermanskyi has repeatedly received literary awards, including International Literary Competition for novels, plays, screenplays, song lyrics and works for children the Coronation of the Word and the BBC Book of the Year.

36 And 6 Cats, the OLd Lion Publishing House (Ukrainian edition)

Halyna Vdovychenko is Ukrainian writer, journalist and member of PEN Ukraine. Vdovychenko made her debut in 2008 with the novel “Piv Yabluka” (Half of An Apple). Halyna Vdovychenko’s second novel won the first prize in the novels category at the Coronation of the Word 2009 competition. In 2015 and 2017, two parts of the super-popular children’s book 36 and 6 Cats with illustrations by Natalka Haida were published.

Gerard the Partisan, Vivat Publishing House (Ukrainian edition)

Ivan Andrusiak is a well-known Ukrainian writer, journalist, translator and editor. Author of more than 50 books, of which more than 30 are addressed to children of different ages — from babies to teenagers. He is a member of the National Writers’ Union of Ukraine and PEN Ukraine.

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Main image: website of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
Images: Wikipedia