While you might not remember the name of Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, you should recognise her well-known character, Pippi Longstocking, the feisty red-head with freckles, from your childhood.Astrid Lindgren passed away in 2002, and since 2003, the world’s largest prize for children’s and young adult literature, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) has been awarded in her memory.
This annual award is presented to authors, illustrators, oral storytellers and those active in reading promotion work, and may be presented to a single recipient or to several, regardless of language or nationality, and recognises their lifelong body of work. Previous authors to win include Maurice Sendak, Katherine Paterson, Sonya Hartnett and Phillip Pullman. Previous organisations that have won include Venezuela's Banco del Libro and the Tamer Institute based in Ramallah.The 2012 longlist of nominees was announced earlier this month, 184 names from 66 countries, and there are two New Zealanders on the list – Joy Cowley and Margaret Mahy. It’s fantastic to see these two New Zealanders recognised amongst the world’s best.
The 2011 recipient was Shaun Tan, an outstanding Australian author and illustrator, whose work includes The Arrival, The Lost Thing, The Red Tree, and Memorial.
I’ve used Shaun Tan’s work for group discussions with people from a range of ages, from primary school children to adults. There’s always plenty of intriguing and interesting discussion, because his images always draw you in, and often take you to places you might not have expected to go. If you haven't yet discovered the joy of Shaun Tan's work, then head down to your local library quicksmart!
I’m looking forward to seeing who the jury picks for the 2012 ALMA winner. Wouldn't it be great to see a New Zealander win this one?
