Jon Klassen Wins the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

Jon Klassen is an author-illustrator whose debut picture book, I Want My Hat Back, garnered him numerous awards and much acclaim. With each new title, including those he illustrated for others, the praise for his unique style of art and storytelling through illustration has grown. This week, Jon Klassen was awarded the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the international children's literary award. 

Photo credit: Carson Ellis

 

This award administered by the Swedish Arts Council honours the late Swedish writer Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002) who wrote over 30 books for children, including the ever-popular Pippi Longstocking. "The statutes of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award stipulate that laureates shall be authors, illustrators, storytellers or reading promoters whose work or activity for children and young adults is 'of the highest artistic quality' and 'conveys the deeply humanistic spirit associated with Astrid Lindgren.'" (From https://alma.se/en/the-award/astrid-lindgren/in-the-spirit-of-astrid-lindgren) At five million Swedish kronor, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is the largest book award of its kind.

 

I Want My Hat Back (Candlewick, 2011) (board book edition reviewed in 2019)

This Is Not My Hat (Candlewick, 2012)

We Found a Hat (Candlewick, 2016)

The Rock from the Sky (Candlewick, 2021)

The Skull (Candlewick, 2023)

 

The breadth of Jon Klassen's storytelling through words and illustrations is best described as powerfully minimalist. He tells little but suggests much. In each of the books he wrote and illustrated, Jon Klassen mesmerizes with the power of story. 

 

I was delighted to interview Jon Klassen in 2021 about his book The Rock from the Sky and I'd like to share that discussion here. His commentary on the story and his artwork is fascinating, and gives readers insight into his creativity and his singularity of finesse.

 

Do check out the full details about Jon Klassen as the 2026 laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, including a recording of the announcements at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, quotes from the jury, and even a recording of the phone call Jon Klassen received. The award will be presented by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden this May in Stockholm.

 

Heartiest congratulations 

to the newest laureate of 

the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

 Jon Klassen