Canadian Picture Book Author Jon Klassen Wins Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
Canadian picture book author Jon Klassen has been awarded the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, often called the 'Nobel Prize of children's literature.' His works, known for exploring ownership and morality with subtle humor, invite readers to contemplate their place in the universe. The jury praised Klassen's elegant and profound storytelling, which encourages readers to become co-creators.
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Stockholm, April 15 (CNA) The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of children's literature, was announced on the 14th, with Canadian renowned picture book author Jon Klassen receiving the honor.
Klassen rose to fame in 2011 with his book "I Want My Hat Back." The official website of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award describes this book, which delves into themes of ownership and morality, as richly layered and ingeniously conceived. Klassen is adept at subtly, keenly, and humorously exploring existentialism, with his works featuring anticipation, suspense, and shock as central emotional roles.
The jury's citation for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award stated that Klassen, through delicate and engaging words and illustrations, presents readers with a new perspective on how to find one's place in the universe. His works express emotion and ingenuity, using colors and shapes to depict the intertwining challenges and hopes brought by life's uncertainties.
The jury believes that the excellence of Klassen's stories lies in their natural elegance and timeless depth, where readers also become co-creators in his works.
When Klassen received the call from the Memorial Award chairman, he had just dropped his children home. He was very shocked and disbelieving upon learning of his award, unsure what to say. He expressed gratitude for the recognition from the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, adding that he would need a good cry after hanging up.
On the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award's official website, Klassen describes his illustration style as characterized by "avoiding motion." He states that his senses and artistic preferences prevent him from depicting action or ongoing events.
Taiwanese picture book author Hai-Gou Fang-Dong expressed his delight on Facebook upon learning of Klassen's win. He told CNA that Klassen's picture books initially appear "cold" but always bring much laughter and imaginative space to readers. Laughter almost always erupts when discussing Klassen's picture book stories at various occasions.
He believes that the most unique aspect of Klassen's work is the characters' eyes. He calls it "joyfully deadpan eyes," and Klassen himself jokingly refers to his characters as "bad actors looking at the camera," which also reflects his calm, profound observational qualities.
Hai-Gou Fang-Dong noted that Klassen's use of a large amount of gray tones enhances this characteristic. Additionally, his picture books, whether in illustrations, text, or endings, feature much blank space. Sometimes, what the text doesn't say, the characters' eyes hint at, naturally forming an invitation for readers to participate.
Hai-Gou Fang-Dong believes that Klassen's works are sure to endure. He said that although Klassen, born in 1981, received this Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, which can be seen as a "lifetime achievement award," at a young age, he has already accumulated many distinctive works that are almost impossible for the world to forget. His receiving the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award should come as no surprise to anyone.
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award was established to honor the renowned Swedish children's book author Astrid Lindgren and to promote the development of children's and young adult literature worldwide. The Swedish government established the award in her name to promote children's right to read wonderful stories.
Each year, an individual or organization with a unique contribution to children's and young adult literature is selected for the award. The prize money amounts to 5 million Swedish Kronor (approximately 16.32 million New Taiwan Dollars), making it the world's largest international award for children's and young adult literature.
This year, 263 nominated authors and organizations from 74 countries were considered, including Taiwanese creators Liu Hsu-Kung, Chou Yi-Fen, and Lin Hsiao-Bei.
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award ceremony will be held on May 25 in Stockholm. (Editor: Hsieh Yi-Hsuan) 1150415
Klassen rose to fame in 2011 with his book "I Want My Hat Back." The official website of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award describes this book, which delves into themes of ownership and morality, as richly layered and ingeniously conceived. Klassen is adept at subtly, keenly, and humorously exploring existentialism, with his works featuring anticipation, suspense, and shock as central emotional roles.
The jury's citation for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award stated that Klassen, through delicate and engaging words and illustrations, presents readers with a new perspective on how to find one's place in the universe. His works express emotion and ingenuity, using colors and shapes to depict the intertwining challenges and hopes brought by life's uncertainties.
The jury believes that the excellence of Klassen's stories lies in their natural elegance and timeless depth, where readers also become co-creators in his works.
When Klassen received the call from the Memorial Award chairman, he had just dropped his children home. He was very shocked and disbelieving upon learning of his award, unsure what to say. He expressed gratitude for the recognition from the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, adding that he would need a good cry after hanging up.
On the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award's official website, Klassen describes his illustration style as characterized by "avoiding motion." He states that his senses and artistic preferences prevent him from depicting action or ongoing events.
Taiwanese picture book author Hai-Gou Fang-Dong expressed his delight on Facebook upon learning of Klassen's win. He told CNA that Klassen's picture books initially appear "cold" but always bring much laughter and imaginative space to readers. Laughter almost always erupts when discussing Klassen's picture book stories at various occasions.
He believes that the most unique aspect of Klassen's work is the characters' eyes. He calls it "joyfully deadpan eyes," and Klassen himself jokingly refers to his characters as "bad actors looking at the camera," which also reflects his calm, profound observational qualities.
Hai-Gou Fang-Dong noted that Klassen's use of a large amount of gray tones enhances this characteristic. Additionally, his picture books, whether in illustrations, text, or endings, feature much blank space. Sometimes, what the text doesn't say, the characters' eyes hint at, naturally forming an invitation for readers to participate.
Hai-Gou Fang-Dong believes that Klassen's works are sure to endure. He said that although Klassen, born in 1981, received this Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, which can be seen as a "lifetime achievement award," at a young age, he has already accumulated many distinctive works that are almost impossible for the world to forget. His receiving the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award should come as no surprise to anyone.
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award was established to honor the renowned Swedish children's book author Astrid Lindgren and to promote the development of children's and young adult literature worldwide. The Swedish government established the award in her name to promote children's right to read wonderful stories.
Each year, an individual or organization with a unique contribution to children's and young adult literature is selected for the award. The prize money amounts to 5 million Swedish Kronor (approximately 16.32 million New Taiwan Dollars), making it the world's largest international award for children's and young adult literature.
This year, 263 nominated authors and organizations from 74 countries were considered, including Taiwanese creators Liu Hsu-Kung, Chou Yi-Fen, and Lin Hsiao-Bei.
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award ceremony will be held on May 25 in Stockholm. (Editor: Hsieh Yi-Hsuan) 1150415
FAQ
What is the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award?
It is an international award for children's and young adult literature, established by the Swedish government to honor Astrid Lindgren and promote children's right to read. It is often called the 'Nobel Prize of children's literature.'
What is Jon Klassen known for?
Jon Klassen is a Canadian picture book author and illustrator, famous for his book 'I Want My Hat Back.' His works are characterized by subtle humor, existential themes, and distinctive illustrations that often feature deadpan expressions and a muted color palette.
How much is the prize money for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award?
The prize money is 5 million Swedish Kronor, which is approximately 16.32 million New Taiwan Dollars.