Notable Authors in the Run for 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Awards and Their Remarkable Literary Achievements
Ready to dive into the world of children's literature's biggest honor, the Hans Christian Andersen Awards? This annual accolade is given to authors and illustrators globally, and the 2024 candidates are about to be unveiled!
But first, let's meet some of the frontrunners:
Authors:
- Marina Colasanti | Brazil - A Brazillian wordsmith, Colasanti weaves enchanting tales infused with magical realism and deep themes, captivating readers with works such as "A Moça Tecelã" and "Longe como o meu Querer."
- Heinz Janisch | Austria - This Austrian storyteller crafts lyrical and imaginative stories that enthrall young minds, making titles like "The King and the Sea" beloved across borders.
- Lee Geum-yi | Republic of Korea - Standing out for her cultural richness and engaging narratives, Lee's Korean contributions to children's literature include "Mom's Favorite" and "When I Grow Up."
- Bart Moeyaert | Belgium - A literary heavyweight in Belgium, Moeyaert is appreciated for his emotionally resonant and beautifully crafted stories.
- Timo Parvela | Finland - A key figure in Finnish children's literature, Parvela is loved for his humorous and cleverly written tales.
- Edward van de Vendel | Netherlands - Van de Vendel's Dutch books are known for their creativity and wide appeal, like "The Dog That Nino Didn't Have."
Illustrators:
- Cai Gao | China - Gao is a master of blending traditional Chinese artistry with modern storytelling, presenting unique visual narratives in children's books.
- Iwona Chmielewska | Poland - Innovative and talented, Chmielewska's Polish illustrations are renowned for their artistic depth and creative use of visual language.
- Nelson Cruz | Brazil - Known for his vibrant colors and dynamic expressions, Cruz's illustrations perfectly capture the essence of Brazilian culture.
- Elena Odriozola | Spain - Odriozola's Spanish illustrations are delicate, whimsical, and enchanting, adding a unique charm to children's literature.
- Sydney Smith | Canada - Smith's Canadian illustrations are celebrated for their evocative and moving artistry.
- Paloma Valdivia | Chile - Valdivia's Chilean illustrations bring a distinct national flair to her work, known for their playful and heartwarming qualities.
With 59 nominations from 33 countries, these exceptional talents are vying for the awards. The winners will be announced at the Bologna Children's Book Fair on April 8th, and medals will be presented at the IBBY Congress in September in Trieste, Italy.
For the most accurate information, check out the official International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) website. And don't forget to keep an eye out for the 2026 nominations! Michael Rosen and Emily Gravett are among the candidates IBBY UK has nominated for 2026[1]. Stay tuned for more updates from IBBY Canada on their 2026 nominees[2]. Happy reading!
The announcement of the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Awards winners promises to blend the most vibrant aspects of lifestyle, entertainment, and fashion-and-beauty from around the world, showcasing the creations of authors and illustrators like Marina Colasanti, Heinz Janisch, Lee Geum-yi, Bart Moeyaert, Timo Parvela, Edward van de Vendel, Cai Gao, Iwona Chmielewska, Nelson Cruz, Elena Odriozola, Sydney Smith, and Paloma Valdivia. As readers eagerly await the unveiling of the winners at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in April, they can also look forward to immersing themselves in the enchanting books and illustrations of nominees such as Michael Rosen and Emily Gravett for the 2026 awards.
