Jon Klassen wins Astrid Lindgren award

Jon Klassen has won the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the Swedish children’s literature prize worth 5 million kronor. (alma.se) The award organizers announced Klassen as this year’s laureate on April 14, 2026. The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award said his books portray “uncertainty and hopefulness” through “colour and form.” (news.cision.com) The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award was created by the Swedish government in 2002 and is administered by the Swedish Arts Council. The prize is open to authors, illustrators, storytellers and reading-promotion organizations from around the world. (alma.se) The 2026 field included 263 nominated candidates from 74 countries and regions, with the laureate announcement scheduled for April 14. Klassen is the 26th laureate. (alma.se) (publishingperspectives.com) Klassen is best known for spare, darkly funny picture books including *I Want My Hat Back*, *This Is Not My Hat* and *We Found a Hat*. *This Is Not My Hat* won the 2013 Caldecott Medal, and the same book also won the Kate Greenaway Medal in the U.K. (candlewick.com 1) (candlewick.com 2) He has also illustrated books by other authors, including Mac Barnett’s *Sam and Dave Dig a Hole* and *Extra Yarn*, both Caldecott Honor books. Candlewick says Klassen was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and lives in Los Angeles. (candlewick.com 1) (candlewick.com 2) The prize has become one of the most visible international honors in children’s publishing because of both its size and its scope. ALMA says the award is intended to promote every child’s right to stories and to elevate children’s and young adult literature worldwide. (alma.se) In announcing Klassen’s selection, the jury placed him in a line of creators recognized for artistic work aimed at young readers, not just commercial success. The award ceremony is typically held in Stockholm later in the year. (news.cision.com) (alma.se)