O’Brien Press author nominated for the world’s richest children’s literature prize

O’Brien Press author Conor Kostick, joins an illustrious list of authors, illustrators and storytellers from 66 countries as a nominee for the biggest children’s literature prize in the world, The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.

Kostick will be competing against some of the biggest names in the industry, including Quentin Blake, Neil Gaiman, Michael Morpurgo and Michael Rosen on the UK’s nomination list, as well as competition at home from the Laureate na nÓg, Siobhán Parkinson.

Conor Kostick’s nomination re-emphasizes the depth and quality of his body of children’s fiction and the high regard in which he is held. His latest novel for young adults, Edda, is the critically-acclaimed conclusion to The Avatar Chronicles Trilogy, the international sensation which has sold rights in fifteen countries. Epic, the first book in the trilogy, won the International Reading Association Young Adult Choice Award in 2009 and was on the IBbY Honour List 2006.

Conor Kostick commented:

‘In Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren created one of the most delightfully irreverent and independent characters in children’s literature; this creation was connected to the fact that Astrid Lindgren herself was a radical humanist and opponent of violence. I’m extremely proud to be associated with her legacy. To be awarded a place on the list of nominees is a real honour.’

Cyprus, Ecuador, Eritrea, Greenland, Moldova, Mongolia, Tanzania and Zambia make their first showing in the truly international line-up of 184 nominees. The recipient or recipients of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2012 will be announced on 20 March 2012, in Vimmerby, the birthplace of Astrid Lindgren, and online at www.alma.se/en. In 2012 the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award will be presented for the 10th time.

The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) is the world’s largest prize for children’s and young adult literature. The award, which amounts to 5 million Swedish Kroner, is awarded annually to a single recipient or to several. Authors, illustrators, oral storytellers and those active in reading promotion may be rewarded. The award is designed to promote interest in children’s and young adult literature, and in children’s rights, globally. An expert jury selects the winners from candidates nominated by institutions and organisations worldwide. The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is administered by the Swedish Arts Council. Previous recipients include Maurice Sendak, Philip Pullman and last year’s winner, Shaun Tan.