The International Board on Books for Young People has announced the 2022 Hans Christian Andersen Award shortlist.

AUTHORS

• Marie-Aude Murail from France
• Maria Cristina Ramos from Argentina
• Fatima Sharafeddine from Lebanon
• Peter Svetina from Slovenia
• Annika Thor from Sweden
• Margaret Wild from Australia

ILLUSTRATORS

• Beatrice Alemagna from Italy
• Ryoji Arai from Japan
• Iwona Chmielewska from Poland
• Gusti from Argentina
• Suzy Lee from the Republic of Korea
• Sydney Smith from Canada

The award is presented in alternate years by the International Board on Books for Young People to “a living author and illustrator whose complete works have made a lasting contribution to children’s literature.”

Junko Yokota from the USA was elected as the 2022 Jury President and she led the 10- member Jury comprised of: Antoine Al Chartouni (Lebanon), Marilar Aleixandre (Spain), Evelyn Arizpe (Mexico/UK), Mariella Bertelli (Canada), Tina Bilban (Slovenia), Viviane Ezratty (France), Jiwone Lee (South Korea), Robin Morrow (Australia), Jaana Pesonen (Finland) and Cecilia Repetti (Argentina). Liz Page acted as Jury Secretary.

The criteria used to assess the nominations included the aesthetic and literary quality as well as the freshness and innovation of the body of work; the ability to see the child’s point of view and to stretch their curiosity; and the continuing relevance of their works to children and young people. There were 62 candidates from 33 countries on the longlist.

The two winners will be announced at the IBBY Press Conference on Monday, 21 March 2022 at the Bologna International Children’s Book Fair. The medals and diplomas will be presented to the winners during the 38th IBBY Congress in Putrajaya, Malaysia being held September 5-8.