Astrid Lindgren med armarna i kors bakom huvudet

Fast facts

Who founded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award? How many laureates have been awarded? See our fast facts.

The award is given annually since 2003.
It was established by the Swedish government tafter the death of Astrid Lindgren, to honor her memory.
With a prize amount of 5 million Swedish kronor it is the largest award of its kind. That equates to about 462,000 euros, 400,000 British pounds or 550,000 US dollars.
It is awarded to authors, illustrators, oral storytellers and people or organisations that work with reading promotion for children and young people.
The announcement takes place in the Spring. After the jury's decision-making meeting, the chairman of the jury makes the phone call to the laureate.
The laureate will officially accepts the award at a solemn ceremony in which, among others, H.R.H: Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Swedish Minister for Culture and Democracy take part.

Astrid Lindgren

“Curious” is a word that Astrid Lindgren often used in her work. Curious is a word that also aptly describes Astrid herself and her life’s achievement. For it is curious, surely, that a farmer’s daughter from Sweden, from the spare and stony countryside of Småland, should grow up to become an author beloved around the globe, translated into nearly 100 languages, and lauded by readers of all ages.

Learn more about Astrid Lindgren

11 vuxna personer står lutade mot en vägg och i en trappa

Jury with extensive knowledge

The twelve-member expert jury has the challenging but pleasant task of evaluating some of the world's most prominent candidates each year and selecting a laureate.

Find out more about the jury

Discover our laureates

The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is awarded to authors, illustrators and narrators, but also to people or organizations that work to promote reading.

Find out more about the laureates