Jon Klassen, a children’s book author and illustrator originally from Winnipeg, has been honored with the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, valued at nearly $750,000. Administered by the Swedish Arts Council, this annual award recognizes individuals or organizations for their significant contributions to children’s and young adult literature. Jurors commended Klassen’s body of work for its subtle, insightful, and humorous exploration of existential themes.
Among his notable works are “I Want My Hat Back,” a story about a bear in search of his lost red hat, “This Is Not My Hat,” which tells the tale of a small fish donning a bowler hat taken from a larger fish, “We Found a Hat,” depicting two turtles vying for a cowboy hat, and the award-winning “Cats’ Night Out.” Klassen, honored as a member of the Order of Canada in 2018, was recognized for his transformative impact on children’s literature.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, Klassen is the first Canadian recipient of this prestigious award. Established by the Swedish government in 2002, the prize is valued at five million kronor, approximately $744,000 Cdn.