The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) has announced the shortlisted authors and illustrators for the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award. The international award is given for lifetime achievement and continuing relevance. The winners will be announced in April at the Bologna International Children’s Book Fair. Here are the shortlisted creators:

WRITING

Ahmad Akbarpour (Iran)

María José Ferrada (Chile)

Timothée de Fombelle (France)

Lee Geum-yi (The Republic of Korea)

Pam Muñoz Ryan (US)

Michael Rosen (UK)

ILLUSTRATION

Beatrice Alemagna (Italy)

Linda Bondestam (Finland)

Cai Gao (China)

Gundega Muzikante (Latvia)

Walid Taher (Egypt)

María Wernicke (Argentina)