The 2024 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) in Sweden has announced its nominees list, which includes Malaysian children's book illustrators Nor Azhar Ishak and Emila Yusof (right). Photo: Handout
Malaysian children's book illustrators and storytellers Emila Yusof and Nor Azhar Ishak have been nominated for the prestigious 2024 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) in Sweden.
A total of 245 candidates from 68 countries have been nominated for the 2024 award. The list, announced today, includes authors and illustrators, as well as storytellers and reading promoters. The laureate will be announced on April 9, 2024.
Emila has been nominated in the illustrator category, while Nor Azhar has been nominated in the illustrator, storytelling and book promoter categories.
The ALMA, a global award that is given annually to "a person or organisation for their outstanding contribution to children’s and young adult literature," offers a prize of five million Swedish kronor (RM2,171,070).
It is the richest award in children's literature and one of the richest literary prizes in the world. Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002), a beloved Swedish writer, was prominent in the development of children’s literature as an art form.
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, established in 2002 by the Swedish government, is awarded to those who continue to work in her spirit: with imagination, bravery, respect and empathy, and maintaining the highest level of artistic excellence. Above all else, the award highlights the importance of reading, today and for future generations.
Emila is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and has published more than 60 books. Many of her early picture book titles such as My Mother’s Garden and My Mother’s Kitchen remain favourites among children today. A reader herself, Emila is passionate about making books for children. Her illustrations resonate with the very young as well as older readers.
“This recognition means the world to me, and I couldn’t have reached this point without the support of my amazing readers and the wonderful people in my life” says Emila. Nor Azhar (fondly known as Uncle NAI), on the other hand, is a popular storyteller and one of his latest books, Tuty The Turtle is on the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honour List for Best Illustrations.
“I am hugely honoured to be nominated for 2024 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award which is among the most prestigious awards in the world for children's literature. For two decades, it has elevated and honoured some of the foremost figures in young people’s literature. To be alongside the nominees who are doing great work in children’s literature is already a recognition for me and my country. I hope together we can do more not only for Malaysia but for all children of the world,” says Nor Azhar.
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is administered by the Swedish Arts Council.
A list of the 2024 nominees can be found here.
