Authors from France, Iran and Austria among those on Hans Christian Andersen shortlist

The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) has shortlisted 10 authors and illustrators from countries such as France, Iran and Austria for this year’s Hans Christian Andersen Award.

The writers shortlisted for the author award are Marie-Aude Murail from France, Farhad Hassanzadeh from Iran, Eiko Kadonofrom Japan, Joy Cowley from New Zealand and Ulf Stark from Sweden. On the illustrator shortlist are Pablo Bernasconi from Argentina, Linda Wolfsgruber from Austria, Xiong Liangfrom China, Iwona Chmielewska from Poland, Igor Oleynikov from Russia and Albertinefrom Switzerland.

The shortlist was chosen by a board of ten judges, led by jury president Patricia Aldana.

Nominated authors and illustrators were judged on their entire body of work and the judging panel was looking at 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 the works to children and young people.

"It was a privilege to work with such a diverse, well prepared, open minded and passionate jury,” said Aldana.”The exchanges between jurors taught us all new ways of seeing, understanding and appreciating the remarkable range of work that had been submitted”

The two winners will be announced on 26th March at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.