15/04/2026

De Hans Christian Andersen award is toegekend aan Michael Rosen. De Hans Christian Andersen Award is volgens de organisatie ’the highest international distinction given to authors and illustrators of children’s books’. 78 auteurs uit 44 landen waren genomineerd. Michael Rosen kreeg de prijs als schrijver, Cai Gao voor illustraties.

De jury over Rosen:

Michael Rosen’s body of work demonstrates an extraordinary ability to speak to children with honesty, humour, intelligence, and respect. His writing reflects the rhythms of children’s language and thought, combining playfulness with emotional depth and social awareness. Across poetry, novels, and non-fiction, his work invites children into literature, encourages empathy, and opens space for discussion about history, family, loss, identity, and society. His work shows that literature for children can be playful and profound at the same time. Through his extensive and influential body of work, Michael Rosen has made a lasting and significant contribution to children’s literature internationally.

De winnaar kon vanwege een post Brexit-regel helaas niet aanwezig zijn bij de uitreiking in Bologna:

Ha! I’ve just been refused entry onto a plane from Stansted to Bologna because my passport issue date is March 2016. The expiry date is August 2026 but the rule is 10 years from issue date. Another Brexit benefit. Apparently. Go home now.

— Michael Rosen 💙💙🎓🎓 NICE 爷爷 (@MichaelRosenYes) April 13, 2026