Illustrator Kitty Crowther received the world’s largest children’s literature award in a ceremony on 1 June. The 5 million SEK (approx 490, 000 EURO) Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award was presented by H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden in the presence of the Swedish Minister for Culture. On receiving the award, Kitty Crowther comments:

“ This is a huge honor. I think of this award as a huge tree, covered with spring flowers, with its roots in Sweden”

1000 specially invited guests celebrated the work of picture book artist Kitty Crowther, interpreted through music and performance. Representatives of the international world of publishing were in attendance, along with politicians and cultural personages. Interviews with Kitty Crowther and international award ceremony attendants such as Madame Odile Josselin, Kitty Crowther’s publisher; Mr Larry Lempert, chairman of the award jury and Ms Judith Drews, German illustrator and expert on Kitty Crowther’s work, together with highlights from the award ceremony, can be downloaded for broadcasting or streaming at www.thenewsmarket.com/alma If you are a first-time user, please take a moment to register. In case you have any questions, please email journalisthelp@thenewsmarket.com. Contact for futher information: agnes.lidbeck@alma.se or +46 (0)76-540 10 17.

The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) is the world's largest prize for children's and young adult literature. The award, which amounts to SEK 5 million, is awarded annually to a single recipient or to several. Authors, illustrators, oral storytellers and those active in reading promotion may be rewarded. The award is designed to promote interest in children's and young adult literature, and in children's rights, globally. An expert jury selects the winners from candidates nominated by institutions and organisations worldwide. The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is administered by the Swedish Arts Council.