NEW INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S LITERARY AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT FOR YEAR 2003

The first prizewinner of The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for
Literature will be announced on 18 March 2003, in Vimmerby, Astrid
Lindgren's home town in southern Sweden. H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria
will present the award in Stockholm on 4 June 2003, at a prize-giving
ceremony open to the public. The award was founded by the Swedish
Government in 2002 and the prize money totals SEK 5 million (approx.
USD 553 000).

An Award for Children's Literature and Children's Rights
Astrid Lindgren, Swedish author and creator of the much loved characters
Pippi Longstocking, Emil, The Brothers Lionheart and Karlson On The
Roof, has an ever growing impact on literature for children and young
adults both in Sweden and worldwide. The annual award aims to increase
global interest in literature for children and young adults. Throughout
her life, Astrid Lindgren was committed to children's rights and always
spoke out on their behalf. Seen in this light, the award also aims to
promote children's rights at a global level, in keeping with Astrid
Lindgren's humanistic beliefs.

Authors, Illustrators and Projects to Promote Reading
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Literature will be awarded to
authors "who in their writing have produced literature for children and
young adults of absolutely the highest artistic quality and in the
humanistic spirit associated with Astrid Lindgren". Promoters of reading
among children and young adults as well as illustrators may also be
nominated. The award may be granted to one or more recipients, but may
not be awarded posthumously.

Jury
12 Swedish researchers, authors, illustrators, librarians and literary
critics have been appointed to nominate and select the winners. One
member of the jury represents Astrid Lindgren's family. Due to lack of
time, the prize committee has been entrusted to nominate prizewinners
this year. In the future, however, a number of relevant organisations
around the world will be invited to submit nominations.

For additional information, please visit www.kulturradet.se or contact:

Anna Cokorilo, Project Manager,
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Literature,
Swedish National Council for Cultural Affairs
Phone: +46-8-519 264 00/08, Fax: +46-8-519 264 99
E-mail:  

Larry Lempert, Jury Press Officer
Phone: +46-8-508 312 20, +46-70-46 312 20
E-mail: