Jon Klassen, a children’s book author and illustrator originally from Winnipeg known for works like “I Want My Hat Back,” has been honored with the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, with a prize value of nearly $750,000. The award, managed by the Swedish Arts Council, recognizes individuals or groups for their impact on children’s and young adult literature. Judges commended Klassen’s collection as a thought-provoking and witty exploration of fundamental inquiries.
His notable works include “I Want My Hat Back,” a story about a bear in search of his distinctive red hat, as well as “This Is Not My Hat,” featuring a small fish donning a bowler hat stolen from a larger fish, “We Found a Hat,” portraying two turtles vying for a cowboy hat, and the Governor General’s Literary Award-winning “Cats’ Night Out.” Klassen was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2018 for his significant contributions to children’s literature.
Residing in Los Angeles, Klassen marks the first Canadian recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Established by the Swedish government in 2002, the award carries a monetary value of five million kronor, equivalent to approximately $744,000 Canadian dollars.