Why Jon Klassen? The jury praised Klassen for his "subtle and evocative storytelling," noting how his work opens new perspectives on our place in the universe. From the missing hats in I Want My Hat Back to the existential questions raised in his broader body of work, Klassen combines precision, emotion, and inventive wit to create tales of "effortless elegance and ambiguous depth," inviting readers to become co-creators of the story.
Read more about the laureate and the award: alma.se/en
Photo credit: Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award / Maja Brand
Congratulations to Jon Klassen, Winner of the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA)!
We are thrilled to celebrate Jon Klassen, the Canadian picture book artist, who received the ALMA at a ceremony in Stockholm on May 25. Congratulations to our partners at ALMA for this beautiful ceremony and celebration of children's literature!
