Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Nomination for 2027
The Ukrainian creative collective Studio Agrafka, illustrator Vladyslav Yerko, and children’s author Halyna Malyk have all been nominated for the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2027. This global honor, established by the Swedish government in 2002, celebrates outstanding contributions to children’s and young adult literature and promotes the joy of reading among youth. This year’s competition includes 277 nominees from 80 countries and regions, with 85 contenders nominated for the first time. The winner will receive a prize of 5 million Swedish kronor.
Highlights of Studio Agrafka and Their Collaborators
Founded by Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv, Studio Agrafka has gained international acclaim for works such as:
- "Stars and Poppy Seeds"
- "The War That Changed Rondo"
- "Loudly, Quietly, Whispered"
The studio’s books have been recognized with the Bologna Ragazzi Award, underscoring the exceptional quality of their artistic vision. Among the nominated illustrators is Vladyslav Yerko, renowned for his illustrations in Hans Christian Andersen’s "The Snow Queen," the "Tales of Misty Albion," and Harry Potter book editions. Yerko’s artwork for "The Snow Queen" earned the grand prize at Ukraine’s "Book of the Year — 2000" contest, and in 2006, the same edition received the "Best Children’s Book" award from the Andersen Foundation in the United States.
Author Halyna Malyk, nominated as a writer, is celebrated for her children’s stories including:
- "Unusual Adventures of Ali in the Land of Clumsiness"
- "Criminals from the Parallel World"
Her literary achievements have been honored with multiple awards:
- 1988 — Oleksandr Kopylenko Award for "Unusual Adventures of Ali in the Land of Clumsiness"
- 2003 — Lesya Ukrainka Literary Prize for "Criminals from the Parallel World"
- 2007 — Fedor Potushniak Award for "Adventures in the Enchanted City" and "Laughter Is Forbidden"
- 2015 — Her collection "December Rides a Horse" ranked second in the "Book of the Year — 2015" competition
"This is our first nomination and an incredible honor! We sincerely thank the organization for recognizing us!" — representatives of Studio Agrafka
This nomination not only highlights the growing global presence of Ukrainian literature but also helps showcase the talents of Ukrainian authors and illustrators to a wider international audience.
Being shortlisted for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award marks a significant milestone for Ukrainian creatives, amplifying their influence on the world literary stage and opening doors for further international recognition. Such achievements contribute to raising awareness of Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage and support the ongoing development of children’s literature in the country.