Argentinian illustrator Isol wins Astrid Lindgren award
The world's largest award for children's literature has been won by a picture book illustrator whose work 'exposes the absurdities of the adult world'
Argentinian illustrator Isol was Tuesday awarded this year’s Astrid Lindgren prize, which carries one of the world’s highest awards for literature aimed at children and young people.
She “creates picture books from the eye-level of the child,” jury chairman Larry Lempert said, adding that “her pictures vibrate with energy and explosive emotion.” Lempert told Deutsche Presse-Agentur that what characterised Isol’s work was “respect for the child" and her dedication to quality.
She is “a very original story-teller and has a strong innovative-power, she dares to go her own way,” he added.
Marisol Misenta - known simply as Isol - was selected from a field of 207 candidates from 67 countries who were nominated for the 2013 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, worth 5 million kronor (US$767,000).
“Oh, my God, thank you,” Isol said after Lempert informed her that she had won. “I’m overwhelmed,” she said over a speaker phone. The announcement was made in Vimmerby, South Eastern Sweden, where Lindgren spent her early years.
Lindgren, who died in 2002 at age 94, created numerous popular fiction characters, including Pippi Longstocking.
Isol, who was born in Buenos Aires 1972, studied to become a fine arts teacher and later studied art at the University of Buenos Aires before focusing on working as an illustrator and writing illustrated books. She has also been a singer.
Her 1997 debut was with “A Dog’s Life”. She has written about 10titles of her own and illustrated about as many by other authors including Auggie Wren’s Christmas Story, with text by Paul Auster.
Among books Lempert recommended a first-time reader to start with was “Petit the Monster”, saying it was about a little boy who asks why he does things right or wrong.
The Swedish government created the prize in 2002 to award writers and illustrators of literature for children and young people, as well as those who promote reading in the spirit of Lindgren.
Lempert said he hoped Isol would attend the award ceremony due May27 at Stockholm Concert hall.
Dutch author Guus Kuijer won the 2012 prize. The inaugural winners in 2003 were Maurice Sendak of the United States and Christine Noestlinger of Austria.
Isol’s work has been published in around 20 countries. She will be presented with her award in Stockholm on 27 May.
