Jon Klassen, a children’s book author and illustrator originally from Winnipeg known for his book “I Want My Hat Back,” has been honored with the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, a prestigious recognition valued at nearly $750,000. Administered by the Swedish Arts Council, this award is presented annually to individuals or organizations for their significant contributions to children’s and young adult literature.
Judges commended Klassen’s collection of works for its thoughtful exploration of existential themes with a touch of humor and subtlety. His notable publications include “I Want My Hat Back,” a story about a bear on a quest to find his missing red hat, “This Is Not My Hat,” which narrates the tale of a small fish donning a bowler hat stolen from a larger fish, “We Found a Hat,” depicting two turtles vying for a cowboy hat, and the award-winning “Cats’ Night Out.”
In 2018, Klassen was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his significant impact on children’s literature. Currently residing in Los Angeles, he holds the distinction of being the first Canadian recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, established by the Swedish government in 2002, with a monetary value of five million kronor, equivalent to approximately $744,000 CAD.