TEHRAN – Iranian nominees for the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (Alma) were announced by the Iranian Children’s Book Council on Thursday.
The Council presented Arman Arian in the Writer category, while Hoda Haddadi announced as a nominee for the prestigious Swedish Prize in Children’s Literature in the IRNA reported.
According to a press release from the Council, Arian was appointed to the Writer’s Section for his pioneering role in rethinking ancient Iranian myths and concepts for children and young people.
Through his cohesive, diverse and structured series, he forged a new link between today’s generation and Iran’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage.
Inspired by texts such as Avesta, Shahnameh, Bundahishn and other mythological sources, Arian’s work goes beyond mere narration to create innovative, enchanting and meaningful stories.
His notable features include profound and multi-layered character development, universalisation of creative myths, cinematic atmosphere and a blend of traditional, modern storytelling styles.
His story views children and adolescents not as passive recipients, but as thoughtful participants in the story. Arian transforms his imagination into a tool to tackle modern issues by creating lively and independent characters in suspenseful, psychologically deep and culturally rich stories. Themes such as pacifism, anti-war sentiment, superstition, women’s roles, family values, and social participation are expressed through rich storytelling and language.
In the Illustrator category, both author and illustrator Hoda Haddadi is featured as a candidate for the 2026 Alma. Her choices underscore her influential role in creating a feminine, nature-inspired, peaceful universe influenced by rich Persian literature.
Haddadi skillfully employs collage techniques, vibrant colors and motifs to create unique visual stories. Her extensive experience in teaching across different age groups and numerous well-known awards in illustration further support her nomination.
It is important to note that the Institute for Children’s Literary History Research and Institute for Intellectual Development in Children and Young Adults (IIDCY-KANOON), and the Iranian Writers Association for Children and Young People, also retain the nomination rights of Alma on behalf of Iran.
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (Alma) reaches 5 million SEK (approximately 570,000 euros), making it the world’s largest award for literature for children and young adults.
The award was founded in 2002 by the Swedish National Council for Culture and commemorates Swedish author Astrid Lindgren and promotes literature for children and young people all over the world.
The nomination process begins in March 2025, and each year around 250 individuals and organizations around the world are nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. The candidates are authors, illustrators, oral storytellers and reading promoters.
The winner will be selected by the ju-describers and announced later this year. The awards ceremony usually takes place the following spring. Winning Alma not only brings significant prize money, but also international recognition for the awardee’s work in promoting the rights of children of young readers around the world and fostering a love of literature.
Photo: Iranian author Ahman Arian (L) and illustrator Hoda Haddadi
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