Isol Named Astrid Lindgren Award Winner

Marisol Misenta, more popularly known as Isol, won the Astrid Lindgren Award this year. According to the award body’s jury chairman Larry Lempert, the Argentinian children’s book author and illustrator creates picture books from child’s eye-level. He also added that Isol had “respect for the child” and a very original story-teller with strong innovative-power. Lempert headed a jury comprising twelve experts in international children’s literature.

The award was named after popular author Astrid Lindgren, who created Pippi Longstocking, among other memorable children’s book characters. The prize was created by the government of Sweden in 2002, the same year Lindgren died. It was a way to honor children’s books writers and illustrators, as well as those who promote reading.

There were a total of 207 nominees from 67 countries, and the award carried with it 5 million kronor (approximately $767,000) prize. The award makes this the richest prize for children’s literature, and one of the richest literary prizes. Administered by the Swedish Arts Council, the funds come from the government of Sweden. It is officially called “An award by the Swedish people to the world.”

Other nominees were Eric Carle who wrote “The Hungry Caterpillar”, Michael Murporgo author of “War Horse” and Terry Pratchett, noted fantasy writer.

Born in 1972, Isol has published 10 titles, and illustrated another 10 books, which had been published in 20 countries. She is also a graphic artist, singer and composer. She has proven herself in terms of creativity and artistry which can be understood and appreciated by kids as well as adults. Her creative range shows in her books “Tener Un Patito Es Util” which can be read two different ways, from the point of view of a duck and from the point of view as a boy; and in “Nocturno” which uses fluorescent colors and read best in the dark.