There are 153 candidates nominated for the award for 2009, among them two Israeli candidates, Daniella Carmi and Hilla Havkin.
The award of five million Swedish crowns is the worlds largest for children and youth literature, and the second largest literature prize in the world. The large sum emphasize the importance that Sweden attaches to good children and youth literature.
The jury will announce the recipient by middle of March in Vimmerby, Sweden. The Award Ceremony is held in Stockholm in May.
Astrid Lindgren is one of the world’s most popular author. She passed away at the age of 94.