The winners of the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award are Michael Rosen from the U.K. for writing and Cai Gao from China for illustration. The awards, organized by the International Board on Books for Young People, "recognize lifelong achievement and are given to an author and an illustrator whose works have made an important, lasting contribution to children's literature."
IBBY said that Rosen's body of work "demonstrates an extraordinary ability to speak to children with honesty, humor, intelligence, and respect. His writing reflects the rhythms of children's language and thought, combining playfulness with emotional depth and social awareness. Across poetry, novels, and nonfiction, his work invites children into literature, encourages empathy, and opens space for discussion about history, family, loss, identity, and society. His work shows that literature for children can be playful and profound at the same time. Through his extensive and influential body of work, Michael Rosen has made a lasting and significant contribution to children's literature internationally."
As an illustrator, Cai Gao's work "demonstrates outstanding artistic quality and a unique visual language that expands the possibilities of illustration for children. Her illustrations combine technical mastery with creativity, sensitivity, and innovation. Her work moves between tradition and modernity, creating images that are visually striking, emotionally resonant, and meaningful for young readers. Through her use of color, composition, and visual storytelling, she creates books that invite children to explore, imagine, and interpret the world visually. Her body of work represents a significant and lasting contribution to the art of children's books."