Chinese illustrator Cai Gao wins the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award for illustration, becoming the first Chinese artist to receive the illustrator prize.
Chinese illustrator Cai Gao won the Illustrator Award at the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award on April 13. The announcement took place at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy, Xinhua reported.
The award was announced during the annual press conference of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). Jury president Shirin Kreidi introduced six shortlisted writers and six illustrators before naming Cai Gao as the winner. She praised Cai’s work for its strong artistic quality and emotional impact. She said Cai offers a “beautiful way of seeing the world,” and added that her work can encourage children around the world to learn more about China.
Kreidi also noted that Chinese children’s books continue to gain international recognition. She said many titles stand out for their unique style and high quality. At the same time, they present cultural values and traditions from China in an engaging way.
Cai Gao was born in 1946 in Changsha, Hunan Province. She is a member of the China Artists Association and has worked for many years as a children’s book editor and picture book creator. Her works have received international recognition, including the Golden Apple Award at the Bratislava Biennial of Illustration. She was also shortlisted for the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award.
The Hans Christian Andersen Award was established in 1956 by the IBBY. It is awarded every two years to recognise outstanding writers and illustrators in children’s literature. The prize is widely known as the “Nobel Prize of children’s literature.” Chinese writer Cao Wenxuan won the author award in 2016.
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