Author Nguyễn Hữu Quỳnh Hương (right) has been nominated to represent Việt Nam in the writing category of the 2028 Hans Christian Andersen Award. — Photo courtesy of VBBY

HCM CITY — Author Nguyễn Hữu Quỳnh Hương and illustrator Tạ Huy Long have been nominated to represent Việt Nam in the writing and illustration categories, respectively, for the 2028 Hans Christian Andersen Award (HCAA), the highest international distinction awarded to authors and illustrators of children’s books..

The nominees were selected by the Vietnamese section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). Presented every two years, the award recognises outstanding contributions to children's literature. The nominations aim to showcase Việt Nam’s achievements in the field, honour individuals who have made significant contributions to children's books and raise the country's profile on the international literary stage.

According to the Vietnamese section of IBBY (VBBY), the nominations mark a notable milestone for Vietnamese children’s literature, as Việt Nam has, for the first time in 70 years, two candidates for the award.

Both have had a profound impact on Vietnamese children's literature. Their creativity and influence extend beyond Việt Nam through translations of their works and their participation in international events as speakers and guests.

Hương is not only an author but also a researcher and advocate for reading culture who has made significant contributions to the development of contemporary Vietnamese children’s literature and picture books.

She adopts a research-based approach to her writing, weaving contemporary social issues, such as climate change, human migration and the relationship between people and nature, into children's literature while connecting these themes to Vietnamese culture and folklore.

These subjects are approached through poetic language, symbolic imagery and an understanding of children’s inner worlds, helping young readers explore complex questions about life without being offered oversimplified answers.

Hương’s signature picture books include Chạy Mưa Chạy Nắng (Run, Rain or Shine: A Story of Climate Migration), Xuân Gọi Bầu Trời Nhuộm Nắng (Spring Calls the Sky to Glow with Sunshine), Ông Buồn Rầu ở làng Chầm Chậm (The Sudden Visit from Sadness) published in 2026, and Thư Gửi Thần Chết (Dear Death) published in 2025.

Her 2024 book Dạo Bước Với Thời Gian (Walking with Time) was included in The White Ravens 2025, an annual international selection catalogue of children's and young adult literature published by the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany.

Illustrator Tạ Huy Long has been nominated to represent Việt Nam in the illustration category of the 2028 Hans Christian Andersen Award. — Photo courtesy of VBBY

Illustrator Long has developed a distinct visual language, combining cultural materials with visual storytelling to broaden the presence of Vietnamese literary, historical and cultural heritage in books for young readers.

Inspired by legends, folk tales, classic literary works and historical stories, his illustrations help younger generations engage with national culture through curiosity, emotion and imagination.

Long’s outstanding illustrated projects feature Lược Sử Nước Việt Bằng Tranh (Việt Nam - A Brief History in Pictures), Lĩnh Nam Chích Quái (Selection of Strange Tales in Lĩnh Nam), and Cửa Sổ (Window).

Another notable work is Yersin – Khúc Hát Cá Ông (Yersin – The Whale Song), published in 2025, a graphic novel written and illustrated by Long and featuring more than 200 images. The book highlights his evolution from an illustrator to a visual storyteller.

According to IBBY, nominations submitted by its national sections will be announced in January 2027, while the shortlist selected by a distinguished international jury of children's literature specialists will be unveiled in January 2028.

The winners will be announced at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy in April 2028, and the award ceremony will be held at the 2028 IBBY World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, in August 2028.

The HCAA is presented to one writer and one illustrator whose body of work has made an important, lasting contribution to children's literature.

The award for writing has been presented since 1956, and the award for illustration since 1966. — VNS