Press Release 4 / 2004-2006

March 2005/ M. C. Posada

Every other year IBBY presents the Hans Christian Andersen Award to an author and an illustrator whose complete works have made a lasting contribution to children’s literature.

IBBY is grateful to the 2004 Award-winning author 2004, Martin Waddell, and to the Award-winning illustrator 2004, Max Velthuijs for dedicating the enclosed birthday message to the immortal Hans Christian Andersen.

Martin Waddell grew up in Newcastle, in Northern Ireland and has returned to live there. He is one of the best-loved and most prolific writers in Ireland today. Although he is best known for his picture books, he is also a superb writer for young adults, dealing with topics that are of concern for young people all over the world.

Max Velthuijs sadly passed away in January 2005 at the age of 81 – few days after giving IBBY permission to enrich the message with his wonderful picture. His characters, especially Frog, will stay in our memories always. He was one of the most important author/illustrators in the Netherlands and his books are well known worldwide, being translated into 30 languages.

For further information about the Hans Christian Andersen Awards, presented since 1956 for writing and since 1966 for illustration, visit the IBBY website at www.ibby.org

The IBBY Hans Christian Andersen Awards programme is supported by Nissan Motor. Co., Japan. We thank O’Brien Press, Ireland, for their support in production of the message.