Denmark

IBBY Denmark works under the name Selskabet for børnelitteratur (Society for Children’s Books). It was founded in 1964. The board has ten members who represent different aspects of children’s literature. The chairperson is elected directly by the general assembly. IBBY Denmark has private as well as institutional members. The board meets about eight times a year and the section is an integrated part of the children’s book scene in Denmark. It nominates juror members for the Ministry of Culture awards in the field. The membership meets at least once a year, and the general assembly is always an enlightening and entertaining event!

Being part of an international network is a very important aspect and responsibility of the work of the Section. IBBY Denmark is closely linked to the other Nordic IBBY sections: Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

IBBY Denmark publishes the quarterly magazine Klods Hans (Simple Simon). This colourful magazine gives information about the international work as well as stories from the Danish scene. For many years the journal has included a series where writers, illustrators and others write about their work and working habits, and usually a well-known illustrator is asked to add illustrations to the text.

IBBY Denmark presents the Klods Hans Award, named after Simple Simon. It is the only prize in this country that is given to a person who is spreading the message: the prize goes to ‘souls on fire’.

IBBY Denmark hosted the IBBY World Congress in Copenhagen in 2008. For transcripts of speeches and lectures from the Congress click here.