The award may be given either to an author, illustrator or storyteller, or to an individual or group which has been outstanding in promoting the importance and value of reading for children and young adults.This year the number of nominees in the young adults category has increased.

153 candidates from a total of 60 countries all over the globe have been nominated. The jury’s work studying and evaluating the candidates will continue until March, when the winner of the 2009 award will be announced. The 2008 award went to Sonya Hartnett.