The International Board on Books for Young People has announced the shortlist for the 2012 Hans Christian Andersen Awards. Every two years the international prize, also known as the “Little Nobel,” is presented to an author and illustrator whose “complete works have made an important and lasting contribution to children’s literature.”

This year 28 authors and 31 illustrators were chosen by local juries in 33 countries. Author Tim Wynne-Jones (Pounce de Leon, Ned Mouse Breaks Away) and illustrator Stéphane Jorisch (Emily’s Piano, Rosie and Buttercup) were nominated by the Canadian jury.

The winners, who receive a gold medal and diploma, will be selected by an international jury and announced at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair on March 19, 2012.

A complete list of nominees is available on the IBBY website.