The International Andersen Award was founded by Ibby on 1956. At first, it only had a writer's award. 1966, because most member countries have painter awards in China, it is particularly independent.
The selection criteria of the International Andersen Prize are mainly in literary value and aesthetics, and also have an international perspective.
The selection process of the International Andersen Prize is particularly long. Because the candidates come from all over the world and the culture of each country is different, the jury itself must have a profound and extensive understanding of the development of children's literature and art in all countries of the world. Both words and images are a kind of language to transfer knowledge to children. The jury must have a good understanding of this language and express their views on children's literature with their professional background, cultural differences, taste and sense of humor.