2009 Pia Kryger Lakha

It was a great joy to share the fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen, something of the very best from my Danish cultural heritage, with Tibetan children. It has meant incredibly much for me to see the amazement and enthusiasm with which the Thumbelina picture books were received. It was the first time these children had the opportunity to read a children’s book in their mother tongue. I was very surprised and felt deeply honoured when the committee informed me of my nomination for the 2009 awards. It is wonderful that my publishing project is also appreciated here in Denmark. I have never before been awarded a prize, so it was a great hon­our for me to join such a distinguished society. In the words of The Galoshes of Fortune: „Like the Grand Lama of Tibet, the owner’s insignificant ego sat in the middle of the floor, in admiring contemplation of his own greatness“.

Pia Kryger Lakha