'This is a very special Bookbird. Of course, every issue of Bookbird is special in its own way, each made up of a unique mix of articles, information, and illustrations. It could even be argued that being the "nominees' issue" makes it more predictable contentwise than usual. After all, Bookbird has run presentations of the authors and illustrators nominated for the H. C. Andersen Awards since the very start of the journal. Indeed, it is one of the fixtures of our publication. For the same reason, however, one can argue that it is a feature that makes Bookbird stand out, that marks this journal as different from other journals in the field of children's literature. Together with the Focus IBBY-section, and the articles on literary institutions for children, on reading projects, as well as information about IBBY's other ventures, the two issues that focus on the Andersen Awards (nominees, and winners and shortlist) complement the research-oriented material. Other journals of children's literature are either or–only Bookbird is both and…'
(Editorial)
'The Hans Christian Andersen Awards are presented every two years by IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) to an author and an illustrator whose complete works have made an important and lasting contribution to children's literature. IBBY National Sections from 35 countries submitted the following 28 illustrators 33 authors as candidates for the 2018 Hans Christian Andersen Awards:'
