曾在乡村小学执教的中国“宝藏奶奶”，入围以安徒生为名的国际大奖

Core Viewpoint - The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) has announced the shortlist for the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, featuring Chinese artist Cai Gao, marking her second nomination after 2024 [1]. Group 1: Artist Background - Cai Gao, known as the "Treasure Grandma" of China, is a pioneer in creating picture books based on Chinese folklore and traditional culture [3]. - She is the first Chinese illustrator to receive the BIB "Golden Apple" award, with notable works including "Learning from the Short" and "Beautiful Stories of China" [3]. Group 2: Artistic Philosophy - In an interview, Cai Gao expressed that her goal is not personal fame but to allow foreign children to appreciate the beauty of Chinese picture books and culture [6]. - She draws inspiration from her childhood and folk traditions, emphasizing that the essence of culture lies in the experiences passed down through generations rather than didactic teachings [6]. Group 3: Recent Work and Cultural Insights - Cai Gao's new picture book "Cannot Be Without" reflects her belief that different perspectives reveal different beauties, highlighting the authenticity of nature and culture [8]. - She articulates a connection between human life and nature, suggesting that both grow and evolve in a symbiotic relationship, echoing the depth of Chinese cultural philosophy [8]. Group 4: Award Significance - The Hans Christian Andersen Award, established in 1956 by IBBY, is considered one of the highest honors in children's literature, awarded only once in a lifetime to each recipient [10]. - The award is named after the famous fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen and is presented biennially [10].