Marisol “Isol” Misenta is being heralded for her artistry and “respect for the child”…

The Argentine picture book artist received the 2013 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden on Monday in a ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall.

The ceremony paid tribute to the multi-talented artist, who ended her acceptance speech by performing an unaccompanied tango by Kurt Weill.

In her speech Misenta emphasized the importance of illustrations.

“I’m glad this award gives relevance to those who think of illustration as a rich, profound language, one with a voice of its own,” said Misenta. “In picture books we can tell many things through colors, lines and shapes, and that – in turn – allows the text to breathe with freedom. I don’t actually think that I must put a limit to my imagination just because it’s a book for children, on the contrary! What reader could be more demanding than a child? Children have a lot of things to discover and I’d better be on their high level in order to satisfy their huge capacity for curiosity.”

Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth, Sweden’s Minister for Culture, applauded not only Misenta’s qualitative artistry but also her respect for the child.

“With high artistic quality, humor and honesty Isol finds unconventional ways to reflect the realities of life and childhood through new and playful perspectives,” said Adelsohn Liljeroth. “Her stories show a heartfelt respect for children’s experiences and sentiments. She doesn’t shy away from also seeing the more saddening and difficult moment of life through a child’s eyes.”

The award ceremony began with a piece of music performed by children and young students from El Sistema and members of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Rebecka Törnkvist.

This year 207 candidates from 67 countries were nominated. The announcement took place in Vimmerby, the birthplace of Astrid Lindgren.