2025 Klaus Flugge Prize awarded to Emma Farrarons
Emma Farrarons has been announced as winner of the 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize which is awarded to the most exciting and promising newcomer to children’s picture book illustration. She won for her illustrations in My Hair is as Long as a River, written by Charlie Castle (Macmillan Children’s Books). The boy in the story has long hair, and through a series of wonderful metaphors, gloriously illustrated by Farrarons, he explains why his long hair is so important, how it is part of him, even his ‘happy ever after’. The judges praise Emma’s use of colour and composition and the way she captures the story’s sense of playfulness.
Judge and 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize winner, illustrator Kate Winter says, ‘Emma Farrarons’ illustrations demonstrate consistent and accomplished artistry, with beautiful compositions, line work, colour palettes and feeling. The level of observation of children’s behaviour and imagination captured our attention. Emma is a very worthy winner of this prestigious prize.’
Emma Farrarons says, ‘This prize means so much to me. When I left my role as an in-house designer to pursue picture book illustration, I never imagined I’d come full circle and work with my former colleagues in such a different way. It was a joy to collaborate with them in this new chapter, and to see that book, alongside Charlie Castle’s beautiful text, recognised with the Klaus Flugge Prize feels truly special.’
She adds, ‘I love that this prize celebrates such a wide range of styles and approaches. There’s no single way to be a picture book illustrator—every voice and visual language has 
value. To be recognised specifically for storytelling, mood, and character is especially meaningful.’
This is the tenth year of the Klaus Flugge Prize, established in 2016 to honour publisher Klaus Flugge, a supremely influential figure in picture books, and a number of past winners were at the ceremony which took place at the Art Workers’ Guild, Queen Square, London. Among those attending were Eva Eland, Mariajo Ilustrajo, Flavia Drago, Joseph Namara Hollis and Nicholas John Frith.
Chair of the judges, Julia Eccleshare said, ‘We are delighted to be celebrating Emma Farrarons on the tenth anniversary of the Klaus Flugge Prize, as well as shortlisted illustrators Mikey Please and Rhian Stone, and thrilled to see so many former winners of the Klaus Flugge Prize at the ceremony. Picture books are children’s first encounter with art and the vital beginning step on young children’s Reading for Pleasure journey. Congratulations to all those who produce and publish picture books and very special thanks again to Klaus Flugge who has done so much to support and promote illustrators throughout his long career and to bring outstanding art to our children.’
Alongside Kate Winter, this year’s judges are teacher and educational consultant Rachna Joshi; and award-winning author illustrators Yasmeen Ismail and Bruce Ingman. Ingman also leads the MA Children’s Literature Children’s Book Illustration course at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Emma Farrarons receives a trophy and £5,000.
