Distinct visual voices on the shortlist for the 2026 Klaus Flugge Prize

The shortlist for the 2026 Klaus Flugge Prize has been revealed. Established in 2016, the Klaus Flugge Prize is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration and was set up to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and a hugely influential figure in the world of children’s publishing.

Now in its eleventh year, the £5,000 prize is the only one specifically to recognise a published picture book by a debut illustrator.

From a longlist of 18, the panel of judges have chosen six to shortlist and praised the illustrators for their skill and originality and for the inventiveness of their storytelling.

Their books’ subjects are very varied, and topics include a magical island that finds a way to slow down its residents; a dog creating amazing artwork from materials he has to hand; seven very active little babies; a family constantly on the move; and a little girl finding a new way to dance when her parents separate. There is also an information picture book on the list, telling the true story of Ferdinand Magellan and his epic journey.

The shortlisted books are:

The Great Green Island written and illustrated by Becky Colvin (Macmillan)
Ali lives with her dad on a beautiful island with a busy fishing village. So busy in fact that, no matter how hard she tries, Ali can never persuade anyone to stop what they are doing and come exploring with her. That is until the morning everyone wakes to find ALL the fish have disappeared. There’s a cinematic quality to this picture book, say the judges, a clarity of composition and an emotional connection to the characters that marks this out as an extremely accomplished debut.

We Are Like Birds illustrated and written by Laila Ekboir (Kumusha Books)
Flor is only seven but she is moving for the third time. We watch as she leaves her old home behind and begins to settle in a new home, school and country. Readers can see how hard this is but as she begins to find her feet, she makes friends and becomes more confident sharing her heritage. This book takes a difficult topic and makes it joyful, say the judges. The characterisation is excellent and the pacing just as good and there’s a skilful mix of light and shade.

The Voyage that Changed the World illustrated and written by Thekla Priebst (Quarto)
This book takes readers on an amazing journey of discovery with Captain Magellan and his crew as they sail round the whole world. Such are the hardships they experience, that only 18 of the original crew of 240 complete the journey. A perfect example of an information picture book, say the judges, who admire the way the artwork “embraces” the text; the illustrations tell the story as much as the text and bring the drama of the voyage to life.

Henry the Artistic Dog illustrated and written by Justin Worsley (Andersen Press)
Henry is an artist. A master sculptor. Unfortunately, his work, which is crafted with dedication from materials he can control (his own poo), goes largely unappreciated, until one day, he finds an audience who really value his work. A truly memorable picture book, say the judges, fresh, different and with a unique voice. The use of perspective is impressive and the confidence in bold shapes.

Seven Babies illustrated and written by Forest Xiao (Walker Books)
One Thursday morning, a box of seven babies arrives at a door … and chaos ensues! Feeding, bathing and entertaining the babies is too much for the two adults in the house, who are left sound asleep as the babies head out for more fun. Each baby has its own character, say the judges, who also admire the strong visual storytelling. The real life details are a delight too and there’s a freshness to this very funny picture book.

Our Dance illustrated and written by Circle Yuen (Graffeg)
The little girl in this story loves to dance, especially when her mummy and daddy join in. When her parents separate, she only sees her daddy at the weekends at a child contact centre. Though it is hard at first, she comes to realise that now she has two dances. This is a book that really tugs on our heartstrings, say the judges. Circle Yuen’s style and way of working give the illustrations a rawness and make them feel very immediate. Atmospheric, it will connect directly with readers.

This year’s judges are award-winning best-selling illustrator Rob Biddulph; Emma Farrarons, winner of the 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize; Shelley Jackson, course director for the internationally renowned MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University; and Vanessa Lewis, co-owner of independent children’s bookshop The Book Nook in Hove. Julia Eccleshare is chair of the judges.

Rob Biddulph says, ‘At its best, illustration can truly illuminate a story. It should light it up and bring it vividly to life, and that’s exactly what the artists on this year’s shortlist have done. These books are full of personality, warmth and inventive storytelling, and each illustrator offers a distinct visual voice. It’s inspiring to see such originality and promise in debut work. Many congratulations to all the shortlisted illustrators.’

Emma Farrarons, winner of the 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize with her illustrations for My Hair is as Long as a River says, ‘We are really impressed with this vibrant shortlist of six. Each book is completely different from the next, and every single one is a joy to look at. These books feel fresh and playful. There’s real craft behind them. You can see that every spread is polished, every image earns its place, and there’s a sensitivity and imagination in how each one shares feeling.’

Chair of the judges Julia Eccleshare says. ‘It feels very fitting that the Klaus Flugge Prize is entering its second decade during the National Year of Reading. Reading starts with picture books, and our shortlist demonstrates both the extraordinary range and quality of new books available for the youngest readers, and the talent being nurtured on courses and by publishers. Huge thanks to Klaus Flugge for supporting this important award and for highlighting emerging illustrators. We’re pleased that the shortlist features illustrators from across the world, proof that illustration is a universal language.’

The winner will be announced at an award ceremony at the Art Workers’ Guild, London on Wednesday 9 September 2026.