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‘Exceptionally talented illustrators’ Shortlist announced for the 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize

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The shortlist for the 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize has been announced. This is the tenth year of the award which was established in 2016 to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and a leading light in the world of children’s publishing and illustration. The £5,000 prize is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration.

From a longlist of 15 picture books by debut illustrators, this year’s panel of judges have chosen three to shortlist.

The shortlisted books are:

My Hair is as Long as a River illustrated by Emma Farrarons, written by Charlie Castle (Macmillan)
Some people don’t understand why the boy in this story has long hair, but through a series of wonderful metaphors, gloriously illustrated by Emma Farrarons, he shows us why it’s so important, how it is part of him, even his ‘happy ever after’. The judges highlight the sense of playfulness and imagination captured in the illustrations and admire the loose artwork style and gorgeous colour palette.

The Café at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please (HarperCollins Children’s Books)
Rene’s dream of serving haute cuisine in her café at the edge of the woods seems doomed to failure when it fails to attract any customers. But then her resourceful waiter Glumfoot takes matters into his own hands and finds a new and enthusiastic clientele. Mikey Please won the Waterstones Children’s Book Award with this book. The judges admire the tempo very much and the story structure. It’s a book to appeal to a wide range of readers and will inspire future picture book makers.

Grandad’s Star illustrated by Rhian Stone, written by Frances Tosdevin (Rocket Bird Books)
When Grandad was younger, he was an astronomer, and he’s full of stories about the stars. But now he’s getting older, he’s starting to forget things including the stories that he has always known so well, and even his granddaughter’s name. But the love between them doesn’t dim. The judges admire the sense of feeling created in this story and strong sense of narrative. They also highlight the loose and light artistic approach and the expressive body language.

This year’s judges are award-winning author illustrators Yasmeen Ismail and Bruce Ingman, who also leads the MA Children’s Literature: Children’s Book Illustration course at Goldsmiths, University of London, plus teacher and educational consultant Rachna Joshi; and 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize winner Kate Winter. Julia Eccleshare is chair of the judging panel.

Julia Eccleshare says, ‘Once again, the longlist for the Klaus Flugge Prize reflected the creative ambitions of new illustrators and their publishers, but these three books stand out. Emma Farrarons, Mikey Please and Rhian Stone are exceptionally talented illustrators, and their books demonstrate powerfully all that picture books can do, taking young children into new and different worlds, explaining emotions through the medium of illustration, and creating a sense of self and identity.’

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Art Workers’ Guild, Queen Square, London on Thursday 11 September 2025 and will receive a cheque for £5,000.

 

Longlist Announced for the 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize

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The longlist for the 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize has been announced.

This is the tenth year of the Klaus Flugge Prize, which was set up in 2016, in honour of publisher Klaus Flugge, a hugely influential figure in picture books and founder of publishing house Andersen Press. It is awarded annually to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s book illustration; the winning illustrator receives a cheque for £5,000. The Klaus Flugge Prize is the only prize specifically to recognise a published picture book by a debut illustrator.

Winning the Klaus Flugge Prize brings real prestige and past winners include New York Times bestseller Flavia Z. Drago (2021), Mariajo Ilustrajo (2023), twice shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration, and most recently Kate Winter, who won with The Fossil Hunter in 2024. There are video introductions to their illustration style on the Klaus Flugge Prize YouTube channel.

This year there were over three dozen submissions, from 26 different publishing houses; 15 have made it to the longlist. Quarto dominates with no less than four books on the list, including three from the new Frances Lincoln First Editions imprint, devoted to debuts and emerging illustrators; Rocket Bird Books have two titles on the list, including Grandad’s Star by self-taught illustrator Rhian Stone. Wacky Bee and Floris Books are both featured for the first time.

The 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize longlist in full:

Adnan illustrated by Diala Brisley
Written by Mark Arrigo and Steven Chatterton, editor by Claire Grace & Hattie Grylls, design by Myrto Dimitrakoulia & Belinda Webster (Quarto)

Serena and the Little Blue Dog illustrated and written by Rosemary Clunie
Editor Fiona Kennedy, design by Jessie Price (Zephyr)

The Great Highland Games Chase illustrated by Laura Darling
Written by Kate Abernethy, editor Jennie Skinner, design by Richard Wainman (Floris Books)

My Hair is as Long as a River illustrated by Emma Farrarons
Written by Charlie Castle, editor Grace Gleave, design Lorna Scobie (Macmillan Children’s Books)

Slug Life illustrated and written by Moesha Kellaway
Editor Libby Hamilton, design Camille Pichon (Rocket Bird Books)

The Cat who Couldn’t Be Bothered illustrated and written by Jack Kurland
Editor Lotte Dobson, design by Karissa Santos (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)

Have You Seen Mikki Olsen? Illustrated and written by Alex Macdonald
Editor Peter Marley, design Karissa Santos (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)

Grandpa Kuma illustrated and written by Michelle Maiden
Editor Louise Jordan, design by David Rose (Wacky Bee Books)

Paul the Peacock illustrated and written by Tilly Matthews
Editor Carly Madden, designer Sarah Chapman-Suire (Happy Yak)

The Café at the Edge of the Woods illustrated and written by Mikey Please
Editor Alice Blacker, design Val Brathwaite (HarperCollin’s Children’s Books)

The Dolls’ House illustrated by Claudia Ravalli
Written by Tanya Rosie, editor Emma Drage, designer Kate Penrose (Oxford)

Grandma’s Locs illustrated by Camilla Ru
Written by Karen Arthur, editor Cherise Lopes-Baker, design by Roanne Marner (Tate)

The Christmas Tree Mouse illustrated by Farah Shah
Written by Joseph Coelho, editor Andrea MacDonald, design by Lucy Wiseman (Puffin)

Grandad’s Star illustrated by Rhian Stone
Written by Frances Tosdevin, editor Libby Hamilton, design by Ness Wood (Rocket Bird Books)

Wilhelmina Barns-Graham An Introduction illustrated by Annabel Wright
Written by Kate Temple, editor Rob Airey, design by Leda Bartolucci (Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust)

The 2025 judging panel is headed by award-winning authors and illustrators Yasmeen Ismail and Bruce Ingman. Yasmeen’s debut picture book Time for Bed, Fred won the V&A Best Illustrated Book Award and The New York Times Best Illustrated Book award, many more bestselling picture books have followed. Bruce too is an internationally acclaimed illustrator whose partnership with author Allan Ahlberg has yielded many successes. Bruce also leads the MA Children’s Literature: Children’s Book Illustration course at Goldsmiths, University of London. They are joined as judges by teacher and educational consultant Rachna Joshi; and 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize winner Kate Winter. Julia Eccleshare is chair of the judging panel.

Julia Eccleshare says, ‘It’s always exciting to reveal the longlist for the Klaus Flugge Prize, and particularly so in its tenth year. Once again, the books demonstrate the abundance of new talent in picture book illustration. Our longlisted illustrators use a huge variety of technique, and their subjects range from grandads to slugs, topics including family love, managing emotions, and the refugee experience, so that this list demonstrates the extraordinary vitality and plurality of contemporary picture books. We look forward to celebrating the work of these illustrators and more throughout 2025 and, as ever, we say a huge thank you to Klaus Flugge whose generosity makes the prize possible and whose contribution to picture book publishing is unparalleled.’

The shortlist will be announced on 15 May 2025 and the winner will be announced at an award ceremony on 10 September 2025.

Events to mark the tenth year of the award include a celebration of the longlist at Waterstones Piccadilly on Thursday 8 May, events with Kate Winter in Cambridge and online, and joint activity with the Association of Illustrators.

 

 

Shortlist announced for the 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize

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Following a celebration event at Waterstones Piccadilly last night, the shortlist for the Klaus Flugge Prize is announced today (Wednesday 15 May). Established in 2016, the prize was set up to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and a leading light in the world of children’s publishing and illustration. It is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration.

From a longlist of 17 picture books by debut illustrators, the panel of judges have chosen six to shortlist. This year’s judges are multi award-winning illustrator Petr Horáček; Mariajo Ilustrajo, winner of the 2023 Klaus Flugge Prize; Olivia Ahmad, Artistic Director at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration; and Alex Forbes, founder of independent bookshop Fourbears Books. The panel is chaired by Julia Eccleshare, Director, Hay Children’s Festival.

The judges were looking for technical skill, the ability to tell a story and to create character, as well as originality and promise. The six shortlisted illustrators have very different approaches and artistic styles, their subjects are as varied as the power and importance of the natural world; a little girl with the most amazing dreams; the purpose of art; and a mango tree full of surprises. This year there are two information picture books on the list, one shining a light on the lives of Black British people in history, the other telling the story of Victorian fossil hunter, Mary Anning.

 

 

 

 

The Crown illustrated by Emily Kapff (Walker Books)
The Dream Book by Bia Melo (Templar)
Henri and the Machine illustrated by Olga Shtonda, written by Isabelle Marinov (Templar)
Farah Loves Mangos illustrated by Sarthak Sinha (Flying Eye Books)
Bright Stars of Black British History illustrated by Angela Vives, written by J. T. Williams (Thames and Hudson)
The Fossil Hunter illustrated by Kate Winter (Puffin Books)

Chair of the judges Julia Eccleshare says, ‘From another strong longlist, our judges have selected a shortlist that fully represents the extraordinary variety of picture books on offer to children today. At a time when computers and software are as important tools for illustrators as brush and pen, our six shortlisted illustrators demonstrate exceptional skill at drawing, painting and observation. In a crowded market, they have developed their own style, creating characters and scenes we haven’t encountered before. When it is so hard for new talent to break through, Klaus Flugge’s generosity in sponsoring the Prize and his lifelong support for authors and illustrators is vital.’

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday 11 September 2024 and will receive a cheque for £5,000.

 

Longlist for the 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize

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The longlist for the 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize is announced today (Thursday 15 February 2024). Established in 2016, the Klaus Flugge Prize is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration. It honours Klaus Flugge, founder of publisher Andersen Press and a supremely influential figure in picture books.

The Klaus Flugge Prize is the only award specifically to recognise a published picture book by a debut illustrator; the winning illustrator receives a cheque for £5,000.

Over forty books were submitted for the 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize and from 27 different publishing houses; 17 have made it to the longlist.

The 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize longlist in full:

The Slug and the Snail illustrated by Olya Anima.
Written by Oein DeBhairduin, editor Siobhán Parkinson, designer Louise Millar (Little Island Books and Skein Press)

Outside illustrated by Oren Lapwing (formerly Bee Chuck)
Editor Isabel Otter, designer Emma Jennings (Little Tiger)

My Bollywood Dream illustrated by Avani Dwivedi
Editor Tanya Rosie, designer Marty Cleary, art director Deirdre McDermott (Walker Books)

We Are a Circus illustrated by Rosie Fencott
Written by Nasta, editor/designer Emma Dai’an Wright (The Emma Press)

Ning and the Night Spirits illustrated by Adriena Fong
Editor Harriet Birkinshaw, art director Lilly Gottwald (Flying Eye Books)

We Dug Up the World illustrated by Kitty Harris
Written by Alexandra Stewart, editor Lucy Twist, art director Alison Padley (Laurence King Publishing)

The Crown illustrated by Emily Kapff
Editor Pauliina Malinen, designers Audrey Keri-Nagy & Marty Cleary, art director Deirdre McDermott (Walker Books)

Who Owns the Woods? illustrated by Jess Mason
Written by Emily Hibbs, editor Harriet Evans, designer Maddie Pilkington (Little Tiger)

The Dream Book by Bia Melo
Editor Amelia Warren, designer Christopher Stanley (Templar)

Brilliant Black British History illustrated by Kingsley Nebechi
Written by Atinuke, editor Sally Beets, art director Katie Knutton (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)

Wolf and Bear illustrated by Kate Rolfe
Editor Suzanne Carnell, designer Jo Spooner (Two Hoots)

The Little Fear illustrated by Luke Scriven
Editor Alice Blacker, art director Candice Turvey (HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Henri and the Machine illustrated by Olga Shtonda
Written by Isabelle Marinov, editor Sophie Hallam, designer Anna Ring (Templar)

Farah Loves Mangoes illustrated by Sarthak Sinha
Editor Harriet Birkinshaw, art director Lilly Gottwald (Flying Eye Books)

Bright Stars of Black British History illustrated by Angela Vives
Written by J.T. Williams, editor Anna Ridley, designer Kate Haynes (Thames and Hudson)

The Fossil Hunter illustrated by Kate Winter
Editors Anna Barnes-Robinson, Louise Rickwood and Lara Hancock, designer Monica Whelan (Puffin)

Animal Crackers illustrated by Ruby Wright
Editor Libby Hamilton, designer Ness Wood (Rocket Bird Books)

Previous Klaus Flugge Prize winners include Francesca Sanna in 2017 for The Journey, Kate Milner for My Name is Not Refugee in 2018, Jessica Love in 2019 for Julian is a Mermaid, Eva Eland for When Sadness Comes to Call in 2020, Flavia Z Drago in 2021 with Gustavo the Shy Ghost and Joseph Namara Hollis in 2022 for Pierre’s New Hair.

The 2023 Klaus Flugge Prize was awarded to Mariajo Ilustrajo for Flooded. Mariajo returns this year as a judge alongside award-winning illustrator Petr Horáček, Olivia Ahmad, Artistic Director at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration; and Alex Forbes, founder of independent bookshop Fourbears Books. The panel will be chaired by Julia Eccleshare, director of the children’s programme of the Hay Festival.

Julia Eccleshare says, ‘This, the ninth Klaus Flugge Prize longlist, is typically diverse in themes, approaches and subjects, a demonstration of the multitude of stories, true and imagined, that picture books can tell. The illustrators share an understanding of how to communicate ideas, emotions and narrative through illustration.  We’re delighted to be celebrating these accomplished and original picture books and such talented debut illustrators. Our thanks as always to Klaus Flugge for his generous sponsorship and continuous support for new picture book talent.’

The shortlist will be announced on 15 May 2024 and the winner will be revealed on 11 September 2024.

Mariajo Ilustrajo named winner of the 2023 Klaus Flugge Prize

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Already Mariajo Ilustrajo is the winner of the 2023 Klaus Flugge Prize for the most exciting and promising newcomer to children’s picture book illustration. Mariajo is already overall winner of the Association of Illustrators World Illustration Awards, the English Association 4-11 Picture Book Award 2023 and the UK Literacy Association Picture Book Award 2023.

She won for her book Flooded (Frances Lincoln Books), a funny but powerful demonstration of the impact of climate change in which animals attempt to carry on with business as normal, even while their city is flooding. Finally, they listen to a voice of reason and work together on a solution. Humour lightens every page and the book’s ending is positive and upbeat.

Mariajo’s intention was to tell her story in a new visual language. By simplifying the colour palette, using grey wash and just two colours, she draws our attention both to the sea-green water as it rises, and to the yellow tail of the little tamarin monkey who is alert to the problem from the start. The Klaus Flugge Prize judges describe Flooded as fresh and beautifully drawn, and full of playfulness even as it delivers an important message.

Judge favourite illustrator Lydia Monks says, ‘I was really impressed with Mariajo Ilustrajo’s book. The sophistication and competence displayed is exceptional for someone so new to publishing. I’m excited to follow her career.’

Fellow judge and 2022 Klaus Flugge Prize winner Joseph Namara Hollis adds, ‘Flooded has it all! It absorbs you into a world teeming with life. The character details are captivating, drawing you closer. Each page is dynamic with plenty to discover as the drama unfolds. And whilst it is a fun story, it delivers an important message with warmth and humour. This is a book to enjoy again and again.’

Mariajo Ilustrajo says, ‘It’s difficult to describe with words the joy of winning this prestigious prize. I’ve been an illustrator for a long time but becoming a children’s book illustrator and author seemed like just a dream. This recognition makes me feel that I’m heading in the right direction and encourages me to keep exploring new ways of creating new stories. I am ‘flooded’ with happiness and proud to know my book touched the Klaus Flugge Prize judges amongst such an amazing shortlist.’

Chair of the judges, Julia Eccleshare says, ‘Picture book illustration is in a robust state of health and the submissions for this year’s Klaus Flugge Prize were very strong. Our five shortlisted illustrators have enormous technical skill as well as an exceptional understanding of how illustration carries story and meaning. Huge congratulations to Mariajo on winning this year’s Klaus Flugge Prize; Flooded is a book that speaks both to now and of universal themes.’

Established in 2016, the Klaus Flugge Prize honours publisher Klaus Flugge, a supremely influential figure in picture books. Flugge set up Andersen Press in 1976 and discovered and nurtured many of today’s most distinguished illustrators including David McKee, Tony Ross, Satoshi Kitamura, Ruth Brown and Susan Varley. In April he received the London Book Fair Lifetime Achievement Award to add to his list of honours.

As it becomes increasingly difficult for debut illustrators to break through, the Klaus Flugge Prize is already recognized as one of the most important and influential awards thanks to its spotlight on exciting new talent. Previous winners include Eva Eland, Jessica Love, Flavia Z Drago and Kate Milner.

Alongside Lydia Monks and Joseph Namara Hollis, this year’s judges are Urmi Merchant, founder and owner of independent bookshop Pickled Pepper, London; and Dr Sarah McConnell, Course Leader of the Masters in Illustration course at Nottingham Trent University. The panel is chaired by Julia Eccleshare, Director, Hay Children’s Festival.

The announcement was made on the evening of Wednesday 13 September in the library at CLPE, Webber Street, London SE1.

Mariajo Ilustrajo wins £5,000.

The 2022 Klaus Flugge Prize shortlist in full

Lost in the City, Alice Courtley (Orchard Books)
Mildred the Gallery Cat, Jono Ganz, (Tate)
Flooded, Mariajo Ilustrajo (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)
Saving the Butterfly, Gill Smith, text by Helen Cooper (Walker Books)
The Baker by the Sea, Paula White (Templar Books)

Shortlist for the 2023 Klaus Flugge Prize announced

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The shortlist for the Klaus Flugge Prize has been announced today. Established in 2016, the prize was set up to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and a leading light in the world of children’s publishing and illustration. It is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration.

From a longlist of fifteen picture books by debut illustrators, the panel of judges have chosen five to shortlist. This year’s judges are illustrator Lydia Monks; Joseph Namara Hollis, winner of the 2022 Klaus Flugge Prize; Urmi Merchant, founder and owner of independent bookshop Pickled Pepper, London; and Dr Sarah McConnell, Course Leader of the Masters in Illustration course at Nottingham Trent University. The panel is chaired by Julia Eccleshare, Director, Hay Children’s Festival.

The judges are looking for freshness and technical skills as well as a talent for creating character and in storytelling. The five shortlisted books star a boy helping his father bake bread for the people of a small fishing village; a little girl exploring the city with her Gran and adventurous orange kitten; and Mildred, a gallery cat with an urge to create great art. Demonstrating picture book creators’ ability to explore contemporary issues, in Saving the Butterfly, two young refugee siblings are inspired to find new hope for the future, while animals of all kinds work together as their city is submerged by rising waters in Flooded.

The five shortlisted books are:

Lost in the City, by Alice Courtley, editor Elaine Connelly, designer Izzy Jones (Orchard Books)
Maya is a bit nervous about a trip to the big city, but little kitten Sammy, who’s stowed away in her bag, has no fears. Chasing Sammy leads to fun adventures, and a spot-and-find game for readers too. The judges admire Alice Courtley’s control of the story, and her use of composition and colour. They praise the consistency of the lively world she creates.

Mildred the Gallery Cat, by Jono Ganz, editor Cherise Lopes-Baker, designer Roanne Marner (Tate)
Inspired by the real gallery cat of Tate Modern, Jono Ganz’s story describes what Mildred gets up to when all the visitors have gone home. As she explores the different rooms, she wonders if she too could be an artist, and what it takes. The judges love the exuberance of the story and its joyous, playful communicativeness. The design skilfully maintains a balance between control and chaos.

Flooded, by Mariajo Ilustrajo, editor Lucy Brownridge, designer Karissa Santos (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)
It’s business as usual for these animals even as their town is flooded. Preoccupied by their own concerns, they deal with the practical inconveniences of rising water in humorous and inventive ways until finally they listen to the one voice urging action, and work together on a solution. This is an important story, cleverly told and beautifully drawn, say the judges, full of little details that allow children to explore its world, even if they can’t yet read the story.

Saving the Butterfly, by Gill Smith, written by Helen Cooper, editor Denise Johnstone-Burt, designer Louise Jackson (Walker Books)
Two young siblings are rescued from the sea and start a new life in a new country. The older struggles, choosing to stay in their dark house until her little brother brings her a beautiful butterfly and new hope. This is a special book, say the judges. Smith handles a difficult subject really well. The illustrations are atmospheric and expressive, and we connect with the characters.

The Baker by the Sea, by Paula White, editor Ruth Symons, designer Genevieve Webster (Templar Books)
Written in homage to her grandad and a tribute to an enduring way of life, Paula White’s book describes a young boy helping his father, the baker in a fishing village. The boy thinks fishermen have the most important job, but working with his father changes his perceptions. The judges admire the lyrical depiction of the landscape, the strong sense of place and the rolling tempo: ‘It works magic’.

Chair of the judges Julia Eccleshare says, “From a very strong longlist, our judges have selected a shortlist that celebrates community, creativity and adventure. Here are books that are sophisticated, playful, serious. The five illustrators are technically accomplished but bring a freshness which is very exciting. At a time when it is particularly hard for new talent to break through, we are grateful to Klaus Flugge for his generosity in sponsoring the Prize and for his lifelong support for authors and illustrators.”

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday 13 September 2023 and will receive a cheque for £5,000.

Longlist Announced for the 2023 Klaus Flugge Prize

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The longlist for the 2023 Klaus Flugge Prize has been announced. Established in 2016, the Klaus Flugge Prize is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration. It honours Klaus Flugge, founder of publisher Andersen Press .

Over forty books were submitted and from 25 different publishing houses; 15 have made it to the longlist. Independent publishers including small presses UCLan, Lantana, Child’s Play, Flying Eye and Book Island are all represented, while Walker dominates with three books on the list.

The 2023 Klaus Flugge Prize longlist in full:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheesed Off!, by Genevieve Aspinall, written by Jake Hope, editors Kieran Baker and Hazel Holmes, designer Amy Cooper, (UCLan Publishing)

John Agard’s Windrush Child, by Sophie Bass, written by John Agard, editor Megan Middleton, designer Beth Aves (Walker Books)

Lost in the City, by Alice Courtley, editor Elaine Connelly, designer Izzy Jones (Orchard Books)

Mildred the Gallery Cat, by Jono Ganz, editor Cherise Lopes-Baker, designer Roanne Marner (Tate)

That’s Nice Love, by Owen Gent, editor Victoria Miller, designer David Rose (Book Island)

Our Story Starts in Africa, by Jeanetta Gonzales, written by Patrice Lawrence, editor Emma Roberts, designer Zoe Tucker (Magic Cat Publishing)

How to Make a Book, by Patricia Hu, written by Becky Davies, editor Becky Davies, designer Ella Tomkins (Little Tiger)

Flooded, by Mariajo Ilustrajo, editor Lucy Brownridge, designer Karissa Santos (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)

Through the Forest, by Yijing Li, editor/designer Holly Tonks (Lantana )

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish, by Chloe Savage, editor Maria Tunney, designer Ines Amaral (Walker Books)

Valentine’s Guest House, by Sam Sharland, editor Sue Baker, designer Annie Kubler (Child’s Play (International) Ltd)

Saving the Butterfly, by Gill Smith, written by Helen Cooper, editor Denise Johnstone-Burt, designer Louise Jackson (Walker Books)

The Missing Piece, by Beth Suzanna, written by Jordan Stephens, editor Lara Hancock, designer Goldy Broad (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)

Daddy Do My Hair: Beth’s Twists, by Chanté Timothy, editors Melissa Gitari and Helen Mackenzie-Smith, designer Emily Hearn (Simon and Schuster)

The Baker by the Sea, by Paula White, editor Ruth Symons, designer Genevieve Webster (Templar Books)

Previous Klaus Flugge Prize winners include Jessica Love in 2019 for Julian is a Mermaid, Francesca Sanna in 2017 for The Journey, Kate Milner for My Name is Not Refugee in 2018, Eva Eland for When Sadness Comes to Call in 2020 and Flavia Z Drago in 2021 with Gustavo the Shy Ghost.

Joseph Namara Hollis was the 2022 winner with Pierre’s New Hair, and returns this year as a judge alongside award-winning illustrator Lydia Monks; Sarah McConnell, Course Leader for Masters in Illustration at Nottingham Trent University; and Urmi Merchant, co-founder and director of the children’s specialist bookshop and events space Pickled Pepper Books. The panel will be chaired by Julia Eccleshare, director of the children’s programme of the Hay Festival.

Julia Eccleshare says, ‘It’s eight years since the launch of the Klaus Flugge Prize, and almost 50 years since Klaus Flugge founded Andersen Press, but picture book illustrators still have the power to surprise us as they explore new ways of storytelling and choose different stories to tell. Here are books that introduce children to art and to exploration; that examine loneliness and its opposite, acceptance; that recount histories; celebrate diversity; offer guidance for our future. Each artist acknowledges young children’s ability to understand often complex ideas and emotions communicated through illustration. It’s an exciting list to bring to our judges. Our thanks as always to Klaus Flugge for his generous sponsorship and continuous support for new picture book talent.’

The shortlist will be announced on 17 May 2023 and the winner will be revealed in September.

Hair-raising success for Joseph Namara Hollis – winner 2022 Klaus Flugge Prize

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Joseph Namara Hollis has won the 2022 Klaus Flugge Prize for the most exciting and promising newcomer to children’s picture book illustration. He won for his book Pierre’s New Hair (Tate Publishing) about a bear obsessed with looking good but also desperate to show the world his roller-skating flair.

As Pierre and the rest of the Bear Squad prepare to enter the Roller Stars Championships, his efforts to create the perfect quiff almost end in disaster, until his friends come to the rescue. Working in pen and ink and using strong graphic colours, Hollis fills the pages with energy and detail, and for all the absurdity, Pierre’s world is real and recognisable. The Klaus Flugge Prize judges found the story full of warmth and humour, admiring the composition and creation of character.

Judge, illustrator Emily Gravett says, ‘Pierre’s New Hair is like a breath of fresh air. It made me laugh out loud. What impressed me was the way that Joseph was able to conjure up a whole world for his characters to inhabit. It was our winner because we loved how every aspect of the book fitted together perfectly to make this a quirky fun book to read.’

Established in 2016, the Klaus Flugge Prize was founded to honour publisher Klaus Flugge, a supremely influential figure in picture books.

Describing himself as ‘dizzy with gratitude’, Joseph Namara Hollis says, ‘Winning the Klaus Flugge Prize is invigorating. There is a sentiment in the book about letting go, enjoying the moment and not worrying too much about how you’ll be perceived. This is a necessity when working creatively. It’s also a paradox because whilst struggling to avoid being overly concerned with what other people might think, the hope is to form a meaningful connection with readers. To know my work has touched the judges is fulfilling, it has reinforced my belief – keep doing what you love most.’ Praising the five other shortlisted illustrators, he added, ‘The Klaus Flugge Prize shows we’re all roller-skating in the right direction.’

Chair of the judges, Julia Eccleshare says, ‘Once again, this year’s shortlist was very strong and we will follow the careers of all the shortlisted illustrators with huge interest. Congratulations to Joseph for Pierre’s New Hair which is original and a joy to look at. While very funny, it also slips in a message about valuing what’s really important – friends, joy, art.’

Joseph Namara Hollis wins £5,000.

Alongside Flavia Z Drago and Emily Gravett, the judges are Nikki Bi, Co-Founder and the Beyond Books Lead at Civic Square in Birmingham; and Professor Martin Salisbury, Professor of Illustration at Cambridge School of Art in Anglia Ruskin University. Julia Eccleshare, director of the Children’s Programme at the Hay Festival, is Chair of the Judges.

Joy, frivolity and the importance of choice highlighted on the 2022 Klaus Flugge Prize shortlist

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The shortlist for the 2022 Klaus Flugge Prize has been announced. Established in 2016, the prize was set up to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and one of the most influential figures in children’s picture books. It is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration.

From a longlist of twenty-four picture books by debut illustrators, the panel of judges have chosen six to shortlist. This year’s judges are award-winning illustrator Emily Gravett; Flavia Z Drago, 2021 Klaus Flugge Prize winner; Nikki Bi, Co-Founder and the Beyond Books Lead at Civic Square in Birmingham; and Martin Salisbury, Professor of Illustration at Cambridge School of Art in Anglia Ruskin University. The panel is chaired by Julia Eccleshare, Director, Hay Children’s Festival.

They were looking for fresh, exciting picture book illustrators and, after two years of pandemic isolation, stories that reflected our desire for community, freedom and joy. The six shortlisted books star a lonely mammoth (in New York), a bear with extraordinary hair, and an alley cat rally driver (at the wheel of a washing machine); one is set at the swimming pool, another on the deck of the RMS Carpathia, the ship that sailed to the Titanic’s rescue. Themes include the importance of choice, the urgency of cleaning our polluted oceans, and being yourself.

The six shortlisted books are:

Mammoth, Adam Beer, written by Anna Kemp, editor Helen Mackenzie Smith, art director Jane Buckley (Simon and Schuster)
The story of a mammoth with nobody to trumpet with, the judges found this joyful and full of humour. They loved how Adam Beer gives this mammoth real personality and admire the way the illustrations are full of detail, offering a wonderful variety of perspectives. They felt the text and illustrations work together particularly well.

Rescuing Titanic, Flora Delargy, editor Lucy Brownridge, art director Karissa Santos (Wide Eyed Editions)
Flora Delargy’s book is an illustrated version of the true story of the RMS Carpathia, which changed course mid voyage to help rescue survivors of the Titanic disaster. The judges admired her use of colour and light and the way she fills the different scenes with life and movement, capturing the full drama of the events.

Pierre’s New Hair, Joseph Hollis, editor Emilia Will, designer Jade Wheaton (Tate)
Pierre is a bear who loves hair and roller-skating. But can his moves and his quiff impress his favourite roller disco team, the Poodle Squad? The judges loved the anarchy and edge Joseph Hollis brings to his story, and his clever use of the pages and layout. Despite the absurdity, he builds a believable world, the details adding up into something real.

The Tale of the Whale, Padmacandra, written by Karen Swann, editor Janice Thomson, designer Ness Wood (Scallywag Press)
A small child begins a magical journey on the back of a huge and beautiful baleen whale. Together they sail the oceans, dancing with dolphins, diving through the blue seas and exploring the ocean beds. The judges admired the way the illustrations carry the story “so that you are swimming with the whale”. Padmacandra’s images are full of atmosphere and beautiful to look at.

Choices, Roozeboos, designer Sarah Dellow (Child’s Play)
This book is all about choices: little ones (like which ice cream to have), big ones (such as whether to go on the super-duper giant slide), and whether to dive into the swimming pool, even though you are afraid. The judges describe this book as freewheeling and full of energy, with an unruly chaos that feels completely genuine. The message about the importance of making choices is subtly delivered, and Roozeboos is clearly a great observer of humanity.

Alley Cat Rally, Ricky Trickartt, editor Emily Ball, designer Ivanna Khomyak (Flying Eye Books)
Asta the ginger cat reengineers the family washing machine into a racing car and signs on for the big cat auto race. She’s determined to show the other racers she’s no slow-poke but winning, well, that would be a dream come true. The judges loved the fizz and fun of Asta’s world and the clever details. Ricky Trickartt controls the pace of the story superbly and children will relish it.

Chair of the judges Julia Eccleshare said, ‘Our judges have selected a shortlist full of humour, drama, beauty and big ideas. We can see in these six books values that are intrinsic to so many of the picture books published by Klaus Flugge: empathy, diversity, a child-centredness and a generosity of spirit. The illustrators’ ability as artists and storytellers is very exciting. Post-pandemic, picture books are booming.’

The winner will be announced on Wednesday 14 September 2022 and will receive a cheque for £5,000.

Shyness and monsters: Flavia Z. Drago wins the 2021 Klaus Flugge Prize

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Flavia Z. Drago has been named winner of the 2021 Klaus Flugge Prize for the most exciting and promising newcomer to children’s picture book illustration. She won for her book Gustavo the Shy Ghost (Walker Books) about a little ghost who despite being so shy he is invisible to the other monsters, eventually finds a way to make friends.

Flavia was presented with her award by renowned illustrator and cartoonist Posy Simmonds at an evening ceremony at CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) on Wednesday 22 September. All five shortlisted illustrators were able to attend the event with their publishers together with previous winners and shortlisted illustrators, including the inaugural winner of the award, Nicholas John Frith. Klaus Flugge, the man behind the award, was there of course and ebullient as ever.

Accepting the prize, an emotional Drago said, “I feel incredibly happy and honoured to have won this year’s Klaus Flugge Prize. Getting my first picture book published was a dream that started about ten years ago. The journey was filled with ups and downs, rejection, uncertainty, and constant learning. I am so grateful to my lovely team in Walker Books for giving me the opportunity to make a story about shyness and monsters, and for having allowed me to share a glimpse of Mexico and its most beautiful celebration, The Day of the Dead with the rest of the world. Making picture books is a privilege and joy, and I hope that I will be able to keep doing this for many years to come.”

Congratulating her, Posy Simmonds described Gustavo, the Shy Ghost as, “Fresh, witty, well-paced and a visual treat.”

Chair of the judges, Julia Eccleshare said: “Each year the Klaus Flugge Prize celebrates the art of picture book illustration and puts the brightest new talent in the spotlight. The illustrators on this year’s shortlist demonstrate extraordinary skill and their very different books bring light, colour, warmth and laughter to readers of all ages. Congratulations to them all and very special thanks again to Klaus Flugge who has done so much to support and promote illustrators throughout his career.”

Established in 2016, the Klaus Flugge Prize was founded to honour publisher Klaus Flugge, a supremely influential figure in picture books. Flugge set up Andersen Press in 1976 and has discovered and nurtured many of today’s most distinguished illustrators including David McKee, Tony Ross, Satoshi Kitamura, Ruth Brown and Susan Varley.

 

Flavia Z. Drago receives £5,000 as winner.

The 2021 Klaus Flugge Prize shortlist in full is:

Child of Galaxies, Charlotte Ager, text Blake Nuto (Flying Eye Books)
While You’re Sleeping, John Broadley, text Mick Jackson (Pavilions)
Gustavo the Shy Ghost, Flavia Z. Drago (Walker Books)
I’m Sticking with You, Steve Small, text Smriti Halls (Simon and Schuster)
My Red Hat, Rachel Stubbs (Walker Books)

Alongside Eva Eland and Posy Simmonds, the judges are Darryl Clifton, Illustration Programme Director at Camberwell College of Arts; Fleur Sinclair, owner of Sevenoaks Bookshop; and Mat Tobin of Oxford Brookes University. Julia Eccleshare, director of the Children’s Programme at the Hay Festival, is Chair of the Judges.

New! Books for Keeps interview: Klaus Flugge Prize judge Mat Tobin interviews Flavia Z. Drago

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