Klaus Flugge Prize 2022 – Shortlist Announced!

21 May, 2022

The 2022 shortlist for the Klaus Flugge Prize, awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration, was announced at a live event at Waterstones Piccadilly on Wednesday 18th May. Founded 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.

The six shortlisted titles were chosen from a longlist of twenty-four picture books by a panel made up of illustrators, past winners and children’s book experts.

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.”

Congratulations to all the shortlisted artists!

Cover images of the six shortlisted titles for the Klaus Flugge Prize 2022

The 2022 Klaus Flugge Prize shortlist:

Mammoth illustrated by Adam Beer, written by Anna Kemp (Simon and Schuster)

Judges’ comments: The judges 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.

Choices by Roozeboos (Child’s Play)

Judges’ comments: 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.

Pierre’s New Hair by Joseph Hollis (Tate)

Judges’ comments: 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 illustrated by Padmacandra, written by Karen Swann (Scallywag Press)

Judges’ comments: 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.

Rescuing Titanic by Flora Delargy (Wide Eyed Editions)

Judges’ comments: The judges admired [Flora’s] use of colour and light and the way she fills the different scenes with life and movement, capturing the full drama of the events.

Alley Cat Rally by Ricky Trickartt (Flying Eye Books)

Judges’ comments: 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.

Find further resources to help explore the shortlist here.

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

 

Logo for Klaus Flugge Prize