Congratulations to all the illustrators shortlisted for this year’s Klaus Flugge Prize!

Established in 2016 to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and one of the most influential figures in the world of children’s publishing, the prize celebrates the most promising and exciting newcomers to picture book illustration.

From a longlist of 17 titles, a panel of judges made up of illustrators, past winners and children’s book experts have selected six titles with very different approaches and artistic styles. The judges were looking for technical skill, the ability to tell a story and to create a character, as well as originality and promise.

Commenting on this year’s shortlist, chair of judges Julia Eccleshare said, “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 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize shortlist:

The Crown by Emily Kapff  (Walker Books). Judges’ comments: The judges admire Emily Kapff’s skill at drawing and the drama she conveys through her pictures. Children can spend a long time looking at this book… and it will inspire people of all ages to pick up a pencil.

The Dream Book by Bia Melo (Templar Publishing). Judges’ comments: The judges love the energy of Bia Melo’s drawings and the sense of playful chaos she creates. This is a book that feels fresh and new and there’s lots to involve young readers.

Henri and the Machine illustrated by Olga Shtonda, written by Isabelle Marinov (Templar Publishing). Judges’ comments: All the visual jokes land and they made the judges laugh. They admire the way the illustrations tell the story so well …

Farah Loves Mangos by Sarthak Sinha (Flying Eye Books). Judges’ comments: A sweet, funny story … very well drawn and paced.           

Bright Stars of Black British History illustrated by Angela Vives, written by J. T. Williams (Thames and Hudson Ltd). Judges’ comments: The judges find Angela Vives’ illustrations delicate but bold and admire her skill at creating scenes and characters.

The Fossil Hunter by Kate Winter (Puffin). Judges’ comments: A beautiful book, say the judges, who admire its sense of freshness, the artist’s observational skill and the strong sense of location.

The winner of this year’s Klaus Flugge Prize will be announced on 11th September. Watch out for our winner announcement.

For more children’s book awards, click here.