ACHUKA

children's & YA recommendations on the go

  • News
    • Archived reviews
  • Illustrated
    • Graphic Novels
    • Meet An Illustrator
  • Fiction
    • Humour
    • Classics/Reissues
    • YA
  • Non-Fiction
  • Poetry & Tales
  • Gift
  • Links
  • About
    • ACHUKAstudio
    • Contact me
You are here: Home / Archives for illustration

2026 Klaus Flugge Prize – The Shortlist

May 14, 2026 By achuka Leave a Comment

We always say it, because it’s true. This is our favourite children’s book prize of the year.

The shortlist for the 2026 Klaus Flugge Prize is announced today (Wednesday 14 May). Established in 2016, the 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:

  • Rob Biddulph
  • Emma Farrarons, winner of the 2025 prize
  • Shelley Jackson, course director for the  MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art
  • Vanessa Lewis, co-owner of independent children’s bookshop The Book Nook in Hove

Julia Eccleshare is chair of the judges.

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

Congratulations:

Filed Under: Blog, Books Tagged With: awards, illustration, prizes

Catherine Rayner Joins Bright Agency Brand Licensing

January 19, 2026 By achuka Leave a Comment

Paul Black—in his new role as Brand Partnerships Director at The Bright Agency, after a decade working for Klaus Flugge and Andersen Press (and before that at Walker Books)—has announced the signing of  picture book creator and artist Catherine Rayner, whom he now represents across licensing, advertising and editorial work. [David Higham Associates will continue to represent Rayner’s literary, film and television rights.]

Catherine Rayner joins the likes of BAFTA-nominated director and illustrator Robin Shaw, who most recently concluded an exclusive illustration range for TESCO’s 2025 Christmas campaign, and Jane Foster, best known for her collaborations with Comic Relief on Red Nose Day T-Shirts, Ikea, and on various products in ceramics, homewares and apparel.

Catherine’s art can already be found on greetings cards, baby wear and more, but working with Bright the goal is to expand further. Catherine’s books have been translated into 35 languages and sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide, and adapted for television, theatre, and musicals, including Augustus and his Smile (Little Tiger Press) which was adapted for the Royal Albert Hall stage.

Catherine has become a household name, both for her own author-illustrated titles as well as working with the likes of Julia Donaldson, Michael Morpurgo, and Michael Bond. Catherine continues to be represented in publishing by Isobel Boston at David Higham Associates. Paul and the Bright team will work with them to increase Catherine’s presence in the market, ultimately with the goal of increasing Catherine’s footprint across books and further retail.

On welcoming Catherine to Bright, Paul Black said:

At Bright our licensing is always rooted in the work of the artist, and on expanding the footprint of their work from where they are currently positioned. I have long admired Catherine’s art, since I first commissioned her for events at Seven Stories more than 17 years ago we have maintained a great relationship hoping to work together again at some point. Watching what she has built on her own in the licensing space alongside her award-winning and best-selling publishing career has been hugely inspiring, and in joining forces with The Bright Agency I am excited to work with Catherine, and her literary agent Isobel Boston to reach new and lucrative partners and licensees for her work, and showcase Catherine’s art globally.

Catherine comments:

Having worked as a professional illustrator for more than 20 years, I felt it was the right moment to explore a new avenue. So when my old friend Paul Black joined the team at Bright, I was excited to hear about the agency’s licensing branch. I’ve licensed work in the past and produced many commissioned projects, as well as creating my own products – including cards and babywear – but this opportunity means my work can have a far wider reach. I’m really looking forward to some interesting and unexpected collaborations, supported by Bright’s expertise and contacts, in areas I’d never dreamed of before. I’m beyond thrilled to be part of the Bright team for my illustrative work and can’t wait to see where my art ends up. Watch this space – it’s going to be fun!

See:
Victor, The Wolf With Worries [ACHUKA Book of the Day 7 Aug 2024]
Otto The Top Dog [ACHUKA Book of the Day 8 Jul 2024]
Mollie, Olive and Dexter [ACHUKA Book of the Day 25 Apr 2023]
My Pet Goldfish [ACHUKA Book of the Day 7 Dec 2021]
Arlo The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep [ACHUKA Book of the Day 17 Aug 2000]

Filed Under: Blog, Books Tagged With: agency, branding, illustration

My Hair is as Long as a River by Charlie Castle ill. Emma Farrarons

September 12, 2025 By achuka Leave a Comment

ACHUKA Book of the Day 12 Sep 2025
Winner of Flaus Flugge Prize 2025

Waterstones
Bookshop

Emma Farrarons is the winner of the 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize 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 River, written by Charlie Castle (Macmillan Children’s Books). The boy in this 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 commended Emma’s use of colour and composition and the way she captures the story’s sense of playfulness.

This year marks ten years of the prize, which was established in 2016 to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and a leading figure in the world of children’s publishing and illustration. 

Emma Farrarons became an international bestseller with her ‘Mindfulness Colouring’ series. Filled with templates of exquisite scenes and intricate, sophisticated patterns, the books have helped a million people worldwide to feel calmer and more at peace. In contrast, her illustrations for My Hair is as Long as a River make full use of colour and detail to capture the personalities of the characters and the drama of the story.

Emma 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.”

The announcement was made yesterday evening, Thursday 11 September at the Art Workers’ Guild, Queen Square, London WC1. Emma Farrarons wins £5,000.

Follow Emma on where she regularly shares pages from her sketchbooks:

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Emma Farrarons (@emmafarrarons)

.@simonkids_UK has announced Wands Away, a new illustrated series following witch in training Ramona Spellstar by Emma Farraronshttps://t.co/kTVuBuZwK2 (£) pic.twitter.com/Xn1N0GkKnc

— BookBrunch (@BookBrunch) March 31, 2025

It was a delight to welcome Emma Farrarons to illustrate our window this week, based on the brand new picture book My Hair is as Long as a River.
Come along to admire our beautiful window in the sun, and to pick up a copy of the book! pic.twitter.com/g0YE06qIuD

— Alligator’s Mouth (@alligatorsmouth) May 10, 2024

Filed Under: BookOfTheDay, Illustrated Tagged With: awards, illustration, prizes

Carnegies Winner Is Youngest Writer To Be Presented With The Award

June 21, 2025 By achuka Leave a Comment

[The following copy is based on the official announcement page.]

The winners of the UK’s longest-running and highly-prestigious book awards for children and young people, The Carnegies, managed by CILIP, the library and information association, were announced earlier this week in front of an audience of over 600 young people at a live-streamed ceremony at the Cambridge Theatre, London. 

  •  27-year-old debut author Margaret McDonald was announced as the Carnegie Medal for Writing winner, the youngest in its almost ninety-year history for her “life changing and emotional” novel Glasgow Boys (Faber). This “honest” and “hopeful” story explores mental health, trauma, inequality and identity through the friendship between two boys who have grown up in foster care.  
  • The winner of the Carnegie Medal for Illustration is Olivia Lomenech Gill for Clever Crow, written by Chris Butterworth (Walker Books). This “innovative” and detailed non-fiction picture book illustrated in “earthy” watercolours, charcoal, gouache and collage encourages readers to look afresh at a fascinating, but often maligned, bird.    

Ros Harding, Chair of Judges for The Carnegies 2025, said: 

“Glasgow Boys is an immersive and visceral read that completely draws the reader into the present and past lives of Finlay and Banjo. It is a book that will stay in the minds of the reader long after finishing it. Clever Crow is full of stunning, innovative and detailed illustrations that elevate this fascinating non-fiction book into something even more special that demands reading over and over again. Congratulations to the 2025 winning authors and illustrators and a huge thanks to the judging panel who give up so much time and energy for these awards. Thanks also to all the young readers who took part in the Shadowing programme and to the teachers and librarians who support them in discovering the very best of writing and illustration for young people.” 

Scottish author Margaret McDonald formerly worked for the NHS and started writing Glasgow Boys when she was a student. She has weaved her own experience of Crohn’s Disease and pain medication dependency after bowel surgery into Glasgow Boys,as well as drawing on her working-class background and experiences of being a first-generation university student. McDonald worked with a care experienced children’s therapist to ensure her depiction of the care system was authentic. The judges praised her “sensitive” and “emotionally honest” exploration of the lack of support young people get when leaving care, which is balanced with a message of “hope” for the future offered by the boys’ friendship. Featuring Scots dialect, Glasgow Boys is a homage to McDonald’s vibrant, multicultural hometown, with judges describing the setting as “very well realised and explored” and “a real reflection of how our world is”. Margaret McDonald will be donating her prize money to Action for Children, one of the UK’s leading children’s charities. Driven by love, it takes action, so vulnerable children and young people living in care and out of care don’t miss out on a safe and happy childhood. 

Carnegie Medal for Writing winner, Margaret McDonald, said: 

“I’m utterly delighted to be the recipient of this year’s Carnegie Medal for Writing. With Glasgow Boys, it was my intention to bring into the light things that are often overlooked as a working class, disabled and first-generation university student, but mainly the difficulties of making your way through a world that is essentially not built for you. We don’t often speak of these invisible barriers but navigate them regardless. It was something that was deeply important for me to showcase the strength, the community, the humour and the love of the people within Glasgow Boys, including but not exclusive to care experienced people, healthcare workers, hospitality staff, queer people, immigrants, and the working class.  My central characters Banjo and Finlay feel as real to me as everyone here right now. They are genuinely standing up here with me to accept this award, and I want to thank the judges for championing them and their story, for giving them this platform and welcoming them into such a legacy as the Carnegies.”  

Olivia Lomenech Gill is a British fine artist and illustrator who was previously shortlisted for the Medal for Illustration for Where My Wellies Take Me, written by Michael and Clare Morpurgo. Lomenech Gill’s interest in birds and the natural world stems from her scientist father and a childhood enjoyment of studying zoological collections at the Natural History Museum in Oxford. 

Clever Crow features “stunning” endpapers depicting nineteen different coloured eggs drawn to scale, and the corresponding adult birds, introduce readers to members of the crow family from around the world, whilst a dark colour palette used throughout creates a “raw, organic and earthy feel” appropriate to the birds and synergistic with the text. The judges praised Lomenech Gill’s “immersive artwork” which gives a sense of movement and “energy” to the playful crows and the “clever” use of “deliberately messy techniques” such as ink splats, torn notebook pages and water staining to give the birds a “playful” and “childlike quality” which “links them to the reader.” Olivia Lomenech Gill plans to use her prize money on a project to support schools, education, and libraries in Palestine. 

Carnegie Medal for Illustration winner, Olivia Lomenech Gill, said:

“I have always had an immense respect for librarians and the vital work they do, so I cannot think of a greater honour than being selected for this award, and I am very grateful to the judges for choosing me as this year’s winner. Working on ‘Clever Crow’ was a great opportunity to learn more about these very clever and sociable birds, and I hope that the book might encourage readers to look at crows from a different viewpoint than the rather negative stereotype as portrayed in fairy tales, horror movies, and Hitchcock!”  

The winners of the Carnegie Medals for Writing and Illustration each receive a specially commissioned golden medal and a £5,000 Colin Mears Award cash prize. 

Filed Under: Blog, Books Tagged With: awards, illustration, prizes, writing

The Bear Out There by Jess Hannigan

June 10, 2025 By achuka Leave a Comment

ACHUKA Book of the Day 10 Jun 2025

Waterstones
Bookshop

“Feisty fractured fairy-tale fun.” KIRKUS
“A beloved classic fairy tale with a new twist, this is frightfully fun and novel.” SLJ

The signs are clear—there’s a BEAR OUT THERE!

You’re lucky to be safe in this cabin in the woods, with a host who is levelheaded, trustworthy, and smart about bear safety.

There’s certainly no need to worry about any dark shadows or sneaky schemes in this book…RIGHT?

You can follow Jess Harrington on >>> >>>

She teaches a class on Flat Digital Illustration with Vibrant Colors on Domestika.

My #PictureBookFriday is The Bear Out There @jesshgn out now for 3+ – bold colours make each page so eye-catching & it’s a great book to discuss fears with chn. Thanks @Harper360UK @antswilk https://t.co/hNlWSB7PWa pic.twitter.com/HMCvpEuUF1

— Tom G (@TJGriffiths) June 6, 2025

A story that's not too sweet and not too scary.

It's just right.

Do you trust the little girl that there is really a bear out there?

The delightful new picture book from Jess Hannigan, The Bear out There, comes out tomorrow in the UK!

Pick it up in your local bookstore pic.twitter.com/W5BzuiPFNm

— Harper360UK (@Harper360UK) June 4, 2025

The Bear Out There is a ‘not too silly, not too scary’ picture book by Hamilton author and illustrator @jesshgn . FULL INTERVIEW: https://t.co/FoFPsG4EaT pic.twitter.com/iQbsNlGXAZ

— Morning Live (@morninglive) April 29, 2025

Filed Under: BookOfTheDay, Illustrated Tagged With: bear, fairytale, flat design, illustration, new take, twist

The World of Maxime by Lucile de Pesloan ill. Jacques Goldstyn tr. Helen Mixter

May 23, 2025 By achuka Leave a Comment

ACHUKA Book of the Day 23 May 2025

Waterstones
Bookshop

“Wonderful, classic, characterful, hand-drawn cartoons.” Nicolette Jones
“Fizzy line drawings and forthright conversation capture the characters’ warmth as a stranger-turned-kindred-spirit accompanies Maxime through a crucial moment of growth.” PublishersWeekly

J’avais envie de raconter l’histoire d’une petite fille sensible pas comme tout le monde.  Je me suis inspirée de ce que je ressentais enfant et d’une longue conversation que nous avions eue à propos de sa fille. Maxime est une petite fille qui réfléchit sur tout tout le temps, elle est parfois dépassée par ses émotions et la rencontre avec la vieille dame va lui faire du bien. Je pense qu’il y a beaucoup de clins d’œil à la relation que j’avais avec ma Grand mère.

I wanted to tell the story of a sensitive little girl who’s not like everyone else. I was inspired by what I felt as a child and by a long conversation we had with Jacques about his daughter. Maxime is a little girl who thinks about everything all the time. She’s sometimes overwhelmed by her emotions, and meeting the old lady will do her good. I think there are many nods to the relationship I had with my grandmother.

Author’s note: more here >>>

Maxime is ten years old. Her favorite things are her books and cats—especially her own cat, Turmeric. Like Matilda, the heroine of her favorite book, she feels different. She wouldn’t mind being like other kids but they make so much noise, it hurts her ears. So, her friends are the characters in her books, and her cat. If she were brave enough, she would talk to the new girl at school, who carries a copy of Matilda in her book bag.

One day, she finds some mysterious bowls in the alley behind her house. She dresses up like a detective in order to investigate and meets an older woman, Catamou, who feeds the neighborhood’s stray cats. Soon enough, the two become friends. Maxime confides in Catamou, who encourages her to introduce herself to the new girl at school.

This heartwarming story by award-winning author Lucile de Pesloüan is told alongside graphic-style illustrations by celebrated artist Jacques Goldstyn.

An ode to cat-lovers, The World of Maxime is a celebration of friendship and an inspiring story about finding confidence in yourself.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Nicolette Jones (@nicolettejonesig)

Meet author Lucile de Pesloüan & discover insights into her stunning graphic/comic picture book – The World of Maxime. https://t.co/vNdrU6w2yx @GreystoneKids #interview #kidlit pic.twitter.com/XdlZxAbEEs

— Maria Marshall (@MariaMarshall_) May 21, 2025

The World of Maxime by Lucile de Pesloan. Maxime is ten years old. Her favorite things are her books and cats—especially her own cat, Turmeric – Daily new children’s book #kidlit #BookOfTheDay #ad https://t.co/djVndW83yX

— School Reading List (@SchoolReading) May 22, 2025

Follow the author on

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Lucile de Peslouan (@luciledepeslouan)

Filed Under: BookOfTheDay, Illustrated Tagged With: analogue, books, cartoon, cats, drawing, grandmother, illustration, reading

Leave the Trees, Please by Benjamin Zephaniah ill. Melissa Castrillon

April 16, 2025 By achuka Leave a Comment

ACHUKA Book of the Day 16 Apr 2025

Waterstones
Bookshop

“A visual feature to pore over.” BookTrust

Follow a little boy’s friendship and journey with one tree, in this powerful and beautiful love letter to nature.

Benjamin Zephaniah’s  story poemshowing how trees offer us the perspective and connection to nature we crave in our daily lives. The final scene is an honest representation of the devastating effects of deforestation and urban development, encouraging all of us, everywhere, to ‘leave the trees, please’.

 

Superb artwork by Melissa Castrillon, an English and Columbian illustrator. 
Follow her on

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by (@melissa.castrillon)

Follow her Domestic course on Picturebook Illustration: Explore Color and Composition.

Filed Under: BookOfTheDay, Illustrated, Poetry/Tales Tagged With: illustration, nature, poetry, trees

2024 Klaus Flugge Prize Winner Announced – An Information Book Wins The Award For The First Time

September 11, 2024 By achuka Leave a Comment

Kate Winter has won the 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize — awarded to the most exciting and promising newcomer to children’s picture book illustration — with her book The Fossil Hunter, which tells the story of Mary Anning, the 19th century palaeontologist whose discoveries in the cliffs of Lyme Regis transformed scientists’ understanding of the world. Special gatefolds are a key part of the book, opening to reveal the prehistoric past, allowing readers to dip into Mary’s mind to see what she is thinking.

Kate Winter carried out much of her research for the book at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences in Cambridge, where she lives, as well as at the Natural History Museum, London. She also read Mary Anning’s letters and journals and spent time in Lyme Regis, and it was walking on the beach and drawing in the places Mary loved that helped her really get to know her subject.

Of her book she says, “Mary was a creative thinker. She dared to dream up something no one had ever thought of before. That’s what I want to do with my work: I want to show new ways of looking at things and I want to take readers on a magical journey.”

One of the judges,  Petr Horáček said, “The Fossil Hunter stood out even in a very strong shortlist. It is a beautifully produced book in which the informative text, the story and the illustrations are in perfect harmony. The energetic, well drawn and painted illustrations are a real treat for a reader of any age.”

Fellow judge and 2023 Klaus Flugge Prize winner Mariajo Ilustrajo said, “I am fascinated by the amount of work Kate has put into the creation of this book, especially as it is her debut book. She shows great observational skills throughout. Her paintings are fresh, but delicate. There is a sense of place and atmosphere in all the images and way she uses light and the colour palette is exceptional.”

Chair of the judges, Julia Eccleshare said, “There is a strong history of illustrated non-fiction in children’s books, and we are excited that this year’s Klaus Flugge Prize is awarded to an information picture book. Non-fiction stories have been shortlisted previously, but this is the first time an information book has won.”

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 2023 he was awarded 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 Petr Horáčék and Mariajo Ilustrajo, this year’s judges were Olivia Ahmad, Artistic Director at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration and Alex Forbes, founder of independent bookshop Fourbears Books.

The announcement was made earlier this evening, Wednesday 11 September in the library at CLPE, Webber Street, London SE1.

Kate Winter wins £5,000.

Filed Under: Blog, Books Tagged With: awards, illustration, prizes

Klaus Flugge Prize – 2024 Longlist

February 16, 2024 By achuka Leave a Comment

The longlist for the Klaus Flugge Prize — now in its ninth year and the only award to recognise a published picture book by a debut illustrator — was announced on 15th February. The shortlist will be revealed on Wednesday 15 May.

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 Ella Tomkins (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)


 

Filed Under: Blog, Books Tagged With: awards, illustration, prizes

Illustrators’ Sketchbooks by Martin Salisbury

November 1, 2023 By achuka Leave a Comment

ACHUKA Book of the Day 1 Nov 2023

Waterstones
Amazon
Bookshop

This compilation of examples from the sketchbooks of sixty international illustrators offers new insights into artistic practice.

Intimate and often unseen, the sketchbook means something different to each illustrator. It might be a beautiful object, a work of art in its own right, where every line is painstakingly considered. It might be a pictorial playground, where mistakes can make art. The boundaries between sketchbooks, notebooks and visual journals are often blurred, lending to the creativity that fills their pages.

The illustrators featured include classic childhood favourites such as Beatrix Potter, Jean de Brunhoff, Edward Ardizzone and Tove Jansson, as well as established contemporary names such as Beatrice Alemagna, Oliver Jeffers and Shaun Tan.  

Martin Salisbury draws on decades of experience as an illustrator and educator to shed light on the lives and work of each artist. He also reveals pages from his own sketchbooks, exposing the rawness of his ideas and the narratives that surround them. 

Follow on

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Martin Salisbury (@profmartinsalisbury)

Filed Under: BookOfTheDay, NonFiction Tagged With: illustration, illustrator, sketchbook

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 13
  • Next Page »
..................................................

Copyright ACHUKA © 2026 · designed on Genesis Framework

Loading Comments...