Klaus Flugge Prize recognises debut illustrators

Five original picture books by debut illustrators have made the shortlist for the 2018 Klaus Flugge Prize, with subjects ranging from boxes for a cat, a box holding the Night, the story of a Mars explorer, the adventures of a paper boat, and a child seeking a new home.

The award was founded to honour Klaus Flugge, the publisher behind classic picture books including Elmer the Elephant and the Little Princess. The shortlist was announced live at a special event at Foyles Charing Cross Road today (Wednesday 16 May). The prize will be awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to childrens picture book illustration. The judges include Children's Laureate and illustrator Lauren Child; Francesca Sanna, the 2017 Klaus Flugge Prize winner; leading art director Goldy Broad; and Charlotte Colwill, head of children's books at Foyles, who selected a shortlist of five picture books. The shortlist includes a wide range of subjects, including true stories as well as domestic and magical adventure, while the range of artistic techniques is equally varied. The shortlisted books are: The Night Box, Ashling Lindsay (Egmont) Written by Louise Greig, editor Melissa Fairley, art editor Tiffany Leeson 'Ashling Lindsay is an illustrator with huge potential. This is very accomplished technically, beautifully evocative and the judges were struck by the skilful composition.' My Name is Not Refugee, Kate Milner, (Barrington Stoke) Editor Emma Hargrave, art editor Julie-Ann Murray 'Mood and emotion are beautifully portrayed; Milner chooses to use a limited palette but avoids making it too dark; she draws really well and the book's construction always leaves space for the reader.' Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover, Markus Motum, (Walker Studio) Editor Denise Johnstone-Burt, art editor Louise Jackson 'Motum is definitely an illustrator to watch. Though this is an information book, you feel there is a story being told, with pace and animation. His work reminded the judges of iconic Czech illustrator M Sasek.' The Real Boat, Victoria Semykina, (Templar) Written by Marina Aromshtam, editors Katie Howarth & Lisa Edwards, art editor Genevieve Webster and Maya Schleifer 'There are absolutely beautiful illustrations within the book, some of them exquisitely good, and the judges are excited to see what Semyinka will do next. They particularly admire the skilful change of scale that occurs throughout the little boat's journey.' Big Box, Little Box, Edward Underwood (Bloomsbury) Editor Emma Blackburn Colour and detail in Underwood's book are both very pleasing indeed; graphically it is a stand-out picture book with superb use of colour and composition. There's a slight sense of Lynley Dodd in the way the layout carries you through the story. The winner will be revealed at an award ceremony in London on Wednesday 12th September 2018 and will receive a cheque for 5,000.