My Hair is as Long as River wins the Klaus Flugge Prize

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 metaphors 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 commend Emma's use of colour and composition and the way she captures the story's sense of playfulness. The artist makes full use of colour and detail to capture the personalities of the characters and the drama of the story.

This year marks ten years of the Klaus Flugge 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. The £5,000 prize is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children's picture book illustration, spotlighting exciting new talent. Previous winners include Eva Eland, Jessica Love, Flavia Z Drago, Mariajo Ilustrajo, Joseph Namara Hollis and Kate Milner.

Emma Farrarons became an international bestseller with her 'Mindfulness Colouring' series, with templates of scenes and intricate patterns which have reached a million people worldwide. 

She said, "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 added, "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."

Judge and 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize winner illustrator Kate Winter said Emma Farrarons' illustrations "demonstrate consistent and accomplished artistry, with beautiful compositions, line work, colour palettes and feeling. The level of observation of children's behaviour and imagination captured our attention."

Chair of the judges, Julia Eccleshare, added: "We are delighted to be celebrating Emma Farrarons on the tenth anniversary of the Klaus Flugge Prize, as well as shortlisted illustrators Mikey Please and Rhian Stone, and thrilled to be joined by so many former winners of the Klaus Flugge Prize this evening.

"Picture books are often children's first encounter with art and the vital beginning step on young children's Reading for Pleasure journey. Congratulations to all those who produce and publish picture books and very special thanks again to Klaus Flugge who has done so much to support and promote illustrators throughout his long career and to bring outstanding art to our children."

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