At a ceremony last night, at the Artworkers’ Guild in London, it was announced that 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 wins for her illustrations in My Hair is as Long as a River, written by Charlie Castle published by Macmillan Children’s Books. The bestselling creator of the ‘Mindfulness Colouring’ series embraces colour and narrative in her debut picture book telling the story of a boy whose long hair ‘helps me to be me’, It is a wonderful exploration of the imagination and individuality, perfectly captured in Emma’s illustrations.

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 the only prize specifically to recognise a published picture book by a debut illustrator and is 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, Mariajo Ilustrajo, Joseph Namara Hollis and Kate Milner.

Prior to taking up picture book illustration, Emma also worked as a picture book designer, deciding to make the change during the Pandemic. Emma Farrarons said, “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.”

Chair of the judges, Julia Eccleshare said: “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 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 children.”

For more information about the Klaus Flugge Prize and to find out about the other illustrators on this year’s shortlist please visit the official website: https://www.klausfluggeprize.co.uk/