Ten days ago I was fortunate to attend a special event at Waterstones Piccadilly to celebrate the wonderful titles on the longlist for the Klaus Flugge Prize. Established in 2016, the Klaus Flugge 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.

The evening was hugely enjoyable and it was treat to listen to the entertaining Rob Biddulp having valued his books for so long and learning about last year’s winner, Emma Farrarons’  illustration development was interesting and enlightening. The growth of this award over 11 years is wonderful and this event was a celebration of the vibrant children’s illustration community as much as the books themselves. I loved Rob Biddulph’s comment that as a judge he was looking for a book that ‘spoke to him’. he also said the human element of illustration is vital and should be at the heart of what illustrators do. I know that I can see that element in the picture books that work well.

I thought that the longlist was excellent and extremely broad ranging and wondered how the team of judges were going to select the titles for the shortlist. The shortlist was announced earlier this week so now we can all see which ones they have chosen! 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.

Alongside Rob Biddulph and Emma Farrarons the panel of judges is made up of Shelley Jackson, course director for the internationally renowned MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University; and Vanessa Lewis, co-owner of independent children’s bookshop The Book Nook in Hove. Julia Eccleshare is chair of the judges.

Chair of the judges Julia Eccleshare says: “It feels very fitting that the Klaus Flugge Prize is entering its second decade during the National Year of Reading. Reading starts with picture books, and our shortlist demonstrates both the extraordinary range and quality of new books available for the youngest readers, and the talent being nurtured on courses and by publishers. Huge thanks to Klaus Flugge for supporting this important award and for highlighting emerging illustrators. We’re pleased that the shortlist features illustrators from across the world, proof that illustration is a universal language.”

The winner will be announced at an award ceremony at the Art Workers’ Guild, London on Wednesday 9 September 2026. Please visit the official website to find out more about this important award.