Five 'talented' illustrators make Klaus Flugge shortlist

The shortlist for this year’s Klaus Flugge Prize for debut illustrators is made up of five books that are "full of potential", according to chair of the judges Julia Eccleshare.

The first book on the shortlist is The Night Box by Ashling Lindsay (written Louise Greig, Egmont), about a boy who is the custodian of the night. Also shortlisted is My Name is Not Refugee by Kate Milner (Barrington Stoke) and Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum (Walker Studio).

Completing the list are The Real Boat by Victoria Semykina (written by Marina Aromshtam, Templar), about a paper boat who wants to be a real boat on the ocean, and Big Box, Little Box by Edward Underwood (written by Caryl Hart, Bloomsbury), about a cat who interacts with every box it can, befriending a mouse along the way.

“These are five talented illustrators and five highly original picture books,” said Eccleshare, whose team of judges chose the shortlist from a longlist of 15 titles. “Each artist, in their different way, successfully guides readers into and through the stories they are telling via their illustration.”

The prize is now in its third year and was founded to honour Klaus Flugge, the founder of Andersen Press and the publisher of picture book series such as Elmer the Elephant and the Little Princess.

The shortlist was announced at an event at Foyles Charing Cross Road today (Wednesday 16th May) but children’s laureate Lauren Child and Francesca Sanna, the winner of last year’s award.

The winner will be announced on 12th September and will receive a £5,000 prize.