Jarvis wins Oscar’s Book Prize at 10th anniversary ceremony

Princess Beatrice announced author-illustrator Jarvis as the winner of the £10,000 Oscar’s Children’s Book Prize for The Boy With Flowers in His Hair (Walker) in the 10th anniversary ceremony for the prize in London yesterday (9th May).

Princess Beatrice, patron of the prize, said the judges felt The Boy With Flowers in His Hair was an “instant modern classic. Its values of friendship and acceptance exemplify the very best tropes in picture-book storytelling, all told with a gentle immersive world for its readers”. 

Jarvis, a Manchester-based author and illustrator, said: “I could not be more delighted to have won this year’s Oscar’s Book Prize, and taking a look around the room and the incredibly talented authors and illustrators also shortlisted, it truly is an honour. I’ve always believed that picture books are a piece of art that everyone can own. This award celebrates the art and joy in children’s books and I am so pleased that my book, which focuses on poignant issues surrounding vulnerability and friendship, has been received so well.” 

Jarvis’ “stunning” picture book was crowned from a shortlist of six books which included Can I Play? (Alison Green) by Nicola Kinnear, Frank and Bert (Nosy Crow) by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros, Morag Hood’s Teapot Trouble: A Duck and Tiny Horse Adventure (Two Hoots) and The Gecko and the Echo (Orchard) by Rachel Bright and Jim Field. 

The prize was founded by partners James Ashton and Viveka Alvestrand to encourage parents to share books with their young children, in memory of their son Oscar who died in 2012. It is supported by Amazon and the Evening Standard. Ashton recently spoke to The Bookseller about the award’s 10th anniversary.