Klaus Flugge Prize won by Hollis for ‘warm and humorous’ picture book Pierre’s New Hair

Joseph Namara Hollis has been awarded the 2022 Klaus Flugge Prize for the most exciting and promising newcomer to children’s picture book illustration for Pierre’s New Hair (Tate Publishing).

The announcement was made on 14th September, and he wins a £5,000 prize. Judges found the story about a bear obsessed with looking good but also desperate to show the world his roller-skating flair “full of warmth and humour”, and admired “the composition and creation of character”.

Julia Eccleshare, chair of the judges and director of the children’s programme at the Hay Festival, said: “Once again, this year’s shortlist was very strong and we will follow the careers of all the shortlisted illustrators with huge interest. Congratulations to Joseph for Pierre’s New Hair which is original and a joy to look at. While very funny, it also slips in a message about valuing what’s really important – friends, joy, art.”

Describing himself as “dizzy with gratitude”, Hollis said: “Winning the Klaus Flugge Prize is invigorating. There is a sentiment in the book about letting go, enjoying the moment and not worrying too much about how you’ll be perceived. 

“This is a necessity when working creatively. It’s also a paradox because while struggling to avoid being overly concerned with what other people might think, the hope is to form a meaningful connection with readers. To know my work has touched the judges is fulfilling, it has reinforced my belief — keep doing what you love most." 

Pierre’s New Hair won out against a shortlist of five other books: Mammoth, illustrated by Adam Beer and written by Anna Kemp (Simon and Schuster Children’s Books); Rescuing Titanic by Flora Delargy (Wide Eyed Editions); The Tale of the Whale, illustrated by Padmacandra and written by Karen Swann (Scallywag Press); Choices by Roozeboos (Child’s Play); and Alley Cat Rally by Ricky Trickartt (Flying Eye Books). 

Established in 2016, the prize was founded to honour publisher Klaus Flugge, who set up Andersen Press in 1976 and discovered illustrators including David McKee, Tony Ross, Satoshi Kitamura, Ruth Brown and Susan Varley. Previous winners of the Klaus Flugge Prize include Eva Eland, Jessica Love and Kate Milner.