The winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize 2018 will be announced this evening (7.30pm) at an event in London. The Klaus Flugge Prize is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration.

CLPE have produced some notes on teaching ideas for the shortlisted books, which can be accessed on the Klaus Flugge website. The notes aim to illustrate how picture books can be used to enhance critical thinking and develop creative approaches in art and writing.

Follow @KlausFluggePr on Twitter to keep up to date with the award this evening. Here are the shortlisted books and the comments that the judges have made about them:

 

Big Box Little Box by Caryl Hart & Edward Underwood

Well, how much fun can a cat have with a box? This book takes a look at this idea.

“Colour and detail in Underwood’s book are both very pleasing indeed; graphically it is a stand-out picture book with superb use of colour and composition. There’s a slight sense of Lynley Dodd in the way the layout carries you through the story.”

 

 

 

The Night Box by  Louise Greig & Ashling Lindsay

This picture book was also shortlisted for the Teach Primary Book Awards 2018, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2018, the AOI illustration award and it was nominated for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Award 2018.

“Ashling Lindsay is an illustrator with huge potential. This is very accomplished technically, beautifully evocative and the judges were struck by the skilful composition.”

 

 

The Real Boat by  Marina Aromshtam & Victoria Semykina

Originally written in Russian, this is the story of a little origami boat that sails along the stream into a wider stream, where it meets numerous different types of boats and has quite an adventure.

“There are absolutely beautiful illustrations within the book, some of them exquisitely good, and the judges are excited to see what Semyinka will do next. They particularly admire the skilful change of scale that occurs throughout the little boat’s journey.”

 

 

Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum

An information book that tells the story of the search for life on Mars, told from the point of view of Curiosity, the Mars Rover.

“Motum is definitely an illustrator to watch. Though this is an information book, you feel there is a story being told, with pace and animation. His work reminded the judges of iconic Czech illustrator M Sasek.”

 

 

 

My Name is Not Refugee by Kate Milner

A young boy prepares for the journey he is about to make with his mother.

“Mood and emotion are beautifully portrayed; Milner chooses to use a limited palette but avoids making it too dark; she draws really well and the book’s construction always leaves space for the reader.”

 

 

In other news, it is quite a busy week in the world of children’s literature. Here is a quick round-up of some other events/activities taking place this week:
 
 

12th Sept : Mindfulness Day

Today is Mindfulness Day and Booktrust have created a lovely list of books to help make children feel calmer and more mindful. Take a look at it here.

 

13th Sept : Roald Dahl Day

Tomorrow is Roald Dahl Day. Scottish Booktrust have some learning resources available to mark the occasion. There are also resources available on the Roald Dahl website.

 

Blue Peter Book Awards: Judging Schools

Applications are open for schools wishing to take part in judging the winner of the 2019 Blue Peter Book Awards.  The application form and more details about taking part are available here.