Check out a beautifully illustrated book from the 2019 Klaus Flugge Prize longlist

The Klaus Flugge Prize recognises promising and exciting newcomers to children’s picture book illustration. Named after the influential children’s book publisher who founded Andersen Press, which specialises in picture books and children’s fiction, it is now in its fourth year, with the winner being announced in September.

The Long Island, by Drew Beckmeyer

“Some of us like the comfort of familiarity - staying close to the home we’ve always known, making a life, building a community. For some, the intimacy of the old routine is satisfaction itself. But the known is not for everyone.

“When our five protagonists get to wondering what’s on the other side of their island, they can’t stop until they find out. What follows is an epic journey of discovery, danger, imagination, and ultimately, bittersweet fulfilment. Is this sophisticated picture book about man versus earth? Man versus man? Or man versus self? Like our protagonists, every reader will find their own right answer in this haunting and deceptively simple modern fable.”

Mini Rabbit Not Lost, by John Bond

“Mini Rabbit is making a cake. Cake, cake, cake! But he’s run out of berries. No berries, no cake. No cake? No way!

“So off he goes to look for some. He’s not cold, not too small. And, no, no, definitely not lost - or is he?”

The Extraordinary Gardener, by Sam Boughton

“Joe is a boy just like any other, but Joe loves to imagine. Joe lives in a pretty ordinary tower block, in a rather ordinary city. His world is rather grey. However, he spends his time imagining a wonderful world filled with exotic plants and unusual animals. Once day Joe decides to plant a seed on his balcony, he waits and waits but nothing happens!

“Joe gives up and goes back to his daily life, but one day when he least expects it he spots that the seed has turned into the most beautiful tree. Joe begins caring for the tree and growing lots of other plants on his balcony and soon everyone in the neighbourhood is getting involved.

“A charming story about the important of nature, teaching us that if we work hard enough our dreams really can come true!”

Looking After William, by Eve Coy

“Jump inside the imagination of one unforgettable ‘Mummy’ whose charge - William - needs lots of care and attention. ‘Mummy’ is in fact William’s little girl, and William is the real parent.

“Children will adore following along as she turns the tables on William, but always sees his potential. When he grows up he could be an astronaut or a lion tamer or a famous chocolate maker, but his most important job is being her dad. (And possibly being an astronaut, if she can come too).”

The Ink House, by Rory Dobner

“Welcome to Ink House, a mysterious mansion, built on a reservoir of ink, that was abandoned when computers took over from writing by hand, and emails replaced letters.

“One day Freddie Foxglove, an enterprising fox, discovers the dilapidated house and decides it’s the perfect place to spend winter hibernation. Animals arrive from the forest, then further afield, from Prunella Shears, the gardening bee to Geraldine the Giraffe.

“As the house exerts its magical influence, the animals embrace creative pursuits, writing, reading and studying the stars. They enjoy a magical winter, until spring arrives and a strange sight appears on the horizon.”

Cycle City, by Alison Farrell

“When little Etta the Elephant goes to her Aunt Ellen’s house, she takes a journey through bicycle-filled Cycle City, a town filled with bikes of all kinds. At the end of the day, a special surprise awaits Etta - the most amazing bicycle parade imaginable.

“Detail-rich illustrations in this fun seek-and-find book paint the colors of this unusual town where everyone rides some kind of bike - whether a penny-farthing, a two-wheeled unicycle, or a conference bike, everyone is on wheels.”

Erik the Lone Wolf, by Sarah Finan

“Being a wolf means sticking with the pack. Everyone knows that - except for Erik, one little wolf cub who dreams of setting off on his own adventure. all by himself! But will life as a lone wolf be everything he hoped, or will he miss the rough and tumble of the pack?”

The King Who Banned the Dark, by Emily Haworth-Booth

“There was once a little boy who was afraid of the dark. There’s nothing unusual about that. Most children are afraid of the dark at one time of another. But this little boy was a Prince, and he decided that when he became King, he would do something about the dark. He would ban it.

“When the King bans the dark completely, installing an artificial sun, and enforcing “anti-dark” laws, it seems like a good idea. The citizens don’t need to worry about any of the scary things that might live in the dark.

“But what happens when nobody can sleep, and the citizens revolt? Will the King face his fears and turn the lights off?”

Maybe the Moon, by Frances Ives

“Maybe the Moon tells the story of Eric, a little boy who moves from his forest home to the city and in doing so discovers that community and beauty can come in all guises.”

I Can Fly, by Fifi Kuo

“A small penguin sees all the birds in the sky and wants to fly like them. Penguin tries everything he can - but to no avail. But he soon learns from his data that he can fly - underwater!”

Julian is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love

“While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage.

“When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes - and even more importantly - what will she think about how Julian sees himself?”

Say Hi to Hedgehogs!, by Jane McGuinness

“There’s someone we’d like you to meet - someone small and spiky. Say hi to Hedgehog! Follow this lovely little creature through the year and learn what hedgehogs like to eat, how they hunt for their food, where they build their nests, the time it takes for them grow from tiny hoglets into healthy adults and, as the seasons turn, how they prepare for hibernation.

“The story is told through gentle words and charming pictures, supported by a subtext full of fascinating facts, and at the end of the book, Jane explains how we can help these adorable animals survive the winter by making our homes ‘hedgehog-friendly’. The perfect bedtime read for young nature-lovers!”

You’re Safe with Me, by Poonam Mistry

“When the moon rises and the stars twinkle, it is bedtime for the baby animals of the Indian forest. But tonight, when the skies turn dark and the night grows stormy, the little ones can’t sleep. Only Mama Elephant with her words of wisdom can reassure them ‘You’re safe with me’.”

The Red Dread, by Tom Morgan-Jones

“Witty, lively and gently thought-provoking, this debut picture book from inky genius Tom Morgan-Jones about a group of animals and the unseen monster in their midst will have readers laughing out loud.”

The Story of Tantrum O’Furrily, illustrated by Mark Nicholas, written by Cressida Cowell

“Tantrum O’Furrily’s kittens are hungry and doubt that a story can ease a stray cat’s rumbling stomach. However, they soon learn that stories are powerful, and that if you’re courageous you might find a saucer of milk at the end of that story.”

The Buildings that Made London, illustrated by Josie Shenoy, written by David Long

“Take an incredible journey through the streets of London and see beautiful buildings as you’ve never seen them before. An elegant horizon of historic masterpieces mixed with sleek modern skyscrapers, the familiar London skyline seems to change every year.

“Using original architectural drawings from The National Archives brought to life by stunning artwork by Josie Shenoy, discover the rich heritage of some of London’s most iconic buildings. Watch Buckingham Palace transform from a large country house into an opulent palace, spot Henry VII playing tennis on the lawn of Hampton Court Palace and get lost in the Palm House at Kew, London’s very own tropical rainforest.”

I Love You, Bunny, by Alina Surnaite

“Suzy is afraid to go to sleep, because a monster might come when she’s sleeping. Mummy tells her not to worry, as Bunny will chase the monsters away. But at the break of dawn, a shadow creeps into the room, and Bunny disappears.”

The Wardrobe Monster, by Bryony Thomson

“What’s that knocking sound coming from the wardrobe? Every night, it makes Dora and her toy friends afraid to go to bed and every morning they are grumpy through lack of sleep.

“Eventually, they summon up the courage to face their fear together and open the wardrobe door. What falls out provides a humorous and reassuring story for all children who imagine monsters in the darkness.”

Red and the City, by Marie Voigt

“A contemporary and beautifully illustrated retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Can Red find her way to Grandma’s house, or will she be swallowed up by the choices awaiting her in the big city?”

The Best Sound in the World, by Cindy Wume

“Roy is a lion and a sound catcher. When he goes on a journey to find the best sound in the world, can his friend Jemmy teach him that perhaps there are lots of beautiful sounds, not just one, and for Jemmy, Roy’s music is the best thing?”