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.
Look Up!, illustrated by Dapo Adeola, written by Nathan Bryon
“Rocket’s going to be the greatest astronaut, star-catcher space-traveller that has ever lived! But first, she needs to convince her big brother Jamal to stop looking down at his phone and start looking up at the stars.
“Bursting with energy and passion about space and the natural world, this heart-warming picture book will reignite your desire to turn off those screens and switch on to the outside world.”
The Mist Monster by Kirsti Beautyman
“Penny isn’t sure she likes her new house - until she bumps into Morris, a funny white monster made of mist. Before she knows it, Penny is whisked away on an adventure, and she discovers that wonderful new friends can pop up where you least expect them.”
Keith Among the Pigeons, by Katie Brosnan
“Keith feels different to the other cats, who don’t like to wash in bird baths or nap in the branches of trees. He begins to wonder if he actually is a cat. He’s always felt more comfortable when surrounded by pigeons. But when he tries to join them, the birds see him as a cat and keep their distance. Is he a cat or a pigeon?”
Caspian Finds a Friend, illustrated by Merrilees Brown, written by Jacqueline Veissid
“Caspian lives in a lighthouse surrounded by a cold grey-blue sea. Every day, he watches, wishing for a friend. But no one comes. So, Caspian decides that wishing is not enough. What follows is a friendship story that is tender, warm, and perfect for gift-giving.
“Stunningly illustrated and lyrical, this picture book feels fresh yet enduring, and is a reminder of how reaching out to others can change everything.”
Otto Blotter, Bird Spotter, by Graham Carter
“The Blotter family are famous bird spotters, who stay in their hide all day. All except for Otto - he’d rather go out and have big adventures. When he follows the biggest footprints he’s ever seen, he finds an extraordinary baby bird all on its own. Otto’s new friend soon reveals a very special ability: camouflage!
“But the bird keeps growing and growing, and Otto begins to suspect it may have a family after all - perhaps the time has come to take him home? Keen-eyed readers may spot the bird’s giant family hidden on the pages, if they’re good enough bird spotters!”
When Sadness Comes to Call, by Eva Eland
“When Sadness arrives, try not to be afraid: give it a name, listen to it and spend some time together. Maybe all it wants is to know that it’s welcome.
“This beautiful debut by new author-illustrator talent Eva Eland takes a poignant but uplifting look at dealing with uncomfortable emotions.”
The Girl With Two Dads, by Mel Elliott
“Matilda is a new girl at Pearl’s school, but there’s something really different and cool about her family - she has two dads! Pearl is sure that Matilda’s family must be very different to her own but, as they become friends, she starts to discover that maybe Matilda’s family aren’t so different after all.”
My Hair, illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan, written by Hannah Lee
“My birthday’s coming up so soon, I’ll need new clothes to wear. But most of all, I need to know, how shall I style my hair? Will it be dreads or a twist out? Braids or a high-top fade?
“Joyous and vibrant, this captures perfectly the excitement of getting ready for a celebration, as well as showcasing a dazzling array of intricate hairstyles.”
The Star in the Forest, by Helen Kellock
“One Saturday evening, sisters Pip and Maisie are sitting in the warm snug of their grandparents’ cottage on the edge of a forest in Scotland. Maisie is restless and longs for adventure, but life at the cottage is always slow.
“When a bright light suddenly falls from the sky into the forest next door, Maisie can’t believe her luck - finally an adventure has come her way! She has boots on and torch in hand before Pip has even put down her hot chocolate. Maisie is desperate to discover the special something as quickly as she can.
“As the two sisters journey through the dark forest towards the gradually receding light, her imagination runs riot - perhaps it’s space treasure, gold dust, or maybe even a creature from outer space! Pip, meanwhile, takes in the dark shapes and strange sounds around her, tentatively adjusting to the forest and its wild inhabitants.”
Where is Your Sister?, by Puck Koper
“The store is a riot of dots and stripes, patterns and checks, so it’s not easy to find one little girl in a spotty dress.
“Children will love finding Harriet on every page as the madcap chase moves from the fashion floor to home furnishings and into the toy department. More and more people join in until at last naughty Harriet is reunited with her family.
“Jam-packed with action and details to find and spot, Where Is Your Sister? is a strikingly confident debut from Puck Koper. Her blue, red and black artwork is printed in eye-catching pantone inks, and her remarkable eye for composition and funny characters marks her out as a talent to watch.”
The Mole and the Hole, by Brayden Kowalczuk
“Mole is stuck inside his hole. Every day he tries to get out, and every day the rocks block his way. Mole can’t understand it. After all, he’s never been any trouble to anyone. Has he?
“Find out whether Mole will ever get above ground again in this riotously funny story about how NOT to be a good neighbour from Disney character artist Brayden Kowalczuk.”
Incredible Jobs You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of, by Natalie Labarre
“Do you know what you want to do when you grow up? Why not work as a babysitter - for sloths? Or become a farmer - of corpses? You might even grow up to be someone who gets paid to actually sleep on the job!
“From taste testers to dinosaur dusters, there are all kinds of incredible jobs that you’ve probably never heard of - and one of them might be just right for you!”
Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, by Sabina Radeva
“The first ever picture-book retelling of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species; this accessible work brings evolution to the younger generation through stylish illustrations and a simple, easy-to-understand text.”
I Saw a Bee, by Rob Ramsden
“A little boy is alarmed when he discovers a bee in a box. At first he is frightened and reacts aggressively, but gradually he realises that the bee won’t harm him and that they can be friends.
“I Saw A Bee is deceptively simple with the repeatability factor, and the short and rhythmic text is perfect to learn by heart and recite as a poem. It is a timely reminder of the importance of bees in our ecosystem.”
One Fox: a counting book thriller, by Kate Read
“One famished fox with two sly eyes is on the prowl - three plump hens had better watch out.
“The rich, close-up illustrations take the reader to the heart of the drama in this exciting story set in a moonlit farmyard. With something different to count in every picture, learning numbers from one to ten has never been so much fun, while the story will keep everyone gripped to the last, hugely satisfying page.”
Collecting Cats, by Lorna Scobie
“Today, I’m going to collect cats. At the moment, I have no cats. But I do have a plan.
“This hilarious picture book is purrrfect for cat lovers everywhere! Honestly: can anyone ever have too many cats? The answer might be yes, if the cats are rather large, with big teeth!”