Text and illustrations by Lin Lian-En Yes Creative Ltd./Papa Publishing House, Taiwan, 2020
What the jury said: “The pandemic has highlighted that home - whether we have one or not- is the most important place on earth. Lin Lian-En’s much-needed book Home is an exquisitely produced poetic consideration of space. From the rounded corners of the book to the cardboard covers and thoughtful understated use of endpapers, the book makes full use of material elements to create an inviting rich space that can be revisited endlessly… just like home. The evocative collages invite meditation and express deep meanings about the centrality of home and its connectedness and embeddedness into other spaces. For instance, the visibly torn edges of the various elements used in the collage show the possibility of composing expansive spaces with domestically found objects, reminding us that even when confined, we can create worlds. The book subtly speaks volumes on the relationship between the non-living and living entities that make up a city, as well as the welcoming spaces and potential tensions between them. The sparse lyrical text is framed by Lin Lian-En’s words to the reader: ≪No matter where we return from, in the end we always come back to where it all started, ≫ a line which evoked T.S. Eliot’s reflections in his poem Little Gidding: ≪And the end of all our exploring, Will be to arrive where we started, And know the place for the first time.≫”
Text and illustrations by Alberto Lot Minibombo, Italy, 2020
What the jury said: “It is an open secret that simple books are the most difficult to produce. This conversation between a turtle and dog cleverly juxtaposes register, word choice, rhythm, and neat illustrations to produce this wonderfully humorous book that can also be read as a metaphor about how to be able to see ourselves fully; we ‘literally’ need others.”
Text by Elham Asadi Illustrations by Sylvie Bello Topipittori, Italy, 2021
What the jury said: “This ancient Iranian legend of the seasons is enchantedly retold by Elham Asadi and illustrated by Sylvie Bello. Bello makes full use of the large book format by creating fresh visually stunning tableaux using monotype printmaking. As the narrator revisits the meaning of the folktale with her contemporary eyes, the text’s rhythm evokes the storytelling tradition, and the gentle romantic illustrations are a subtle tribute to various traditional art forms.”
Text and illustrations by Ariadne Breton-Hourcq and Laurence Lagier Editions MeMo, France, 2019
What the jury said: “A playful poetic graphic book that experiments with symbols, pictograms, and type to deconstruct the relationship between signifiers and the signified. An original, joyful, and musical book on the cyclical nature of the world that invites reading and rereading in both directions. It is a work that blends the poetic and the scientific to invite the child to discover the fragility as well as the resilience of nature.”
Text by Cao Wenxuan Illustrations by Suzy Lee Jieli Publishing House, China, 2020 Co-published by Jieli Publishing House, China, 2020 Bear Books, South Korea, 2020
What the jury said:
“Which child does not dream of creating something? What happens to many of those dreams? Cao Wenxuan and Suzy Lee join forces to tell the story of a talented hardworking girl who overcomes her self-doubts and picks up her paintbrush to paint again after a setback. This internationally acclaimed dream team expertly conjures the storm within a child who is weighing her abilities for the first time. Suzy Lee moves away from the light colors that her earlier works favor and uses bold black ink, and new ways of exploring textures, all while keeping the child at the center of this powerful story.”
Text and illustrations by Neil Packer Walker Books, United Kingdom, 2021
What the jury said: “This book takes the child collector’s joy in sorting and classifying and brings it to life in this novel contribution to the non-fiction scene that can afford its readers years of pleasurable reading. This inventive take on taxonomies and sorting conventions can be read at many levels; from learning about the way things are classified, to the diverging and converging ways in which the decisions made to sort them are made. For most of the book, the objects in the illustration take center stage, then the text in the rich and beautifully laid out appendix encourages further exploration. Neil Packer's illustrations that employ modified photographs and precise scientific drawings invite readers to pay attention to the fine nuances that give each object its uniqueness and character. The extraordinary production of this large format book gives the reader a warm aged feel, and evokes the aesthetics of all sorts of curated collections, from museums to shoeboxes under children’s beds.
Text by Agata Loth-Ignaciuk Illustrations by Bartlomiej Ignaciuk Wydawnictwo Druganoga, Poland, 2020
What the jury said: “This graphic book is about the famous explorer Marek Kaminski and his polar adventure to both poles in one year. Using only three colors, illustrator Bartlomiej Ignaciuk expertly conjures the extreme cold, the exuberant landscapes, and the temerity of the explorers. The illustrations provide necessary texture to the scientific text that conveys the process and its practicalities, as well as the mental, emotional, and physical states of the explorers. The child’s dream of exploration, and awe at Kaminski’s achievement are deconstructed and demystified in ways that encourage further research.”
Text by the Natural Science Museum of Barcelona Illustrations by Aina Bestard Zahori Books, Spain, 2020
What the jury said: “A book that makes expert use of wide format, opening flaps, transparencies, and double spreads to imaginatively reconstruct what prehistoric earth might have been like, guided by the traces we have of it today. This glimpse into a time and space we cannot reach anymore is a window onto knowing ourselves. The production quality, paper, earthy color palette, and warranted use of sleek design features all conjure the aesthetics of old catalogs in a new presentation.”
Text and illustrations by Bamco Hyang, South Korea, 2019
What the jury said: “This book draws surprising connections between the written characters and the reality of actions and objects involved in bringing rice from the field to the table. The rhythmic and playful words, and delightful congruence between type and illustrations present the youngest readers with an original nonfiction volume on natural phenomena.
Text by Ricardo Henriques Illustrations by Madalena Matoso with Ruben Dias Pato Logico Edicoes, Portugal, 2020
What the jury said:
“A monumental chronological book that makes the complex, vital yet under explored theme of type accessible to young readers. As hypertext is normalized as a form of written expression, we are forced to think of the visual presentation of our words.”
Text and illustrations by Kasya Denisevich Chronicle Books, USA, 2020
What the jury said: “How is real respect cultivated? This stunning, thoughtful, and necessary book considers how it often takes a child’s reflections to show us. Neighbors shows the tensions, moments of compassion, hesitation, and sincere curiosity about the Other that come with having neighbors. The pandemic has made the use of a building as a metaphor for the world, and an appropriate one to bridge the gulf of ideas of differences between people who live in close physical proximity. The book uses black ink in a novel way, to conjure thoughtfulness rather than darkness, as its gradations allow for the light to come through. The artfulness of the book involves the use of symmetry, symbols, and fantastical elements that are produced in the child’s imagination. These overturn the extreme realism of the city setting and remind the reader that utopian thinking is always possible.”
Text and illustrations by Hao Shuo Editions 2024, Strasbourg, 2020
What the jury said: “This wordless metatextual book is a visual delight and parody, that shows the limitations and creative possibilities inherent in following guidebooks. Presented as a classically cloth bound jungle guide book, it physically mimics authoritative texts to contrast with the modern graphics with clean lines and solid colors within. Hilarity ensues when a strange creature finds a guide book on surviving the jungle in which he lives, and attempts to follow its guidance.”
Text by Bartosz Sztybor Illustrations by Łukasz Golędzinowski Wydawnictwo Dwie Siostry, Poland, 2020
What the jury said: “A humorous board book that allows the reader to stretch characters out when they open the page. Pion i Poziom plays on the instability surrounding the basic concepts usually presented very confidently in board books, because in reality: things can be both horizontal and vertical. The book is interactive and playful and forces the reader to rotate the book in order to see more, for as in life so in this book: perspective is everything.”
Text and art by Hyunmin Park Dalgrimm (Yellowpig Publisher), South Korea, 2020
What the jury said: “This is a visually innovative book that positions readers variously on each page, making a point to confuse and destabilize, forcing them to wonder if they cannot understand what is happening because they are standing in the wrong place. Flexible perspectives, patience, and attentiveness allow the reader to eventually understand where the book is taking them. This is a book that makes the reader think critically and question how much clarity is owed to a reader at all.”
Text by Osamu Okamura Illustrations and models by David Bohm and Jiři Franta Photographs by Pavel Horak Labyrint, Czech Republic, 2020
What the jury said:
“This astonishing book makes use of the disposable glossy magazine format and garish color photography of original installations to express the thrilling dynamism of urban design. The producers have produced a mega maquette of a paper town, and have generated assertive and informative text on questions of urban design and justice. Readers are positioned to look at the pages as designers considering a model of a city that they have been invited to rethink. The striking maquettes are framed by and executed with unexpected objects and presented in playful bold types to draw the reader’s attention to the constructedness of cities and therefore the potential they have for being reorganized so that they may become better for everyone."
Edited by Adolfo Cordova Illustrations by Juan Palomino Ediciones Ekare, Venezuela, 2020
What the jury said: Cajita de fosforos is an anthology of great quality, full of astonishing Iberoamerican, free verse poetry. Adolfo Cordova conducted extensive research for this book which resulted in an immaculate selection of poems that children are likely to understand and enjoy, despite some of them not specially written for the young, and partly achieved by careful placement in the best possible order. Juan Palomino’s stunning artwork both complements and enhances the verse, while his colourful, dramatic illustrations still leave space for the young reader’s imagination. This beautifully designed book, features some of the greatest writers from Argentina, Mexico and Chile, such as Borges, Fuentes and Mistral, as well as lesser known poets of the past and present from many different countries as Maria Jose Ferrada, Jorge Lujan and Maria Teresa Andruetto. Cordova’s own feeling for poetry and understanding of young readers is quite inspirational; combined with Palomino’s sensitive and beautiful interpretation of the text made this book an outstanding winner.
Poems and illustrations by Animo Chen Locus Publishing, Taiwan, 2020
What the jury said: This tender, tense and somewhat mysterious series of poems is accompanied by exquisite illustrations by the Taiwanese illustrator and author, Animo Chen. The book opens with several double page spreads of a stunning landscape of mountains, trees, sea and houses before the words begin. After that, on most pages, each poem is accompanied by an evocative and striking illustration which does not simply reflect the text but encourages the reader to think and wonder. The quality of the art work almost takes your breath away. The series of poems have an enigmatic, Japanese, haiku/tanka type quality and there is no clear line of narrative. Readers’ expectations are likely to be challenged when the surprise ending is revealed. It should be noted that the poetry is written in Taiwanese, the mother language for many people in Taiwan but not recognised as an official language.
Poems by Maria Jose Ferrada Illustrations by Maria Elena Valdez Alboroto ediciones, Mexico, 2020
What the jury said: Ninos by Maria Jose Ferrada is dedicated to 34 Chilean children who disappeared or were killed during Pinochet’s regime. Literature is surely the place where collective memory lives and is able to make those who were lost immortal. In Ninos, Ferrada’s sensitive and moving writing brings those Chilean children to life through a tender, respectful and thought-provoking poem for each child. The gentle, nature-centred poems are tenderly illustrated by Maria Elena Valdez, using a subtle, muted colour palette. Despite the heaviness of its theme, the illustrations contribute greatly to the sense of lightness this book conveys, in harmony with the poems.
Poems by Joseph Coelho Illustrations by Kate Milner Otter-Barry Books, Great Britain, 2020
What the jury said: A most original, dark, verse novel by Joseph Coelho with playful graphic typography, tells a powerful story. Coelho establishes a link with the Greek myth of Daphne, the nymph who asked to be turned into a tree to flee from Apollo. In the dark forest of a contemporary public library, many of which are closed or under threat in Great Britain, the central character goes back and forth between the past and present, myth and reality, while the author explores different styles, forms and voices. The dramatic, empathetic, black-and-white line drawings by Kate Milner work effectively with the text and demand the reader’s attention, as does the overall graphic conception of the book, making it attractive to the audience it is aimed for - and beyond. Coelho’s use of the myth of Daphne and Apollo with the struggle of the protagonist who tries to make sense of loss and suffers typical teenage trauma, offers readers an immersive narrative on the liberating power of stories and reading and the necessity of libraries.
Edited by Fiona Waters Illustrations by Britta Teckentrup Nosy Crow, Great Britain, 2020
What the jury said: Tiger Tiger, Burning Brightis an anthology of burning ambition, huge in size and scope, with animal poems for 365 days of the year. Edited by the distinguished British anthologist Fiona Waters, this volume covers every base from the diversity of the selected poems and poets, the range of forms, moods and styles, to the way they interact on the page, making this book a treasure chest for any young person who wants to explore poetry from English-speaking authors, traditional and modern, and translated works, too. The astonishing illustrations by the award-winning German picturebook artist, Britta Teckentrup, superbly match the poetry, and make this an unmissable volume. It is fitting that the well known opening line of Tiger, from Songs of Innocence and Experience, by the great eighteenth century English poet, William Blake, provided the title poem for this book. His spirit shines through the pages, paying homage to a man who was one of the first and best poets to write, illustrate, design and print books for children, in many ways laying the foundation for the contemporary picturebook.
Text and art by Lee Gee Eun Sakyejul Publishing, South Korea, 2020
What the jury said: “In her book, Lee Gee Eun creates a small world regulated by the special needs and sensitivities of its tiny inhabitants. Threatened by a big monster, the population shows a strong sense of community. The distinctive personality of every character is depicted with simple strokes that nonetheless convey great detail. Emotions are explicit in the faces and body language of the creatures as they battle against the monster in a story that is both entertaining and funny but also prompts reflection on how we welcome and accept the other into our midst."
CACHEE OU PAS J’ARRIVE! (READY OR NOT HERE I COME!)
Text and art by Lolita Sechan and Camille Jourdy Actes Sud, France, 2020
What the jury said: “Co-authored by Camille Jourdy, creator of the award-winning volume, Les Vermeilles, and Lolita Sechan, the book is an original weave of characters from their previous work: Nouk, a girl with a tail and kitten ears – created by Sechan - and the horses both feature in Jourdy’s previous book. Set in a forest, the story sees them meet the Biloba, a family of moles well-known to readers of Sechan’s books. Playing hide-and-seek, with Bartok Biloba counting, Nouk explores the places created by the two authors. Bartok and Nouk – here drawn in black and white – venture through a fantastic forest bursting with color. The game also becomes a playful journey through French nursery rhymes, a cue for the authors to play hide-and-seek with each other, looking for the other’s characters and exploring their worlds. A book about complicity and friendship to be found not only in a story but also in real life, in nature."
Text by Isabella Cieli Art by Noemie Marsily L'employe du moi, Belgium, 2019
What the jury said: “A group of children of different nationalities meet during a summer camping holiday and after the initial distrust, start doing things together. The adults remain shadows in the background as we follow the children’s everyday experiences, adventures, battles and even cruel games. Although speaking different languages, they are able to communicate and feel the emotional challenge of creating bonds with strangers. Instead of words, atmosphere is created by the sounds of nature, body language and material objects. This, together with the minimalist drawing style – mainly executed in coloured pencil – produces pages of simple but intense emotions. Indeed, it is the children’s limited ability to communicate verbally that creates the strongest emotions and memories..."
Text and art by Alexandra and Daniel Mizieliński Wydawnictwo Dwie Siostry, Poland, 2020
What the jury said: “Two animals take readers on a tour through a series of national parks around the world. Different ecosystems are explored and explained using both comic strip and illustration. The bison and the squirrel form an amusing pair whose good humour and irony make the lesson in zoology and biology a delightful experience."
Text and art by Jeremie Moreau Editions 2024, France, 2020
What the jury said: “The marvel that is Nature is splendidly portrayed by the artist’s incredible colour palette and the exceptional book design. Breathtakingly beautiful landscapes are the perfect backdrop for the animal characters as they wonder about their destiny and what will happen to their species. Moreau steps outside the usual survival-of-the-fittest wildlife narrative to look at how animals relate to members of their own species. His mature profound style highlights the hidden similarities between humans and animals before the great existential questions."
GAMAYUN TALES I: AN ANTHOLOGY OF MODERN RUSSIAN FOLK TALES
Text and art by Alexander Utkin Nobrow, United Kingdom, 2020
What the jury said: “Utkin’s saga of a medley of Russian folktales is depicted in an energetic colourful visual style whose modern character design and fantasy atmospheres breathe new life into the traditional stories and legends of his country. The Water Spirit, the King of Birds, and the Golden Chest are here portrayed in Utkin’s compelling style – sometimes threatening, sometimes joyful."
What the jury said: “Bravo’s tribute to Spirou, the famous French-speaking Belgian character, depicts him at the time of his first adventures in Belgium during the 1940s against the historical backdrop of the time. Reinterpreting the classical drawing and narrative style of the period, Bravo adds new episodes to Spirou’s life during the war, exploring a range of different categories and sentiments: the oppressed, the persecuted, collaborationists, and opponents of the Nazi regime. Spirou takes the reader into an authentic re-enactment of daily life during the war in this, the first of a four-part series on the Second World War."
