“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
Who can forget the iconic illustrations of Quentin Blake in the books of Roald Dahl? The work of Jacqueline Wilson will forever be synonymous with the artwork of Nick Sharratt. This shows that it is not just younger children that love stories with pictures – and illustrated middle-grade fiction (books aimed at 8- to 12-year-olds) have become ever more popular in recent years.
So, which of today’s authors and illustrators have united to bring their stories to life in the most engaging way? How have the words and pictures in their books come together to ignite children’s imaginations? It’s up to the children of Doncaster to decide!
To showcase the amazing range of illustrated middle-grade fiction across the UK, children in schools across Doncaster have voted to decide the winner of the brand-new Doncaster Illustrator and Author Prize. This is the first prize of its kind in the UK, celebrating the authors and illustrators who unite to bring these books to life.
Organised by the National Literacy Trust in Doncaster, the Doncaster Illustrator and Author Prize shortlist was compiled by pupils from five local schools who read and discussed some of their favourite new releases.
The vote is now closed. The winner(s) will be revealed at a special event for local schools during the Doncaster Storytelling Festival on 25 June at the Dome Theatre, where the winner(s) will be presented with a bespoke trophy featuring their own characters, brought to life by talented local ceramicist, Emily Rowley.
To find out more about the event, and express your interest in attending, please use the button below.
The Shortlist
The shortlist featured books from authors who have written and illustrated their novels, and author-illustrator duos who have worked together to create an unforgettable reading experience.
Giant
Written by Nicola Skinner and illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino
Published by Harper Collins Children’s Books
The Cookie Culprit: Book 1 (Meet the Maliks – Twin Detectives)
Written by Zanib Mian and illustrated by Kyan Cheng
Published by Hodder
Arkspire
Written and illustrated by Jamie Littler
Published by Puffin Books
The Girl Who Became a Tree: A Story Told in Poems
Written by Joseph Coehlo and illustrated by Kate Milner
Published by Otter Barry
Suitcase S(witch)
Written by Aisha Bushby and illustrated by Coralie Muce.
Published by Barrington Stoke
Monster Bogey
Written by Anna Brooke and illustrated by Owen Lindsay
Published by Chicken House