Following in the esteemed footsteps of Cressida Cowell and Rachel Bright, I have been honoured to write the text for the Carmelite Picture Book Prize 2018 for student illustrators aged 18 and over. It’s called Where the Sea Meets the Sky, and recounts little Sophie the sea-otter’s solo journey to find the place where the sea and the sky meet. As you can imagine, Sophie’s quest does not turn out quite as she expected. The story offers a wide range of visual treatments, from intimate and comic moments to broad seascapes. It will be fascinating to see how the talented young illustrators visualise Sophie’s world.
The competition is now open and the last date for entries is 6th April 2018. Winners are announced on 27th April. The First Prize winner will receive £1000 and the opportunity to illustrate my story for publication. Runners-up will receive prizes of £500 and £250. The top five competition entries will be invited to show their illustration portfolios to Hachette Children’s Group art directors for advice and feedback. More details here: https://carmeliteprize.co.uk/
About the Carmelite Prize.
Started in 2016 to encourage young student illustrators, the Carmelite Picture Book Prize is run by Hachette Children’s Group. It is named after their London headquarters, Carmelite House, which stands in the heart of London overlooking the Thames. It is home to famous imprints such as Hodder Children’s Books and Orchard Books.
