Books / books
Bristol illustrator shortlisted for Waterstones Children’s Book Prize
A Bristol illustrator and designer has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2023 in the Illustrated Books category this year.
Beth Suzanna’s work often focuses on challenging stereotypes in society, and she plays around with bold colours to express difficult issues.
Suzanna illustrated The Missing Piece, a picture book written by Jordan Stephens, who is famously known for being one half of the famous British hip hop duo, Rizzle Kicks.
is needed now More than ever
The Missing Piece – photo: Waterstones
The Missing Piece is a heart-warming story based on Stephens’ love for his grandmothers.
It follows young Suny who sets off on a mission to find the last piece of a puzzle gifted by her grandmother.
Suzanna’s illustrations bring to life the message behind Stephens’ words that teaches empathy and displays positive relationships within families and friendships.
Both Stephen and Suzanna are mental health advocates and actively campaign for awareness.
Suzanna expressed her gratitude at being shortlisted: “We poured so much love into this book so to see it receive so much love back means the world to us. Thank you”.
Stephens said: “Lost for words. What a buzz. Releasing the book was a mountain enough. Now I know my Gran is in the clouds beaming. Thank you”.
Among those shortlisted are The Fairy Garden by George Buckthorn (author) and Isabella Mazzanti (illustrator) and I am NOT a Prince by Rachael Davis (author), Beatrix Hatcher (illustrator).
There are three categories for this prize: Illustrated Books, Books for Younger Readers and Books for Older Readers, with six titles chosen under each of them.
With each category, the books will compete for the title of Category Winner, and from there, the winners from each category will try for the overall title of Waterstones Children’s Book Prize Winner 2023.
Florentyna Martin, Waterstones Head of Children’s, underlined the importance of promoting mental health awareness, particularly as studies have shown a spike in young people’s wellbeing as a result of the COVD-19 pandemic.
She said: “Books have the magical power to aid personal development in safe, supportive spaces, whether readers are exploring on the page or visiting a bookshop.”
The winners will be announced on March 30, with the winner of each category receiving £2000.
Main photo: Beth Suzanna
Read more:
- The literary events enhancing Bristol indie bookshop scene
- Bristol’s latest bookshop opens
- Children’s wellbeing ‘disproportionately disadvantaged’ by pandemic, research finds
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