Books / Children's book
Bristol illustrator wins national book prize
A children’s storybook illustrated by a Bristol artist has won the top prize in a prestigious book award.
The Littlest Yak, which tells the tale of the Gertie, the smallest yak in her herd, won the top prize in Oscar’s Book Prize 2021.
The debut book from Lu Fraser and Bristol-based illustrator Kate Hindley were chosen as winners by a judging panel including TV presenter Angellica Bell, HRH Princess Beatrice and illustrator Axel Scheffler.
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The book is described as “a joyous, rhyming caper that teaches little ones to celebrate their own unique talents and has won Fraser and Hindley £10,000.
“Cheers to Lu for writing such a brilliant debut text. It was such a pleasure to illustrate,” says Kate, who also illustrated books including You Must Bring a Hat and The Royal Rabbits of London.
“I’m absolutely delighted and flabbergasted to hear our wee Gertie has won Oscar’s Book Prize. Thank you very, very much.”
HRH Princess Beatrice, the award’s patron since 2017, announced this year’s winner via video message, saying: “This is a beautiful book, and the winners should be so proud of everything they’ve achieved in pulling together this beautiful story.”
Oscar’s Book Prize is awarded in memory of Oscar Ashton, who loved children’s stories and died aged three-and-a-half of an undetected heart condition.
This year, the prize received the highest number of entries in its eight-year history, with 143 submissions from children’s writers and illustrators from across the UK. The award, which celebrates the best in storytelling for under-fives, is supported by Amazon and the National Literacy Trust.
“Despite some incredible competition, this heart-warming book grabbed me right from the first page,” says TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, who was also on the judging panel.
“Featuring a wonderful, relatable character, the story is told beautifully through clever, zippy rhymes and gorgeous illustrations.
“There’s so much to talk about with its lovely message too – realising that however much we might wish to change something about ourselves, actually everyone is perfect, just as they are.”
Main photo: Oscar’s Book Prize 2021
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