Best Designed/Illustrated Book for Children 2017 | Junior Design Awards

Junior Design Awards 2017 for Best Designed/Illustrated Book for Children

OK, so we know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but in this category that is exactly what was required. Especially in the first instance. We asked the judges to take a long look at the cover design, the presentation and the quality of the book before having a flick or read through.

We wanted this book category to be exactly as the Junior Design Awards is intended - about Design. Of course, we asked them to take into consideration the contents - but, to really consider the illustrations, page layouts and designs, colour palette, the feel and finally the words.

This was a strong category but we believe the best of the best is here.

Junior Editor Bonita said "This may have been my most anticipated category - as I love nothing more than a beautiful book for my own daughter and her bookshelves. And, those stylish instragramable pics also!"

THE PLATINUM AWARD FOR BEST DESIGNED/ILLUSTRATED BOOK FOR CHILDREN IS... WELCOME TO LONDON

An absolutely stunning picture book about this vibrant city, Welcome to London published by Button Books will be a treasured title for any young visitor to London for years to come.

Using only a handful of colours, the beautiful illustrations by Marcos Farina have a retro quality yet also feature lots of modern imagery. The intricate details of famous sights and landmarks help children discover the excitement of this vibrant capital city in a totally unique way.

The quality of this book is further enhanced with its gorgeous production quality from its stunning cloth bound hardback cover to its large style format. Full of fun, humour and character - this was a standout winner.

Junior Editor Bonita added "If ever a book landing on my desk is going to catch my eye then this is it. From the luxury feel of the cover to the retro printing - it was love at first sight for me and all the judges. A clear Junior Design winner from the start. Well done - how wonderful it would be to see some other cities in this series too."

THE GOLD AWARD FOR BEST DESIGNED/ILLUSTRATED BOOK FOR CHILDREN IS...WOMEN IN SCIENCE

A gloriously illustrated celebration of trailblazing women this bestselling book Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, from both the ancient and modern worlds.

Published by Wren & Rook, the book is both written and illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky. Rachel's bitesize mini-biographies of female scientists such as Marie Curie and Katherine Johnson celebrate their achievements to help inspire the next generation of female engineers, biologists, mathematicians, doctors, astronauts, physicists and beyond.

The clever use of stylish illustrations, vignettes and quirky facts around the borders make what could be considered dense information both fun and accessible for children - as each biographical spread is set out to be the perfect length for a bedtime story or for dipping in and out of.

The left-hand page brings a scientist to life, setting the scene and highlighting some of her most significant achievements. The right-hand page goes into more detail about her childhood and career, demonstrating the path she took to greatness and the obstacles she had to overcome.

TV Presenter, Author and Junior Judge Cherry Healey was as enthralled with this book as were her fellow judges she added "Women in Science - what an absolutely beautiful AND brilliant book - I want to read this myself!" and judge Tracey Samuel (from The Bonnie Mob) added "All out winner for me!"

THE SILVER AWARD FOR BEST DESIGNED/ILLUSTRATED BOOK FOR CHILDREN IS... KINGDOM OF YOU

The Kingdom of You is a personalised story built around a child’s favourite things. Whether they love dinosaurs and pizza, or princesses and pasta, each young reader is thrown into their own fantasy kingdom packed with whatever they love the most.

Everything in their dream-kingdom is named after them and it becomes their personal quest to clean it up after an unforgettable adventure. Published by Wonderbly - who also brought us the Lost My Names books and who are on mission to make sure that kids perceive and experience books - physical books - as magical and as enchanting as any other screen-based experience available to them.

THE BRONZE AWARD FOR BEST DESIGNED/ILLUSTRATED BOOK FOR CHILDREN IS...THE NUTCRACKER

A well-loved classic Christmas story by E.T.A Hoffman beautifully and simply retold for the whole family to enjoy. It's illustrated by internationally acclaimed artist Valeria Docampo and published by Parragon Books.

The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara on her Christmas Eve adventure as she steps into a world of toy soldiers and beautiful fairies with beautiful illustrations and a padded front cover. A real festive treat.