Winners of Best Designed / Illustrated Book for Children (published within last 12 months) | Junior Design Awards 2023

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Best Designed/Illustrated Book for Children: GOLD

WHO: Thames & Hudson

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WHAT: Curtain Up!: Behind the Scenes at the Royal Opera House

WHY: The panel were completely smitten with this beautifully designed book which brings the magical experience of live theatre and ballet alive. The generous full-spread layouts stunning hand-drawn illustrations and clever use of texture made this a wonderfully tactile and immersive reading experience that couldn’t fail to ignite a curiosity into the arts.

I couldn't love this more! What a wonderful way to introduce children to the theatre! Beautifully illustrated!
Leah Lane, Interiors expert and influencer, @mymulberryhouse
Totally beautiful, an escape into the magical, mystical atmosphere on stage. I felt like I was in the royal box just flicking through these pages. Wonderful- thank you!
Mimi Dickson, Illustrator and student nurse, @mimidicksonpaintings
A beautiful book that takes children behind the curtain of the iconic Royal Opera House, from the costume department to the orchestra pit. A magical behind-the-scenes tour, full of detail, beautifully presented and illustrated. A real treasure - as magical as being there.
Sarah-Jane Mee, Sky News presenter and TV personality, @skysarahjane

WHERE: Thames & Hudson

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Best Designed/Illustrated Book for Children: JOINT SILVER

WHO: Weldon Owen Children's Books

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WHAT: The Extraordinary Book That Invents Itself

WHY: Our judges loved this highly original book which appeals to the mad inventor in all of us! With more than 30 ingenious inventions to cut out and create with simple, clear instructions and an easy-to-understand break down of the engineering principles behind it, this book gives children an exciting window into the world of rockets, code-breaking, bionic hands and so much more. Mini engineers and budding inventors will love this book.

Absolutely fantastic, I know as a kid I'd have had my mitts all over this (still did as an adult!) Informative, eye-catching, enticing and different.
Mimi Dickson, Illustrator and student nurse, @mimidicksonpaintings
Lovely looking book jam packed with fun activities. I love the vintage style illustrations.
Zoey Goto, Travel writer and author, @zoeygotowriter
An excellent package that blends creativity, design, environmental science and engineering in a thoroughly engaging way. This will be great for all the family to get involved in!
Sarah-Jane Mee, Sky News presenter and TV personality, @skysarahjane

WHERE: Weldon Owen Children's Books and Amazon

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Best Designed/Illustrated Book for Children: JOINT SILVER

WHO: Thames & Hudson

WHAT: GLOW: The wild wonders of bioluminescence

WHY: Everyone was drawn to this eye-catching book that really does live up to its fabulously enticing cover. Luminous illustrations made with UV printing gave a hyperreal visual experience of trips through underwater canyons discovering the creatures with a natural glow, while the balance of factual information made the book as fascinating to read as it to look at. All in all, a super exciting book that kids will be drawn to and will love seeing the glow on their nightstands!

This book just makes you want to pick it up! The luminous illustrations make this a truly immersive and unique reading experience.
Sarah-Jane Mee, Sky News presenter and TV personality, @skysarahjane
Lovely book to bring science to life for children!
Zoey Goto, Travel writer and author, @zoeygotowriter
A great book, that’s not about dinosaurs, for adventure and nature loving kids.
Leah Lane, Interiors expert and influencer, @mymulberryhouse

WHERE: Thames & Hudson

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Best Designed/Illustrated Book for Children: BRONZE

WHO: Thames & Hudson

WHAT: The Big Book of Nature Art

WHY: Our judges loved this bold and eye-catching book, packed with easy art activities inspired by nature, from bestselling author Yuval Zommer. The panel was impressed that each of the activities can be achieved in four simple steps using natural and recycled materials from around the home, meaning no stressful scurrying about for hard to find creative ingredients! A great resource for finding ways to distract kids from screens.

Loved this! Really simple but wonderful ideas for getting creative with kids but also getting them outside and thinking for themselves.
Leah Lane, Interiors expert and influencer, @mymulberryhouse
I was very excited to see Yuval's entry as I remembered his work being standout last year- this did not disappoint!
Mimi Dickson, Illustrator and student nurse, @mimidicksonpaintings
The illustrations are lovely! Very sweet book - kids will love it!
Zoey Goto, Travel writer and author, @zoeygotowriter
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WHERE: Thames & Hudson

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