The jury's unanimous decision was to award the prize to Kotone Utsunomiya (Japan) for visual and narrative originality. In this submission, Kotone demonstrates mastery in creating sequences of images which, supported by the text, transport us, effortlessly and intriguingly, from one page to the next, revealing consistent and clear storytelling, and a strong sense of humor that shines through on every page.
"The project, developed in felt tip pen, reveals the author’s technical ability, delighting us with her refreshing and humourous illustrations."
Bernardo P. Carvalho, Piotr Karski and Paula Estorninho (members of the 6th edition jury)
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Kotone graduated from Tama Art University (Textiles) and moved to Prague, Czechia, to study at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design (Illustration and Design), from where she graduated in 2021. Her picture book "Infinity" was nominated for the "Most Beautiful Czech Book of the Year" award in 2021 and won the Czech "Book Vision" competition. She currently works as an illustrator and picture book author between Stockholm and Tokyo.
"A horse in the house, by Henrique Coser Moreira (Brazil) and "I know a place", by Ana Casimiro (Portugal).
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