Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Launches a New Award For Illustrators

By Maryann Yin 

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has launched a new prize called the Little, Brown Emerging Artist Award. The publisher will present the award to an artist who sends in a mock-up with a diversity-themed picture book story. The submission deadline has been set for January 15, 2017.

Jerry Pinkney, a renowned children’s books creator, has agreed to join a panel of three judges to pick the winner. The winning illustrator will be given $2,500 in American Express gift cards, round-trip travel to New York City, and a mentorship experience with Pinkney. The publishing house’s editorial team will examine the winner’s work for possible publication in the future.

Pinkney (pictured, via) gave this statement in the press release: “As an artist of color, I know the significance of books that speak to the many cultural and racial squares that make up our world. And as the inaugural judge for the Little, Brown Emerging Artist Award, I welcome the opportunity to impact diverse new voices in the field, while also honoring the time, insight, and open spirit of those I was fortunate to have at my side as a young artist, laying the groundwork for success. After more than fifty years of bookmaking, there is no doubt in my mind that mentorship is truly a shared joy and essential responsibility to the creative process.”