Hannah Doyle
Name: Hannah Doyle
Where did you grow up? My family moved from England to Ciliau Aeron near Aberaeron when I was three. I grew up on a smallholding with a big field, ramshackle outbuildings, pigs and chickens.
What was your favourite book when you were young? I was a passionate reader, and loved the Chronicles of Narnia, Famous Five and Anne of Green Gables books.
When did you first consider being an illustrator? My Dad (children’s author Malachy Doyle) encouraged me to give it a go about 10 years ago, when I was in my early thirties. I sent off some illustrations to Firefly Press for a book my Dad was writing (called Pete and the Five-a-side Vampires), and they liked my pictures enough to give me the job! So my first book was with my Dad, which was lovely. I had quite a different style back then, and my illustrations have evolved as I’ve embraced different techniques.
Are there any themes that appeal to you in particular? I love nature and originally worked in nature conservation before becoming an artist and illustrator. Most of my work is inspired by my love of nature, landscapes and wildlife.
What’s the best / worst part about being an illustrator? My favourite part is the very first reading of the text. I love imagining how my pictures could interweave with the story, adding depth and magic to a book. Sometimes the later stages can be more stressful when the images I make don’t quite match up to what I had in my mind. But I’m trying to be less perfectionist and just allow the art to evolve naturally.
What advice can you give to budding illustrators? Try out lots of techniques and be playful and have fun with your art. Sometimes people try to find a style too early, and it stops them from innovating and expressing themselves. Style is something that comes naturally with time.
Hannah Doyle illustrated the cover of Fishfolk by Steven Quincey-Jones (Firefly Press).
The Children’s Book Cover of the Year Award 2025 shortlist was selected by Young People’s Panel.
The designer/illustrator of the winning cover in each category will win or share a cash prize of £500.
The winners will be announced on Friday, 26 September 2025.
All shortlisted titles available now from your local bookshop.
Miriam Latimer
Name: Miriam Latimer
Where did you grow up? In St Albans, Hertfordshire
What was your favourite book when you were young? I loved ‘The Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton. I loved all of the magical worlds that they visited.
When did you first consider being an illustrator? When I was around 18 years old, I did an art foundation year, where I tried out different types of art. Within that year I fell in love with Illustration, and I realised that I wanted to be an Illustrator.
Are there any themes that appeal to you in particular? I am drawn to any theme which encourages kindness or using your imagination.
Do you have any rituals when you draw or illustrate? I always start with a cup of tea in my hand, and I spend some time looking at my inspiration wall to help me work out what colours I want to use for my illustration before I start.
What’s the best / worst part about being an illustrator? The best part is painting the final Illustration after doing lots of sketches, especially if the final piece comes out just as you had imagined. The worst part is doing my tax return when I have to work out everything I have earned and spent in the past year.
What advice can you give to budding illustrators? Draw what you love and draw every day. Don’t be scared to get things wrong.
Miriam Latimer wrote and illustrated Colours of Home (Graffeg).
The Children’s Book Cover of the Year Award 2025 shortlist was selected by Young People’s Panel.
The designer/illustrator of the winning cover in each category will win or share a cash prize of £500.
The winners will be announced on Friday, 26 September 2025.
All shortlisted titles available now from your local bookshop.
Valériane Leblond
Name: Valériane Leblond
Where did you grow up? In Angers, a lovely town in the West of France
What was your favourite book when you were young? I really liked The Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall with Barbara Cooney’s lovely illustrations. It’s a story about the life of a family of self-sufficient farmers throughout the year.
When did you first consider being an illustrator? Illustrated books have always been a part of my life, when I was a small child, and when I was a teenager, and then when I had my own children, and I believe that I have always thought that it would be very nice to illustrate books.
Are there any themes that appeal to you in particular? If the story is a good one, it doesn’t matter about the themes, period and characters…
What’s the best / worst part about being an illustrator? It’s so great to be able to make a living from something I love to do anyway, and the feeling of holding a finished book with my illustrations is wonderful. Having said that, there is a bit of uncertainty that comes with self-employed work and sometimes I’m worried I’ll have to look for a ‘real job’
What advice can you give to budding illustrators? To keep practicing and draw as many things as possible. Also in this AI age, remember that everything that makes your work personal and human is valuable.
Valériane Leblond illustrated The Street Food Festival by Gail Sequeira (Atebol).
The Children’s Book Cover of the Year Award 2025 shortlist was selected by Young People’s Panel.
The designer/illustrator of the winning cover in each category will win or share a cash prize of £500.
The winners will be announced on Friday, 26 September 2025.
All shortlisted titles available now from your local bookshop.
Check out the Welsh-language Book Cover shortlist as well.
Gwen ac Arianrhod (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)
- Cover Illustration: Lleucu Gwenllian
- Cover design: Eleri Owen
- Author: Lleucu Gwenllian
Nos Da Blob (Y Lolfa)
- Cover Illustration: Huw Aaron
- Cover design: Opal Roengchai
- Author: Huw Aaron
Ysgol Arswyd (Y Lolfa)
- Cover Illustration: Sian Angharad
- Author: Catrin Angharad Jones