2023 NZCYA Russell Clark Award For Illustration Finalists

We’re thrilled to be continuing our tradition of bringing you the inside scoop with an exclusive look into the illustration process for the finalist titles in this category. Be it character designs, cover concepts, working sketches, magnificent final spreads, or even a sneak peek into the art that didn’t make the final cut, we’ve got you covered!

Thanks to the Book Awards Trust for the book descriptions.

A fisher-boy is rescued by an independent princess when he runs into trouble near her lighthouse. Illustrated with an energy that is thrown into relief by its limited colour palette, thoughtful and witty details encourage readers to join the characters as they ponder life in a tower by the sea. Keep an eye out for the flying chocolate fish!

*The rough sketch for the capsize/drowning/rescue sequence*

*The rough sketch for the rescue spread*

*An alternate version of the rescue spread that didn’t make the final cut*

The Lighthouse Princess

By Susan Wardell

Illustrated by Rose Northey

Published by Puffin, Penguin Random House

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This delightful collection of over 200 animal poems from Aotearoa writers is illustrated with warmth, verve and humour. Jenny Cooper’s deft touch with a paintbrush brings every character to life, and the backgrounds, layout and choice of images allow poems to flourish and breathe, creating a beautiful, timeless and accessible anthology.

*Some rough sketches of pīwakawaka from different angles*

*How the fantail appeared in the final spread*

*The illustration-only version of the ‘Do Snails Have Ears’ and ‘Pūpūrangi, Kauri Snail’ spread*

Roar Squeak Purr

Edited by Paula Green

Illustrated by Jenny Cooper

Published by Puffin, Penguin Random House

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Leonardo Da Vinci, one of the greatest artists of all time, is the subject of this stunningly illustrated biography. Frequently referencing the art of Leonardo himself, Donovan Bixley skilfully combines research, visual humour, puns and puzzles, technical skills and good old-fashioned drawing ability to produce an exceptional art book that is not at all stuffy.

*Character sketches/designs for the beastly men in the* Great Horse *spread*

*The rough sketch for the theatre spread*

*An unused sketch of Leonardo and the lawyers*

A Portrait of Leonardo

Written and illustrated by Donovan Bixley

Published by Upstart Press

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Ranginui and Papatūānuku’s children forcibly separate their parents so they no longer have to live in a world without light. With bravery, fluency and skill, Mat Tait’s illustrations draw readers into a tale submerged in darkness. There is fury in the drawing and beauty in the shadows, coupled with bold design and typography.

*The rough sketch of Rangi and Papa’s children crawling between their parent’s bodies*

*The rough sketch for the separation spread*

*Some initial sketches/brainstorms from Mat’s notebook*

Te Wehenga

Written and Illustrated by Mat Tait

Published by Allen & Unwin

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A young Nepalese boy ventures out with his four yaks to discover Shangri-La, encountering the legendary Yeti on his journey. Ant Sang’s dynamic and detailed illustrations capture the mountainous environment and larger-than-life characters of this modern fable, and the expressions on the yaks’ faces will delight readers.