The Post Wave Prize for Illustration 2027 invites illustrators to create artwork for a children's book inspired by the theme A Bridge to Another World. Organised by Post Wave Publishing UK Ltd, the international competition welcomes illustrated fiction and non-fiction concepts. The theme is open to interpretation, from imagined places and fantastical adventures to stories that explore unfamiliar lives and experiences.
Each entry must include a full-colour book cover and one double-page spread containing a passage of text that works alongside the illustrations. Entrants may write their own text, collaborate with a writer or use a story in the public domain. Up to three additional images can be submitted to show details of the artwork or the creative process.
Illustrations may be created using traditional or digital techniques, but all entries must be submitted digitally as JPEG or PDF files. The cover and spread must each be no larger than A3, and the combined file size must not exceed 10 MB. The judges will assess the illustrations rather than the writing, looking at originality, visual storytelling, artistic skill and how effectively the work connects with young readers.
Entry fee: Free to enter. No entry fee is required.
Eligibility
Open to illustrators aged 18 or over worldwide who have not been commercially published in children's books (self-publishing is permitted) and have not entered into a publishing contract or accepted an offer for their illustrations during October 2026 to March 2027; entries must be original, contain no AI-generated artwork or text, and feature artwork that has neither been commercially published in children's books nor previously shortlisted or awarded in another illustration competition, with only one entry per person and no joint entries permitted.
Prize
One overall winner will receive £3,000, a fully funded creative trip to Anxi County in China, detailed feedback and a portfolio review with Post Wave Publishing UK Ltd or Post Wave Berlin Studio. The winning artwork will be displayed at the Bologna Children's Book Fair 2027. The winning proposal may also be considered for development and publication by Post Wave Publishing UK Ltd, although a publishing contract is not guaranteed. Highly commended entrants will receive detailed feedback on their submissions and a portfolio review from Post Wave Publishing UK Ltd.