Four children's books published by Cardiff-based Graffeg have been nominated for the 2027 Carnegie Medal for Illustration. The nominated titles include Dylan’s Park, The Angry Book, Stay!, and I Am an Illustrator.
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The Carnegie Medals are prominent in the UK, recognizing outstanding contributions in children's literature through writing and illustration, with selections made by children's librarians.
Dylan’s Park, written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty, narrates a childhood adventure through a local park, utilizing words from the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. The story draws from Thomas’s radio broadcast Reminiscences of Childhood, along with excerpts from Return Journey and his poem Should Lanterns Shine, inspired by his experiences in Cwmdonkin Park, Swansea.
The Angry Book, created by Howard Pearlstein and James Munro, is an interactive picture book featuring an angry book as its protagonist, focusing on strategies for managing challenging emotions such as deep breathing and counting.
Stay!, the debut work by Fran Harlow and Ellie McKenna, showcases a dog named Deefer, tasked with staying put by his owner. As time passes with no return, a mother and son find him and decide to take him in.
The final title, I Am an Illustrator, is authored and illustrated by Kertu Sillaste, who shares her personal experiences to introduce children to the joys and challenges of being an illustrator.
Matthew Howard, publishing director at Graffeg, expressed excitement about the nominations, stating that the recognition amidst current talent in publishing is outstanding for an independent publisher.