Ukrainian illustrator among five Central and Eastern European artists nominated for 2027 Carnegie Medal for Illustration

A picture book about a child adjusting to life in a new country, illustrated by Ukrainian artist Olga Shtonda, is among 63 titles nominated for the 2027 Carnegie Medal for Illustration. The nominations were announced on November 2 by CILIP, the UK’s library and information association.

Shtonda, who comes from Kharkiv, illustrated “The Map of Me,” written by British author Nicola Davies and published by Templar Books in January 2026. The story follows a young girl who moves to a new country and struggles to find her place in unfamiliar surroundings. With her mother’s help, she begins drawing a map of her new neighbourhood, gradually expanding it to include the people and places she has left behind.

The book explores displacement, belonging, memory and the connections that remain despite physical distance. Shtonda, who works internationally as a children’s book illustrator, combines traditional and digital techniques in her artwork.

Four other illustrators from Estonia, Poland, Slovakia and Croatia are also represented among the books nominated for the 2027 Carnegie Medal for Illustration.

Estonian author and illustrator Kertu Sillaste was nominated for “I Am an Illustrator,” originally published in Estonian and translated into English by Adam Cullen. Released in the UK by Graffeg, the picture book follows Klara, an illustrator whose work involves developing ideas, experimenting with artistic styles and responding to criticism. 

Polish illustrator Aleksandra Zając was nominated for “What Feelings Do at Night,” written by Polish author Tina Oziewicz and translated from Polish into English by Antonia Lloyd-Jones. The picture book imagines what emotions such as happiness, imagination and anger do after nightfall. It is the third book in the series that began with “What Feelings Do When No One’s Looking.”

Slovak illustrator Dávid Pogran, originally from Poprad, was nominated for “The Fisherman and the Mermaids,” written by Diana Marciano and translated into English by Angela Arnone. Published by Post Wave Children’s Books, the story follows an elderly fisherman who encounters three magical mermaids offering him youth, wealth and lasting happiness in exchange for a memory, a dream and a wish. The book explores the value of memories, hopes and personal experiences.

Croatian illustrator and animator Manuel Šumberac was nominated for “The Bridge Beyond the Stars,” written by German children’s author Cornelia Funke and published by Welbeck Children’s Books. The illustrated story follows a young angel who must learn about human suffering, loneliness and fear before he can help people through difficult experiences. Šumberac, who was born in Pula, also teaches at the Academy of Fine Arts at the University of Zagreb.

The Carnegie Medals recognise outstanding achievement in children’s writing and illustration. The awards are organised by CILIP and judged exclusively by librarians.

The 2027 awards mark the Carnegies’ 90th anniversary. According to the official announcement, 125 nominations were received across the two categories: 63 for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration and 62 for the Carnegie Medal for Writing. Four books were nominated in both categories.

The nominated books will be assessed by a panel of 13 librarians from CILIP’s Youth Libraries Group, who will select the longlists, shortlists and eventual winners. The longlists will be announced on February 23, 2027, followed by the shortlists on March 17. The winners will be revealed on June 22 at a ceremony at the Cambridge Theatre in London, hosted by British author and Children’s Laureate Patrice Lawrence.

As reported earlier, Olga Shtonda was among eight Ukrainian illustrators selected as finalists for the 2024 Bologna Illustrators Exhibition.

More recently, Ukrainian illustrator Mariia Rizak was selected to create the visual identity of the 2027 Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Her hand-embroidered illustrations were chosen following her recognition at the 2026 Bologna Illustrators Exhibition.