The much anticipated prize giving for Frome’s first Young Illustrator competition took place on Saturday at Rook Lane Chapel, alongside a fascinating exhibition of 21 finalists aged from 4 – 18. Books of journeys ranged from Swallows and Amazons in the Under 7 category, to Life of Pi in the 11 – 13s.

“The number and range of entries to the competition was a real affirmation of how much books continue to be loved by young readers, despite, and interestingly alongside, the temptations of the XBox and Playstation,” said Judith Westcott, co-ordinator of Frome Community Learning Partnership.

Winners are:

Under 7 Elswyth Osborne

7 – 10 Elora Osborne

11 – 13 Niamh Dyson

14 – 18 Jack Parsons

Thank you to our judges: Sholto Walker, Mike Brownlow, Mary McQuillan and Nadine Wickenden,  currently exhibiting in Out of the Silence; Rook Lane Arts’ delightful summer exhibition of literary illustration.

Also to Hunting Raven Bookshop and Studio Prints for prizes, and Berforts, Butler, Tanner & Dennis for hosting a special behind the scenes visit for winners to to see how a book is made.

Out of the Silence and The Young Illustrators exhibitions will be on show at Rook Lane Arts 10am – 4pm Tues – Sat until Saturday 3 August.

Featured image by Elora Osborne