The Folio Society and House of Illustration are thrilled to announce Marie-Alice Harel of Edinburgh as the winner of the ninth annual Book Illustration Competition – a unique partnership between The Folio Society and House of Illustration.

Harel won the prestigious commission and £5000 to illustrate Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. She was presented with the award at an exclusive ceremony at House of Illustration on 26 February 2019 by Laura Cecil, founder of the first literacy agency for children’s books and Wynne Jones’s agent.

Book cover designed by Marie-Alice Harel ©Marie-Alice Harel 2019 from The Folio Society and House of Illustration Book Illustration Competition for Diana Wynne Jones’s Howl’s Moving Castle.

Harel’s winning entry was selected from over 500 entries received from 47 countries. Harel is a French author and illustrator based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The shortlisted artists, who each receive £500, are Emily Altman (USA, studying in UK), Julia Bernhard (Germany, student), Marina Evlanova (Russia, student), Harry Woodgate (UK, student) and Tania Yakunova (Ukraine). Harel was longlisted for her entry in 2018, and Harry was also shortlisted in last year’s competition. Four of the shortlist are students.

The Folio Society Art Director, Sheri Gee commented: ‘I was so impressed by the standard of illustration this year – narrowing it down to 5 runners up and a winner was no easy task but we couldn’t ignore the beauty and skill in the winner’s fairy-tale inspired illustrations. I’m looking forward to working with her on the rest of the commission.’

Colin McKenzie, Director of House of illustration, said: ‘Having received the highest ever number of entries from illustrators all over the world, judging was even more difficult than normal. It was wonderful to have Laura Cecil (Diana Wynne Jones’ literary agent) as part of the panel this year, and we are delighted with the shortlist and indeed the winner.’