The New York Times and New York Public Library have announced the recipients of the 2025 Best Illustrated Children's Book Awards. Among the 10 winners is Chen Jiang Hong's Dragon Flower, translated from the French by Alyson Waters (NYRB Kids).
This year's judges—Hans Christian Andersen Medal-winning illustrator Peter Sís, children’s author Tracey Baptiste, and children’s librarian Amber Moller—praised Dragon Flower for it's brilliant illustrations, recalling traditional Chinese Folk art and accentuating the protagonist's determination, intensity, and courage as the story unfolds.
Writes Tracey Baptiste on behalf of the panel, "Chen’s color palette, style and even his depictions of the young heroine, Mae, and the dragon’s eyes feel like a modern extension of classic paintings. Green, blue and brilliant red help Mae and her antagonist stand out against more muted backgrounds, highlighting the action, adventure and danger at the story’s core, while black brushstrokes recall Chinese calligraphy."
For the judges' full statement on Dragon Flower and the complete list of winners, see the official announcement from the New York Times.