Chen wins 2025 Little Hare Illustration Prize

Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing (HGCP) has announced Wenwen Chen as the winner of the biennial Little Hare Illustration Prize.

For this award for picture book artists across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, entrants were asked to submit artwork for the forthcoming children’s book Dinosaur Stomp by Sandhya Parappukkaran (Stay for Dinner, Bright Light). As winner, Chen receives a publishing contract, an advance against royalties, and art direction and editorial support.

Judge and HGCP art director Pooja Desai said, ‘There was so much talent in this year’s shortlist, but Wenwen’s expressive character work, stunning colour palette, and the thoughtful details she added into her world building won us all over.’

Wenwen Chen’s artwork for the 2025 Little Hare Illustration Prize.

Based in Melbourne, Chen holds a Bachelor of Arts in fashion design from RMIT and works across digital and traditional mediums. According to the publisher, Chen ‘loves bringing characters to life and experimenting with shapes and colours’.

Chen said, ‘Huge thanks to Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing for supporting emerging illustrators and to Sandhya for creating such a beautiful story. I’m so excited to get started and bring Dhanya’s world to life!’

Parappukkaran said, ‘Wenwen’s submission gushes with bright colours, movement and loads of dinosaur love. I am so thrilled to welcome Wenwen onboard to make Dinosaur Stomp together and bring this story to life.’

The shortlisted illustrators included Antonia Ridge, Clare Yang, Leah Yingxin Chen and Sally Small.

The 2023 winner was self-taught illustrator Tess Moh, whose winning artwork was submitted for The Everyday Tutu by Andrea Rowe.

More information is available on the HGCP website.

Category: Awards Local news