Meet the Judges 2022: Chris Riddell

We’re super-excited to post up our fifth judge Q&A today, with none other than the prolific and jaw-droppingly talented Chris Riddell.

The award-winning illustrator, artist and former Children’s Laureate tells us all about a disappointing sixth-form present, which book first beguiled him, and why picture books are as important as literature chosen for the Booker….

As an extra treat, as you might expect from a master of putting pen to paper, he’s written it beautifully, so we’re just posting the whole thing up!

Thanks so much, Chris!

Agaton Sax and the Diamond Thieves by Nils-Olaf Franzen, illustrated by Quentin Blake, published by Andre Deutsch

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak published by Red Fox

About Chris Riddell:

Chris Riddell is an illustrator, artist and political cartoonist for the Observer. He has enjoyed great acclaim for his books for children which have won a number of major prizes, including the prestigious CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal an unprecedented three times and the Costa Book Award. Chris's children's books include the award-winning Goth Girl, Ottoline, The Cloud Horse Chronicles and The Edge Chronicles series and he has also illustrated editions of great classics by Lewis Carroll, Douglas Adams, J.K Rowling, Frances Hardinge and Neil Gaiman.

From 2015-2017 Chris was the Children’s Laureate and he was awarded the OBE by the Queen for his services to children’s literature in 2019. Chris lives with his family and divides his time living in Brighton and Norfolk. You can find Chris on Twitter @chrisriddell50 and Instagram @chris_riddell