It is an honour to have been awarded 2nd place at the Penguin Cover Design Award 2022 in the Children's Books category.
My book cover of Robin Steven's 'Murder Most Unladylike' was designed and illustrated in response to the Children's Books Category brief of the prestigious award. My winning cover, alongside the other shortlisted entries, was then publicly exhibited at D&AD London following a private event with leading figures of Penguin Random House UK.
The 2022 awards saw the removal of the requirement to be an arts student. As a self-taught illustrator, I am particularly proud to have been shortlisted among those receiving guidance on their design process.
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My design places the reader right into the action and instantly connects them to the close relationship between Hazel and Daisy. Placing the title within Daisy’s magnifying glass emphasises that if it wasn’t for the Wells & Wong Detective Agency, nobody would even know a murder took place. Comparing themselves to Holmes and Watson, I took inspiration for the looming background figures and typography from 1930s Sherlock Holmes posters which helped to add a sinister undertone to the otherwise playful composition. As Hazel is narrating the story, I designed the back cover as though it were a page from her case notes alongside buns for herself and Daisy – the fuel of detectives.
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The entries were judged by:
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Robin Stevens, author of 'Murder Most Unladylike'
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Anna Billson, Art Director – Penguin Random House Children’s
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Francesca Dow, Managing Director – Penguin Random House Children’s
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Nina Tara, guest judge and original illustrator of 'Murder Most Unladylike'
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‘I adore the way Daisy and Hazel and their friendship are depicted - it's beautifully done, and Charlotte has real talent as an illustrator. The back cover, with the delicious buns and the teachers' mugshots, is also a delight - this cover has such promise and I was very impressed with it’
Robin Stevens, author of 'Murder Most Unladylike'
‘Congratulations! Such a fun cover with a very striking image that instantly draws you in and makes you want to get to know the characters. Love the bold use of colour and the fun way you have packed in so many details across your design’
Anna Billson, Art Director – Penguin Random House Children’s
‘We were impressed and struck by your characterisation: you’ve really brought the girls alive in this warm and appealing cover. I love all the details (the cream buns on the spine) and your back cover is clever in incorporating so much of the necessary copy with your imaginative use of illustration and design. Many congratulations!’
Francesca Dow, Managing Director – Penguin Random House Children's
‘Well done on meeting the brief with your successful cover design. The illustrations of the girls are wonderful and I was stuck with the way you captured their diversities. A really playful and dynamic cover’
Nina Tara, original illustrator of 'Murder Most Unladylike'
