Meet the Judges: Ben Norland, Art Director

Ben Norland is Executive Art Director at Walker Books Ltd. in London. He began work there as a intern, “making tea, emptying bins.” and has stayed there ever since. He has worked on all kind of books from board books to YA novels with a variety of illustrators and authors.

Founded in 1978 by Sebastian Walker, Walker Books is Britain’s leading independent publisher of high quality books for children of all ages. From a modest start, with just 18 titles in 1980, the company now produces over 300 paperback and hardback titles a year, more than any other children’s book publisher in the UK.

Walker Books has been consistently recognized in all the major awards, winning The Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Carnegie Medal, the Kate Greenaway Medal (9 times), the Smarties Prize (19 times) and many more.

As Ben puts it, “I get to work with a large number of astonishingly talented illustrators. The quality and range of work that finds its home in the field of children’s publishing is staggering. It's a delight to be able to work with so many talented people.”

Asked about any preferences he added, “More generally I would say that the things which typically draw me to an illustrated picture book are: great characterisation; a sense of humour; great characterisation; impeccable timing; great characterisation; a real emotional hit to the work; oh, and great characterisation.”

Ben will be judging the 3x3 Picture Book Show.

Open to all illustrators in all countries, enter our professional, picture book or student show. All entries must be in by March 31st, enter today.