National Illustration Day is an annual celebration of the pictures that are essential to our lives and the brilliant people who make them.
Why celebrate National Illustration Day?
Illustration is everywhere – in picture books and graphic novels, on posters and signage, and embedded in video games and apps. It’s a huge part of our lives and an essential component of books of all kinds. Whether you’re an illustrator, a school, a library or a bookshop, there are lots of ways that you can celebrate illustration on 28 November.
As the national charity for illustration, The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is inviting everyone to celebrate the pictures that are part of our lives – and on our shelves – and the brilliant people who make them.
Find out more in the 101 second film What is illustration?
Library Assistant Clare with Illustrated Books Display at Llanrwst Library
How can we get involved?
Libraries across Wales are getting involved in many ways, so why not pop along to your local library to find out what’s on offer.
You might find displays of beautifully illustrated, diverse picture books, graphic novels or non-fiction, events such as special story time session for families, a graphic novel event for teens, or a local illustrator delivering a talk.
Conwy Libraries will be organising special displays in all five of their area libraries to celebrate National Illustration Day 2025.
Megan Elias Jones, Conwy Culture & Libraries Marketing Officer, said: “At Conwy libraries we are fortunate to see beautiful book illustrations everyday, and we wanted to share our diverse children’s books that share pictures that are part of our lives, our bookshelves and the brilliant artists that make them.
This National Illustration Day we have created displays in our libraries to encourage our community to find their favourite picture books and discover new illustrations!“
National Illustration Day Display at Conwy Libraries
Join in with the Social Media Campaign
On 28 November, join in with the National Illustration Day social media campaign. Post a favourite illustration or a photo of what you’ve been up to, tagging @qbcentre and #NationalIllustrationDay
Children’s & Young People’s Book Cover of the Year Awards
On 26 September this year, the Books Council of Wales announced the winning titles of it’s Children’s & Young People’s Book Cover of the Year Awards 2025.
The English-language category winner was Fishfolk (Firefly Press). Cover illustration: Hannah Doyle. Author: Steven Quincey-Jones. The Welsh-language category winner was Nos Da Blob (Y Lolfa). Cover Illustration: Huw Aaron. Cover design: Opal Roengchai. Author: Huw Aaron.
The Awards were established to celebrate the contribution of illustrators and designers in bringing stories to life, and creating eye-catching, attractive books that appeal to young readers. The Awards are supported by the Welsh Government Education Department under the Curriculum for Wales Grant Support Programme.
Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales, said: “Huge congratulations to the winners of this year’s awards. It’s wonderful to be able to showcase the hard work of designers and illustrators in this way and to celebrate the incredible talent we have working in the sector in Wales. Many thanks also go the members of our Young People’s Panel who had the difficult task of judging this year’s prize from so many worthy contenders.”
More information on the Awards on Books Council Wales news.
Visit the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration for more information on how to take part in National Illustration Day.