Grace LaPrade won the inaugural Post Wave Prize for Illustration 2026. Her winning piece was called Island House Mouse.
Grace LaPrade, lives in Buffalo, New York, graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art with a BFA in Illustration and has been working at a local Montessori school while pursuing her ambition of becoming a children’s book illustrator.
Grace LaPrade said: ‘As an emerging illustrator, receiving the Post Wave Prize for Illustration is a boost to continue doing what I love. It serves as a reminder that working towards my goals and putting myself out there can lead to the most exciting and unexpected adventures. I am so grateful for this opportunity to connect with other picture book creators and am beyond excited to make art while immersed in the beauty and culture of Anxi County!’
Of the winner, judge and fellow illustrator, Daishu Ma said: ‘Island House Mouse is quirky, charming and brimming with intrigue. Grace’s imagery creates a world of dramatic tension. I felt compelled to find out more about the story.’
Kaori Hayama, who lives in Mexico, was Highly Commended for her piece, Time for Tea!. Judge Marc Majewski said: ‘Kaori’s illustration shows a strong sense of simplicity, colour, and shape. The compositions feel clear and well-balanced, inviting us into the beginning of a warm and relatable story that would work beautifully as a board book. Her work feels confident, polished, and very appealing.’
Kaori Hayama said: ‘I am incredibly grateful to be recognised by the judges of the Post Wave Prize. Creating these illustrations was a very joyful process, so it means a lot to see it resonates with other people. I’m very grateful for this opportunity, and very excited to continue developing my illustration practice.’