The Folio Book Illustration Award

Folio Book Illustration Award 2025

We’re delighted to reveal the winner and five runners-up of the 2025 Folio Book Illustration Award. This year’s competition challenged illustrators around the world to reimagine the classic fairytale Rapunzel, and the response was nothing short of extraordinary. From over 880 entries spanning 71 countries, our guest judges - acclaimed author Erin Morgenstern and 2024 FBIA winner Zack Rock - helped select a winning piece that stood out for its bold storytelling and visual dynamism.

“I was bowled over by Dawn Xintong Yang’s striking, almost visceral take on Rapunzel,” said Zack. “So many of the main elements of the story are represented here, but remixed with such a kinetic verve. It goes big. It does not go home.”

Join us in celebrating Dawn and the five remarkable runners-up whose work reimagines this fairytale with originality and flair.

FOLIO BOOK ILLUSTRATION AWARD WINNER

DAWN XINTONG YANG

‘The winning piece immediately caught my eye the first time I saw the longlist, it instantly stood out amongst an incredible group of illustrations. The layering of elements and colors is so striking, and I love how dramatically it captures the story moment.’ – Erin Morgenstern, Author