Judges' comments

A bright and cozy fairy tale story that teaches kindness. Peace and support reign here, and the ending promises a new beginning. Despite the naive style, the illustrations by siqizeng are filled with many interesting details that you want to look at closely. I am sure that both children and adults will love this amazing book.

Ekaterina Borodacheva

Honestly, it’s very polished and the colors are sweet. The whole thing reads clear and consistent, and I get the story. But yeah, it’s a bit too safe for me. Everything feels soft and decorative, and I kind of wish there was more punch—whether that’s in shape design, contrast, or layout.

Max Liu

The work is delightful and full of childlike charm, making it perfect for a fairy tale. The story of the "caterpillar transforming into a butterfly" is told in a highly imaginative way. The illustrations are rich in detail, with each character showing a distinct personality, and the protagonist caterpillar's shoes are especially adorable.

Moon Q

Works by siqizeng combine delicate watercolor textures with playful character design and smart use of lighting. The compositions feel like mini-theaters, with a strong sense of depth and stage-like organization. Despite the crowd scenes, each character’s action reads clearly, supporting the overall story arc. There's a strong influence of traditional Chinese picture books in color logic and pacing, while the humor and fantasy remain universal.

Nadiia Zhelieznova

From a childlike perspective, the artist presents the prelude of the night to the viewer. Her lyrical and lively style features anthropomorphic animal characters singing and playing in the garden at nighttime, creating an infectious effect. The layout of the pictures is also elaborately considered, with a sense of rhythm in the balance between looseness and complexity.

Yimin Wang

NEXT PAGE