Judges' comments

It is known that the original versions of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales are distinguished by their cruelty and dark colors. It is we, modern people, who have adapted them for children, removing the most terrible details and adding a happy ending. Alina Zeliankova, in her illustrations, follows the classical canon. She draws the story exactly as Brothers Grimm intended. Original, harsh, and sharp.

Ekaterina Borodacheva

The paintings successfully capture the harsh environment where the story takes place. I like the use of textures and the awareness of keeping a good contrast between simple and complex silhouettes. What I find missing here is some contrast in the shape design. For example, the fox could have a more rounded and charming shape, so the audience can feel a stronger contrast with the black wolf, whose angular design already gives off fear and mystique. That would help the narrative stand out more. Also, I think the story beats could be a bit clearer. Some of the key elements that push the story forward feel too abstract—making them more readable could really strengthen the storytelling. 

Max Liu

The composition and the depiction of snow are handled with great finesse. The clear layering of foreground and background gives the illustration a strong sense of depth, even with a flat graphic approach. In illustrations 2 and 5, the tilted horizon conveys a subtle sense of unease and tension.

Moon Q

Alina Zeliankova explores a fine balance between abstraction and figuration through strikingly graphic forms. The compositions feel sculptural and bold, often shaped by sharp silhouettes, contrasting textures, and a dramatic sense of light. The restrained palette supports the emotional tone, while the simplified shapes give room for interpretation. There's a cinematic rhythm in the way each image unfolds, guiding the viewer through tension, vulnerability, and resolution.

Nadiia Zhelieznova

The artist uses sharply defined contours, reminiscent of paper cuts, to delineate forms, while using colour gradients to suggest spatial depth — a distinctive approach to artistic expression. Furthermore, this series' highly coherent narrative structure is particularly impressive. However, incorporating additional nuanced details to serve as visual highlights could make the imagery more readable and captivating for young readers.

Yimin Wang

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