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Entering the Book of Nursery Rhymes Illustration Competition is an extraordinary opportunity for illustrators to be part of a creative milestone—the first visual edition of an entirely new collection of nursery rhymes. LaBelle Publishing and Meteor Publishing are joining forces to produce The Big Book of Nursery Rhymes, slated for release in October 2026. Each poem in this anthology is fresh and original, reflecting today’s imagination while honoring the spirit of classic childhood storytelling. Selected artists will have their illustrations featured alongside these never-before-published rhymes, making their work part of a first edition that will reach libraries, schools, and bookstores throughout the United States. For emerging and established illustrators alike, publication in an ISBN-licensed title offers meaningful recognition and a lasting addition to any professional portfolio.

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Beyond being featured in print, illustrators will gain access to a much broader creative stage. The Big Book of Nursery Rhymes will be promoted nationwide, sold through Contemporary Art Gallery Online, and showcased at the Ramsey Art Gallery, blending the worlds of literature, education, and visual art. This exposure gives artists the rare opportunity to engage with a diverse audience—from children discovering their first stories to collectors and art lovers who appreciate the craft of illustration. Each contributor’s name will be prominently listed in the credits, ensuring acknowledgment for their work and opening paths for future collaborations, commissions, and exhibitions.

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In essence, this competition is a celebration of creativity, originality, and the timeless partnership between words and images. By entering, artists are joining a collaborative effort to shape the visual world of stories that will inspire a new generation of readers. It’s a chance to interpret fresh tales with personal flair, to connect with publishers and curators, and to leave a mark on a project designed to delight and endure. With a modest entry fee and national reach, the Book of Nursery Rhymes Illustration Competition invites illustrators not only to compete but to contribute meaningfully to the birth of something new and imaginative.

 

Particulars Below:

Open Date:  May 1, 2026

Deadline to enter is July 30, 2026. 

Price:  $5.00 for 2 Entries

Medium:  Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Digital Art (not photographic)

Theme:  Click Here for the Story Board  Choose any rhyme you would like to illustrate.  Please keep in mind the proposed description of the intended illustration.

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Once the book is released, we will present an Online Exhibition. 

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We are thrilled to be apart of this and we are excited to see the book in print.

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