Kitty Crowther was born and grew up in an international environment in Brussels and is now one of the most famous illustrators in Wallonia. ‘Mon Royaume' (My Kingdom), her first picture book, came out in 1994, and her international debut followed two years later with ‘Mon ami Jim' (Jack & Jim). ‘Scritch scratch dip clapote!' and ‘La visite de petite mort' (The visit of little death) are viewed as milestones in the history of the picture book. In addition to creating her own work, she also illustrates other writers' stories, such as ‘Grote oma's' (Big Grandmas) by Bart Moeyaert.
This is the first time a Belgian has scooped this prestigious prize. The Flemish writers and illustrators Carll Cneut, Bart Moeyaert, Sylvia Vanden Heede and Klaas Verplancke were also nominated for this year's award.
