A book that began life in Cambridge, in an illustration studio on Anglia Ruskin University’s East Road campus, has been named as one of The New York Times’ Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2024.
Here & There by Thea Lu, who studied on the Children’s Book Illustration MA course at Anglia Ruskin, has made the prestigious annual top 10 list selected by The New York Times, in conjunction with the New York Public Library, which is now in its 72nd year.
After graduating from ARU’s Cambridge School of Art in 2020, Thea travelled back to China and now lives in Shanghai, where she recently woke to the exciting news from the United States.
Thea said: “Seeing Here & There on The New York Times’ Best Illustrated Children’s Book list is such a brilliant surprise for me and I’m deeply grateful for this recognition. I received the news early in the morning, while still groggy in bed, and instantly woke up when I saw the words NEW YORK TIMES in the email!
“The creation of Here & There started during my study at the Cambridge School of Art. Without the support and feedback from my lovely tutors, I wouldn’t have been able to shape the book into what it is now. I can’t believe how far this book has gone since the rough idea was discussed in the classroom. I’d also like to thank my agent and my publisher, Eerdmans Books, who helped me and believed in this book.”
Here & There tells the stories of Dan, who owns a café in a small town, and Aki, who is a sailor. The book covers topics of home, travel, friendships, and the similarities between people from very different backgrounds.
Shelley Jackson, Associate Professor and Course Leader for the MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Anglia Ruskin University, said: “We’re thrilled by the incredible news that Thea’s Here & There has been chosen by The New York Times and New York Public Library as one of the best illustrated children’s books of 2024.
“Thea is a fearlessly adventurous artist and a passionate storyteller, who draws inspiration from her personal experiences. She began Here & There while studying with us on the MA in Children’s Book Illustration, along with another story, Dive Dive Into the Night Sea, which has just been nominated for a 2025 Carnegie Medal for Illustration. We’ve got our fingers crossed and are so proud of Thea!”
The 10 books to make the list of The New York Times’ Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2024 were chosen by a panel of expert judges. Doug Salati, a Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and one of this year’s judges, described Here & There as “a soothing and lyrical visual study” and said that Thea’s “impactful and elegant use of negative space provides rhythm and a visual through line from start to finish”.
While at ARU, Thea won the Sebastian Walker Award for Illustration. Her artwork from Here & There is currently on public display at the Society of Illustrators in New York City. The exhibition, the Original Art Show, runs until 1 February 2025.
