Kotone Utsunomiya wins the 6th Edition of Serpa Award with her project “The Peach Thief”

Meeting in Serpa for the 6th edition of “SERPA – International award for picturebooks”, the jury’s unanimous decision was to award the prize to Kotone Utsunomiya (Japan), for the project entitled The Peach Thief (O ladrão de pêssegos) for visual and narrative originality.

In this submission, Kotone demonstrates mastery in creating sequences of images which, supported by the text, transport us, effortlessly and intriguingly, from one page to the next, revealing consistent and clear storytelling, and a strong sense of humor that shines through on every page. 

The project, developed in felt tip pen, reveals the author’s technical ability, delighting us with her refreshing and good-tempered illustrations.

The story carries us along in a kind of loop, following the journey made by a peach stone, from the moment it is launched into the air, as far as an unexpected end.

The jury emphasised the authenticity of the winning entry, highlighting a definite authorial identity which offers us a highly personal visual language.

The jury also decided to award two Special Mentions, to Henrique Coser Moreira (Brazil), for the project A horse in the house (Um cavalo dentro de casa), and to Ana Casimiro (Portugal), for the project I know a place (Conheço um lugar).

With seemingly simple, flatly-coloured illustrations, Henrique Coser Moreira reveals a thorough skill in his use of scenes and composition, creating an innovative style and a rhythm which is perfect for developing a comic story which harnesses and holds the reader’s attention from start to finish. In telling the story, Henrique creates expressive, dynamic images which couldn’t fail to capture the jury’s attention, with a unique blend of surrealism, visual jokes and composition, which deeply affects the reader.
The poetics of Ana Casimiro’s project bowled the members of the jury over, with illustrations which, never missing a beat, glide from one page to the next, in full synchronicity with the text. Words and images complete one another competently and originally, revealing an impressive skill for metaphor and great executional ability by the author.

The winning book will be published in Portuguese by the publisher Planeta Tangerina and its author will receive 4000 Euros, of which 1500 Euros is an advance on royalties. The award ceremony and launch of the book are expected to take place in May 2026 in Serpa.

Serpa Town Council and Planeta Tangerina thank everyone who participated in the competition!