Apila Ediciones - First Printing Award 2026

• Apila Ediciones

• Deadline: February 15th, 2026

• Theme: Printing

• Prize: €4,000 + Publication

• Entry Fees: Free

• REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE

Every year, new voices in children’s illustration dream of a platform where their work can shine—and Apila’s First Printing Award has been that place since 2013. Now entering its 2026 edition, this celebrated competition is once again opening its doors to unpublished illustrators ready to take the leap into professional publishing. Jointly organized by Apila Ediciones and the prestigious Escuela Superior de Diseño de Aragón, the award champions creativity, authenticity, and the transformative power of visual storytelling. It invites illustrators who have not yet published a picture book with an ISBN to present original projects designed to captivate young minds and spark imagination.

More than a competition, the First Printing Award is a journey—from concept to creation, from talent to recognition. For the 2026 edition, Apila Ediciones will bring its rich publishing experience to mentor the selected illustrator through the full development of their book, ensuring that every detail—from narrative structure to artistic style—is refined for publication. Meanwhile, the Escuela Superior de Diseño de Aragón plays a critical role in shaping the project, offering expert critique, creative dialogue, and educational support. Together, these institutions transform a single idea into a professionally published picture book that can stand proudly among today’s finest children’s literature. The result is a rare opportunity for debut creators to not only publish, but to learn and grow through a collaborative, supportive process.