Homebody by Theo Parish wins Carnegie’s 2025 Shadowers’ Choice Medal for Illustration
Homebody by Theo Parish was awarded the Carnegie’s 2025 Shadowers’ Choice Medal for Illustration this afternoon.
In their debut graphic novel, Theo Parish takes readers through a beautifully heart lifting story of discovering what it means to truly feel at home in the world. ‘It feels like finally being able to release a deep breath. One you didn’t even realize you were holding. I am seen. I exist. I am not alone,’ reads an excerpt from the novel. Described as ‘a moving celebration of trans joy’, Homebody is for lovers of the very best graphic novels with a universal story about finding your true self.
The winners of the UK’s longest-running and best-loved book awards for children and young people, The Carnegies, managed by CILIP, the library and information association, were announced in front of an audience of over 600 young people at a live-streamed ceremony at the Cambridge Theatre, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s award-winning Matilda The Musical.
‘"Congratulations to Theo Parish for winning the Carnegie Shadowers' Choice Medal for Illustration for their beautifully illustrated graphic novel, Homebody. It is wonderful to see this special book receive the recognition it deserves and it means even more coming from readers themselves."’
Alison Ruane, Managing Director, Macmillan Children's Books
Jasmine from shadowers group Rebel Readers described Homebody as “a magical and powerful book” while Lacie-Mae from KSA Book Wolves admired the book’s “fun comic-like design” and the “unique” use of the colour palette of the trans flag throughout. Freya from Loyal Judging Society commented that the book could “help people who are struggling with their identity.”
Wolf and Bear by Kate Rolfe (published by Two Hoots) was also shortlisted. Kate Rolfe was first discovered through the Macmillan Prize for Illustration: In 2022, her book Wiggling Words was highly commended, and in 2022 she placed third for her book Wolf and Bear (which was also shortlisted for the 2024 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize).
Check out Homebody and Wolf and Bear below:
