Apila’s First Printing Award emerges as a prominent international competition at the intersection of artistic expression and children’s literature. This distinctive contest, hosted by Apila Ediciones in collaboration with the High School of Design of Aragón and backed by Alagón’s Town Hall, is a beacon for illustrators worldwide. Its mission is to invigorate creativity and enhance the educational dimension of children’s literature through captivating illustrated picture books. By uniting imagination and narrative ingenuity, this award beckons illustrators globally to participate. It offers a dynamic platform where visual stories seamlessly blend with cultural diversity, sparking engagement with young readers. As the competition encourages participants to craft original tales or reimagine copyright-free narratives, it stimulates a diverse array of creative approaches. Entries in Spanish or English are equally embraced, inviting storytellers to craft captivating pages that both educate and enthrall. The pinnacle of the competition is the winning project, selected for its embodiment of creativity and educational enrichment. Apila Ediciones, a revered publishing house with a penchant for nurturing artistic endeavors, will champion this project to publication. Through this synergy of creativity, education, and artistic expression, the Apila’s First Printing Award leaves an indelible mark on children’s literature, fostering a new wave of compelling narratives that resonate across cultures and generations. There is no entry fee. Eligibility: Open to illustrators over the age of 18 who have not yet published a book with an ISBN number. Prize: The winning project will receive a prize of 4,000 EUR (approx. 4,320 USD) and will be published by Apila Ediciones.