An Iranian illustrator has been selected as a finalist in the Golden Pinwheel 2026 young illustrators contest, which is being held in Shanghai, China. Mariam Mahmoudi Moghadam is one of fifty finalists this year, chosen from 2100 participants. She is the only artist from Iran on the list, which includes illustrators from 19 countries and territories across six continents, according to IRNA.
Her illustration is taken from the children's book 'Mori and Gouri,' written by Ahmad Akbarpour and published by Tooti Publishing House. This book previously received the Bologna Prize, the 'Best of the Best' award, and the iJungle Gold Medal.
The contest was created to support emerging talents in children's book illustration. It provides young artists with opportunities for international recognition and expansion of their work's commercial potential through exhibitions, an annual collection, and promotional events connecting illustrators with publishers, brands, and creative industries.
Over the summer, five international experts—Emily Gravett (UK), Lee Ji-eun (South Korea), Charlotte Maundlik (France), Juan Yunting (China), and Sun Zhaoqi (China)—reviewed 2100 submissions via a common online system and completed the selection process during a digital conference.
The works of the 50 finalists will be featured at the Golden Pinwheel exhibition during the International Children's Book Fair in Shanghai, China, taking place from November 13 to 15. Their illustrations will also be included in the Golden Pinwheel 2026 collection, which will be released in November and distributed among Fair participants and partners.
Starting November 4, the finalists' works will be available in digital format on the official contest website in the Golden Pinwheel Online Gallery. From this date until the opening of CCBF on November 13, viewers of the Online Gallery and visitors to CCBF can vote for their favorite pieces. The illustrator who receives the most votes will be awarded the 'Golden Pinwheel People's Choice Award.'
