The winner of our Kids Cover Competition is Ashton Whitaker, age 10, from Hull
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To mark Earth Day, which falls on 22 April this year, we asked kids to ‘Go Wild’ for our latest Kids Cover Competition and create eye-catching designs for Big Issue with an environmental theme. The youngsters of Britain did not let us down. We received hundreds of submissions and the imagination, dedication and talent on display was a thrill to behold.
After much deliberation, Ashton Whitaker, aged 10 from Hull, was selected as our winner with his marvellous menagerie of endangered animals.
Ashton’s mum Siegann says he was “buzzing” after being told the news.
Ashton said: “I was surprised when I was told I won but it feels good.
“I wanted to draw animals that are nearly extinct to inspire people to save them. These are some of the ones I really like. Hammerhead sharks are hunted for their fins, so I wanted to show that the hammerhead has been injured from humans fishing.
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“Earth Day is important because it lets people know how they can help protect the planet and the animals.”
Chris Packham said: “It’s a bright and bold mosaic of different creatures – everything from manatees to dolphins in the sea. You’ve got the hammerhead, orangutans, the rhino in there as well. The composition is strong, it’s colourful and framed nicely. It’s really clever, as if the plants had grown onto the letters.”
Big Issue Editor Paul McNamee added: “It’s always a joy when entries for the cover competition flood in. The ideas never fail to knock us sideways. I’m delighted Chris joined us as lead judge – I’m glad the decision lay with him! Thanks to every young person, their parents, grandparents teachers and carers who helped them. It’s great to see such hope and interest in Big Issue – and in the future.”
Jenson (JJ) Bishop, eight, from Truro depicted an alien invasion, warning us to “Save the planet before someone else wrecks it.”
Chris Packham: “It’s clearly about deforestation. The irony that we’re waiting for aliens to save the planet from deforestation is something that wasn’t wasted on me.”
Oscar Rowan, 11, from Bristol reminded us that you can Go Wild close to home. He drew birds feeding in a magnolia tree in his garden. “It’s my favourite tree to climb. The birds like it too!” he said.
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Packham: “It’s beautiful, like a Japanese woodcut. I like the lettering. The composition of it is great. Artistically, they’re way ahead of their years.”
Bertie Allen, six, from Malmesbury drew a woolly mammoth and campaigning caveman holding a placard saying “Save our planet”.
Packham: “The best thing is the text, ‘Big Issue’, in different colours, nicely done.
Robyn Maydew, 11, from Helensburgh, sent a beach-set ‘art attack’ using washed-up material to bring the planet to life.
Packham: “It’s a really good idea, using found materials on a beach. Making that pattern with the different continents out of different fabrics was really clever.”
Gowri, 11, from Maidstone
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The tiger who went behind the tree came from Gowri, who goes to St Michael’s Junior School in Maidstone, Kent.
Packham: “This is a really clever way of showing extinction. That glade in the woods conveys a terrible sense of sadness. It’s a very, very powerful idea.”
Nola’s flamingo
Another submission that really moved us came from Nola Burns in Bournemouth, who was five at the time of drawing but has since turned six. One of her parents, Chris, wrote a note:
“Nola really wanted me to enter her flamingo drawing into the cover competition. Nola drew the flamingo on the floor of her granny’s room in Worthing hospital. Nola’s much beloved granny and my mum died from cancer the following morning. Nola being there and drawing such beautiful pictures really lifted the room.
“When I told Nola she needed to include the words BIG ISSUE, she drew the rainbow. I’m very proud of her for wanting to enter and working so hard on her pictures.”
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We’d like to thank Nola and wish her family all the best.
A taste of the best Kids Cover Competition group entries
Schools and youth organisations across the UK also sent in entries. We asked Darren Barker, design lead at giffgaff, to highlight some of his favourites.
Darren said: “I really appreciate the time and effort from the children to create cover designs for Earth Day and wanted to note down my thoughts and feelings.”
St Edward’s Catholic Primary
“The interesting range of creativity within this group shows understanding of the subject for saving the Earth. Colourful designs spread joy and love for our Earth.”
1st Oakham Guides
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“Grabs attention. Also some fun use of humour.”
Monkspath School
“Good use of Planet Earth on these designs. Some good reuse, reduce, recycle messaging – I like the hand-drawn vibes too.”
Oaklands School
“I am a BIG FAN of ‘Kayden Ahmed, age 11 – 7A’. Love the use of overall colours and weaving ‘Big Issue’ into the design creatively and smartly but not overtaking the overall design. This design captures all key messaging for Earth Day.”
Beeston Rylands Junior School
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“Cheerful, fun and colourful designs.”
Langley Mill Academy
“The ‘Big Issue’ titles are bold and clear on this group’s designs. Interesting work with a mix of art materials, collage, water colours and pencils giving joyful vibes with meaningful messages.”
Honourable mentions for all the brilliant designs from Thurcaston Brownies, Treverbyn Academy, Bletchingley Village Primary School, Fulbourn Primary School, Ark Elvin Academy, and Cathartic Arts CIC, with covers created by children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Plus everyone else who entered – we’d like to say a big thank you!
