Lottie Withers' Lapin Bleu longlisted for the First Graphic Novel Award

We’re excited to share that Lapin Bleu by Lottie Withers has been longlisted for the 2025 First Graphic Novel Award. Chosen from over 220 submissions, this recognition highlights Lottie’s moving and beautifully illustrated memoir about growing up with the rare genetic condition 22q11, also known as DiGeorge syndrome.

Lapin Bleu (meaning Blue Rabbit in French) follows Lottie’s childhood journey, from diagnosis and open-heart surgery to seeing the positive side of life alongside her treasured companions, Lapin Bleu and later on Lapin Rose. Both poignant and uplifting, it offers comfort to those facing their own challenges while celebrating resilience and hope.

The shortlist will be announced at the Thought Bubble Festival in November, with the winner revealed at Waterstones Piccadilly in January. We’re so happy to see Lottie’s work recognised and can’t wait for more readers to discover her story.

If you’d like to work with Lottie, please contact: [email protected]

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