Local illustrator earns international recognition

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Bowling Green man is receiving international recognition for his illustration of an environmentally themed book.

“Tree Thing,” illustrated by Matthew Taylor Wilson, was put on the short list for possible winners for the Wainwright Award in London, England.

The book was nominated as one of the top choices in the Children’s Wainwright Prize for Fiction category. 

“I just feel so fortunate to be able to meet these people and work with them because, you know, I live in Bowling Green. I’m just kind of an obscure person here. And I’ve been hanging out with people who write for theater. It was just, it was amazing,” said Wilson.

“Otherlands: An Illustrated Journey Through Earth’s Lost Worlds” ended up taking home the award, but just to be nominated for the award is a major recognition for Wilson.

The book is not on shelves in the U.S. but can be ordered online.