Kirkus praises CATCHING FIRE: Illustrated Edition by Suzanne Collins, illus. by Nico Delort, in starred review: “A work that will be treasured by old and new fans alike . . . This book is lit!”

Kirkus — STARRED REVIEW
CATCHING FIRE: Illustrated Edition by Suzanne Collins, illustrated by Nico Delort
Review Issue Date: November 1, 2025
Online Publish Date: September 27, 2025
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: October 7, 2025

Back to the Games—and some really beautiful art.

Following the release of The Hunger Games: Illustrated Edition (2024), this new edition of the second series entry (originally released in 2009) once again pairs Delort’s impressive scratchboard artwork with Collins’ enduringly popular text to create a work that will be treasured by old and new fans alike. In this installment, Hunger Games victors Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark return to their economically depressed district of Panem, a country run by the elderly totalitarian dictator President Snow. The teens’ enjoyment of their time as victors is cut short when they’re unexpectedly recruited to again participate in the cutthroat annual competition, all while maintaining a fictitious version of their relationship to win support from viewers. While the storyline may be familiar to many, the illustrations in this new edition enhance the plot. Delort makes use of interesting angles and perspectives to create tension: A portrait of President Snow is cropped to emphasize his mouth and hands; Peeta’s on-air proposal to Katniss is depicted from a distance, highlighting the cameras capturing every moment; and the introduction of Finnick Odair, standing beside his horse, emphasizes his physical prowess and beauty. Those familiar with the movie will appreciate this new visual interpretation, and those who love the books will marvel at the artistic additions to the story. 

This book is lit! 

(Dystopian. 12-18)