Category: Children’s Books
3/21/23
The very sparkly picture book My Mummy is a Unicorn, illustrated by Kim Fleming and published by Scholastic Australia is out now! Read our interview with Kim, below.
Contact us to assign or license art. We’re happy to help you find the perfect artist or gorgeous images for your project!
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Kim writes:
“My Mummy is a Unicorn was so much fun to work on from start to finish.
I get to draw a dragon? A mermaid? A tickle monster!? Total dream project!
Plus it celebrates all of the amazing, creative, caring things that mothers do for their children every day, so what could be better than that? It’s a perfect Mother’s Day book!”
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My Mummy is a Unicorn, illustrated by Kim Fleming, published by Scholastic Australia.
From the publisher:
“Join in the fun as mother and child use their imaginations to create a magical day full of fantastical adventures.”
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Q: How did this book come about?
A: The publisher saw this personal piece of mine (below), which prompted them to commission me. I do love adding magic realism to my illustrations, and Unicorn is certainly full of that, so it was a great match!
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Q: What did you love about this project?
A: In this story, the main character imagines their mother as all sorts of different magical creatures. I absolutely loved that I got to bring that sense of wonder to the page–illustrating a dragon, a robot, a genie, and imagining each of their fantastical environments.
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I also loved adding in little details not in the text, such as the purple swath of hair the mother character has in each personification, or the main character’s sidekick mouse friend.
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Q: What medium do you use for your illustrations?
A: I use a hybrid traditional-digital workflow.
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I hand paint watercolor textures, and hand-carve rubber stamps which I use to make patterns. I scan all of these in and assemble them digitally in Photoshop.
I was really happy with how these illustrations turned out!
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Above: The watercolor texture became the spotlight behind the main character in the illustration below.
Right: The stars and rainbow stamps became patterns on the child’s shirt and overalls, and the loopy repeated stamps formed the pattern on the ballerina’s bodice.
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Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: Yes, the cover is embossed with sparkles! Can I put in lots of smiley emojis here? And I just wanted to thank the team at Scholastic who were so amazing to work with.
Thanks Kim!
My Mummy is a Unicorn released March 1st, 2023 in Australia, and will hopefully be available worldwide soon. It is available for purchase here.
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3/14/23
We’re thrilled to announce Erica Root’s first authored/illustrated picture book, Close To You From Far Away, published by Running Press Kids.
Below, Erica writes (and illustrates!) about the inspiration behind the book, and how it came to be. Enjoy!
Contact us to assign or license art. We’re happy to help you find the perfect artist or gorgeous images for your project!
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Erica writes, “Recently, something amazing happened…I received a copy of my very first authored and illustrated children’s book!
This has been a dream practically four decades in the making.
I’m often asked what it’s like to make a picture book so I hope you enjoy seeing behind the scenes of Close To You From Far Away in this newsletter.”
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Close to You from Far Away, written and illustrated by Erica Root, published by Running Press Kids.
Out April 4, 2023.
From the publisher:
“Find out how to maintain a feeling of closeness to someone you love while being far away from them in this delightful book about family, letter writing, and love.”
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Erica: “Close to You from Far Away was developed during one of Lilla’s children’s book residencies. We were right in the middle of the Isolation Age (aka: May 2020), which left so many of us craving human connection in a way that we never had before.
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At this time, we took my son to visit his grandma. They could only touch from opposite sides of the glass.
I found myself thinking about the unbreakable bond I had with my grandma and about what “connection” looks like from a child’s vantage point.
And that’s when Close to You from Far Away was born.”
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Above: The genesis of Close To You From Far Away
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Above: Getting published!
Below: Fun facts about Close To You From Far Away.
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Above: Erica says, “Seeing and holding the actual book for the first time felt surreal!”
Below: Erica and Riley Wilkinson (toy and game agent/inventor extraordinaire!) worked together to develop the concept of tear-out postcards in the back of the book–one of Erica’s favorite elements!
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2/23/23
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Today I’ve gathered some of my favorite children’s book-inspired images by our artists from the Menagerie.
Plus! You can now download a PDF of children’s book images from the Menagerie here. Left: PDF now available for download
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If you haven’t checked out the stunning collection of over 200 new images by our artists in our 7th Annual Lilla’s Art Menagerie, don’t wait!
Click on this special link to see all the brand-new work that you’ve been waiting for, available for licensing or for ideas to commission.
If prompted, enter this password: purple
Once in the gallery, be sure to click “View All”.
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Check out this selection of inspiring children’s book-style imagery our artists have created to inspire you to commission them for your next book.
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Available for license as of this writing.
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Available for license as of this writing.
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Available for license as of this writing
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Available for license as of this writing.
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Available for license as of this writing.
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Available for license as of this writing.
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Hurry! Many of these artists are heavily booked, so contact us now to chat about your project. We’d love to hear about it! Still haven’t seen the Menagerie gallery?
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2/18/23
We’re thrilled to announce the publication of Katie Vernon’s first authored/illustrated picture book, Ari Arranges Everything, published by Running Press Kids. Read our interview with Katie, below.
Contact us to assign or license art. We’re happy to help you find the perfect artist or gorgeous images for your project!
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My first author/illustrated picture book, Ari Arranges Everything is coming out February 21 with Running Press Kids!
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From the publisher: Empower young children to let go of control and to embrace a little chaos in this delightful and humorous picture book.
Ari arranges absolutely everything. But when Ari sets out to create the ultimate arrangement at the zoo, things don’t go quite as planned. Will Ari finally figure out the secret to arranging (or perhaps not arranging) everything in this humorous and delightful story?
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Q. What was the original inspiration for the book?
A. It mostly came from being a florist for a few years. Actually, I’ve always loved arranging/ rearranging things like my room, shelves, clothes, etc.
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Q. What did you love about the characters?
A. I love that the character of Ari is passionate and eccentric. They learn to embrace and manage their obsession rather than feeling like they need to change who they are.
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Q. What medium did you use for the illustrations?
A. I used a combination of watercolor, gouache, and an iPad. I painted most of the illustrations separately and then, much like Ari, I arranged everything digitally, adding details in Procreate.
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Q. Were there challenges on this project?
A. I think the challenge with any big project is keeping the excitement/momentum going. I learned to find parts in each spread that were really fun to create. From adding in little easter eggs like including our family camper as a toy, to playing around with paint textures, I delighted in the small things that made the bigger project that much more fun!
Q. How long did you work on writing your story?
A. I’ve been sitting on a version of this story for many years. But it all finally came together when I carved out the time and mind space during Lilla’s Children’s Book Pitch Residency in 2020. It was picked up by Running Press Kids and we worked on it from October 2021 to April 2022.
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Thanks, Katie! Ari Arranges Everything is out Feb 21st and is available for pre-order here.
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12/14/22
Take a gander at some of our artists’ brilliant new books and products out now.
Contact us to assign or license art. We’re happy to help you find the perfect artist or gorgeous images for your project!
| We love it when our artists get to work on a project together!
Ruth and Tequitia both contributed to this amazing book published by Dorling Kindersley.
Buy it here.
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| Amazing 3D advent calendar for Roger la Borde
Buy it here.
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| Gorgeous kidsware print for Vivie and Ash |
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| Fabulous book on climate activism for Barefoot Books.
Buy it here.
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| Gorgeous sticker set with backgrounds and fun stickers for Apli Paper
Buy it here.
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| This Week’s Featured Toy Pitch |
| Our Toy and Games Agent Riley Wilkinson has been working with our artists on some fabulous toy concepts for you. Feast your eyes! |
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| This beautifully illustrated card game by Mara Penny is a fresh take on the classic game of War. The fast-paced game play features educational facts about the ecosystem and food chain. |
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| Contact us for more information about this fantastic toy pitch.
See more toy concepts–ready to license–here.
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11/30/22
Every year, we love to provide our readers with a curated sample of our gorgeous artists’ products for sale on their very own Etsy shops. Dive in, buy art, support artists!
Check out Sarah Papworth’s beautiful giclée prints, Kay Wolfersperger’s kitchen dish towels, and Sarah Walsh’s cool ornaments. Be sure to order now to ensure that the artists can ship them out to you so you receive them for the holidays.
PLUS stay tuned on Monday as we will be announcing our newest artist who we have taken on for representation!
Contact us to assign or license art. We’re happy to help you find the perfect artist or gorgeous images for your project!
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A selection of Limited Edition Prints by Sarah Papworth, supplied with a signed, stamped & numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Presented on acid-free, archival textured cotton Giclée Paper by Ilford, one of the world’s oldest fine art paper mills.
“It’s a joy to be able to put these beautifully printed pieces out into the world. You can see each hand-made mark and brush stroke.”
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Short Sleeve shirt and joggers design by Sarah Walsh (sold separately).
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These 100% cotton kitchen towels measure 17″ x 30″, feature a corner loop for hanging and an original illustration by Kay Wolfersperger.
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These aprons contain illustrated patterns printed onto beautiful quality 100% cotton, designed by Kate Mason.
Available in 4 variations: succulent pots, sushi, food dishes & fruit/vegetables.
The original artwork was hand sketched & has a mix of hand painted elements & digital colouring.
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But wait there’s more! Here are some books by our artists which would make great gifts, too.
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9/27/22
| We love when our artists get commissioned for books, puzzles and games. Enjoy!
Contact us to assign or license art. We’re happy to help you find the perfect artist or gorgeous images for your project! |
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| Check out this stunningly beautiful picture book out now, illustrated by Kendra Binney for the Yosemite Conservancy.
This lovely book highlights discoveries and connections that come from sharing time outdoors together.
Buy it here. |
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| Another star in the bestselling “This Litte…” series!
Highlighting ten memorable people who paved the way, parents and little ones alike will love this discovery primer full of fun, age-appropriate facts and bold illustrations by Daniel Roode (Simon & Schuster).
Buy it here. |
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| Love Errbody Puzzle for Buffalo Games, stunningly illustrated by Tequitia Andrews
Buy it here.
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| Fun pirate adventures illustrated by Charlotte, with one story to ready each night of the week!
(Fleurus Editions)
Buy it here. |
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| Portrait of Sarah Blakely for book, Rebel Girls Awesome Entrepreneurs(Rebel Girls) Buy it here. |
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5/10/22
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We’ve added loads of interviews with our artists, show-and-tell videos of latest art-driven products like books, journals, home decor, and more. I think you may find the videos helpful in your own art career.
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In the Jenny Miriam interview, she shares how she became a full-time illustrator and why, what she does if she’s discouraged with a piece she’s working on, how she stays organized, her three top tips for illustrators, and everyone’s favorite question: what Procreate brushes she uses. Watch it here.
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Contact us to assign or license art. We’re happy to help you find the perfect artist or gorgeous images for your project!
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We’re excited to announce that our artist Erica Root has been signed to illustrate a new rhyming picture book which is an ode to teachers, published by Doubleday. Due out Spring 2023.
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A starred review from School Library Journal for Letters to Live By, by Åsa Gilland (Running Press) Read the full review here.
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Artist Jessica Allen took this photo of her seed packet (bottom right) in the same issue.
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1000-piece puzzle for Soonness
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Tarot for Baby (Penguin Random House)
Help the littlest Tarot readers discover their inner world! Follow Tarot Baby on her adventurous day, guided by the 22 mystical archetypes of the tarot deck. Readers will get to know the Tarot deck and the insight and strength that can be drawn from each card.
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Yellow like a Submarine, Purple like the Rain: A Rocking Book of Colors (Duopress Books)
This board book celebrates classic songs and the many different hues to discover within their lyrics, whether you’re humming along to “Here Comes the Sun” or “By the Light of the Silvery Moon.”
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Your Baby Story (Write to Me)
Create your own baby storybook in this beautifully illustrated, combined children’s book and journal. This book will become a much-loved story of details never to be forgotten, to be retold over many years and passed down as a special personally documented baby story.
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Charlotte’s very, very stinky book is out! (Spectrum Publishers)
Below: Endpapers to this book which made us laugh out loud!
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Erin has three puzzles out with
Mosaic Puzzles
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I hope you enjoyed the show! Check out
our site to see more.
Want great art for your project? Don’t hesitate to
contact us. We’d be delighted to assist you with any of your art needs.
xo
Lilla
Agent, Artist, Author
Founder, Lilla Rogers Studio
Co-Founder, Make Art That Sells
5/2/22
JOIN ME TODAY at 12:00 PM ET for the next in our series of WebinARTs with our artist Jenny Miriam, who has worked on a variety of illustration projects for HarperCollins, Sourcebooks, Galison, and more.
Click here to join our free public WebinART on Zoom
with our artist Jenny Miriam
today at 12:00 PM ET.
I’ll ask her how she organizes her time, how she decided to become a full time illustrator and why, and tips for other illustrators, and we’ll answer any questions.
PS. You won’t be on video; it’s a great conversation to have on in the background!
We can’t wait to see you there!
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Available for licensing as of this writing.
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I hope you enjoyed the show! Check out
our site to see more.
Want great art for your project? Don’t hesitate to
contact us. We’d be delighted to assist you with any of your art needs.
xo
Lilla
Agent, Artist, Author
Founder, Lilla Rogers Studio
Co-Founder, Make Art That Sells
4/21/22
We’re excited to invite you to join us TODAY at 12:00 PM ET for our next WebinART. I’ll chat with our artist Charlotte Bruijn, who has worked on a variety of illustration projects for Penguin Workshop, Fleurus Editions, and Little Tiger, among others.
free public WebinART on Zoom
with our artist Charlotte Bruijn
TODAY at 12:00 PM ET.
I’ll ask Charlotte how she became an illustrator, why she loves illustrating picture books, plus how she structures her day. You’ll enjoy her gorgeous work in a slideshow and we’ll take a few questions live.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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Charlotte Bruijn, illustrator
Netherlands
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I hope you enjoyed the show! Check out
our site to see more.
Want great art for your project? Don’t hesitate to
contact us. We’d be delighted to assist you with any of your art needs.
xo
Lilla
Agent, Artist, Author
Founder, Lilla Rogers Studio
Co-Founder, Make Art That Sells
