[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]International Children’s Book Day is 2nd April, and we thought with so much artistic talent on our team, surely they have fond memories of children’s books! So, here are some of the best Children’s Book Illustrators (in our opinion anyway!). Sit back relax as these illustrations are sure to bring you that cosy nostalgia of a bedtime story.
Annie Dalton suggests – Beatrix Potter
Helen Beatrix Potter was an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist; she was best known for her children’s books featuring animals, such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Not only did she write these iconic children’s books, but also illustrated them beautifully. Potter was brought up isolated from other children. She spent her time with her numerous pets and painting landscapes which inspired much of her future work.
A favourite of Beatrix Potter’s is The Tailor of Gloucester. The illustrations have Potter’s signature delicate style along with her common theme of anthropomorphism. 
Sophie Toland suggests – E. H. Shepard
E. H. Shepard illustrated the classic Winnie the Pooh books, and the whimsical line drawings are full of nostalgia. The idea of stuffed animals coming to life and taking their human on adventures is exactly what every child dreams about. The initial, intricate sketches really capture the innocence of the stories.
Rebecca Hunter suggests – Maria Nilsson
Maria Nilsson is a Swedish children’s book illustrator who lives in London. Pittipat’s Saucer of the Moon includes two of my favourite things – cats and moons – Nilsson’s illustrations really recapture this sense of magic from the colours used to the textured lines of the scenes.
Gareth Shelton suggests – Nick Butterworth
One Snowy Night is a story that still makes me feel cosy even now. I think about Percy the Park Keeper and his animal friends any cold winter evening even now! The stories are all written and illustrated by Nick Butterworth.
Surya De Wit suggests – Emmi Smid
Emmi Smid writes and illustrates beautiful children’s books that help children with difficult topics. A favourite is Luna’s red hat which she wrote in response to children coming to terms with the death of a parent, particularly to suicide. In addition to these really important topics, the books are illustrated beautifully.
George Dunkerton suggest – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wrote and illustrated The Little Prince. The book explores the themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss and is one of the best-selling books of all time. The delicate illustrations by Antoine really compliment the story.
Renata Fernandez suggests – Antony Browne
Brown designed greeting cards for five years before illustrating and writing his own books. He is a much-loved British children’s author with his breakthrough book Gorrila. His subtle humor comes through his delightful pictures and text, appreciating his style for many years.
Alex Unger suggests – John Bauer
John Bauer was a Swedish painter and illustrator best known for his illustrations of Bland tomtar och troll (Among Gnomes and Trolls). Princess Tuvstarr and the Fishpond (named after Carex cespitosa), painted in 1913, is perhaps Bauer’s most notable work. Each one of Bauer’s drawings truly brings the stories he illustrated alive; each capturing the mood and essence perfectly.
Ruth Clayden suggests – Nick Sharratt
You would’ve seen Nick’s illustrations even if you are unaware of his name. He has now illustrated close to 250 books. He has worked with authors including Julia Donaldson, Michael Rosen, and most notably Dame Jacqueline Wilson, and he has also written around 40 of his own books. Bright, bold, wacky illustrations brighten anyone’s day up.
Has this blog got you feeling creative? Try your hand at illustrating something that makes you smile, we got the materials you just need to come to a PopUp Painting event!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]