Carys Wright
Warm, hand-rendered illustrations for children's books
I illustrate picture books and fiction for children — and it's the work I love most. I've illustrated one published title, have two dummies in development, and have been selected for the PB Rising Stars mentorship and the Picture Hooks Buddy Scheme.
If you're a publisher, agent, or self-publisher looking for an illustrator, I'd love to hear from you.
Published work
The Curious Cat and the Lord Mayor's Show
Written by Christy White-Spunner · Commissioned by the Lord Mayor of London's office · 2023
Commissioned by the Lord Mayor of London's office to mark the Lord Mayor's Show, this picture book follows a curious cat through the pageantry and colour of one of London's oldest traditions. Delivered to schools across the city.
"Oh wow! We have just unpacked our boxes... the book is exquisite. Completely lovely. Thank you so very much." — Islington Primary School
Work in development
The Day the Dragon Came
A personal project longlisted for the DPictus Unpublished Picturebook Showcase 2025, following a dragon lost in modern London and his unlikely friendship with a local boy.
But I'm Not Tired!
A picture book dummy currently in development, created while part of the Picture Hooks Buddy Scheme, about a girl who cannot sleep and embarks on a fun nighttime adventure.
Awards and Development
-
DPictus Unpublished Picturebook Showcase longlist, 2025
-
Picture Hooks Buddy Scheme, 2024
-
PB Rising Stars mentorship, 2023
How I work
Everything starts in a sketchbook. I draw from life - on the tube, in parks, at markets, even at the dentist - and I often use my sketchbooks as reference when creating characters and settings.
My sketchbook practice isn't separate from my book work - it's where it comes from.
A selection of sketchbook pages.
Get in touch
I take on a small number of book projects each year. If you're a publisher or agent, I'm actively looking for new projects - feel free to get in touch or request my full portfolio. If you're a self-publisher, I work with those too - a rough idea is enough to start a conversation.