Meet the Illustrators

Abdellah Afmir | Morocco | Illustrator of Debo Finds His Forever Home

Abdellah Afmir is a Moroccan professional children's book illustrator with years of experience collaborating with authors, publishers, and independent creators worldwide. He specializes in creating expressive characters and engaging illustrations that bring stories to life while inspiring young readers.

Known for his strong storytelling, attention to detail, and collaborative approach, he has illustrated books across a variety of genres, including adventure, fantasy, educational, and bedtime stories. His goal is to create meaningful, high-quality artwork that transforms every story into a memorable reading experience.

Obasanjo Oyedele | Nigeria | Illustrator of Landon's Buzzer Beater

Obasanjo Oyedele is a Nigerian children's book illustrator and character designer with over seven years of experience bringing stories to life through expressive, hand-drawn illustrations. Having illustrated more than 30 children's books, he specializes in creating memorable characters and emotionally engaging scenes that inspire young readers. As a Top Rated children's book illustrator on Upwork, Obasanjo has collaborated with authors and publishers around the world to transform meaningful stories into captivating visual experiences.

Among the books he has illustrated is Tilly and Her Tics in the Wiggly Woods, a watercolor picture book that became the #2 Best Seller on Amazon in the Children's Books on Disability category just two days after publication.

As the illustrator of Landon's Buzzer Beater, Obasanjo was drawn to the story's powerful message of perseverance, confidence, and believing in yourself. He hopes every illustration encourages children to see that persistence, not perfection, is what leads to success.

Instagram: @Storybookink_ | Upwork Profile

Mary K. Biswas | India | Illustrator of Calla's Stubborn Cowlick

Mary Kusumkali Biswas is an award-winning children's book illustrator born in Kolkata, India — famously known as the City of Joy. She lives with her husband, who is also an illustrator, and their six-year-old daughter, who already shows signs of following in her parents' artistic footsteps.

With over 12 years of experience, Mary's creative range spans children's books, T-shirts, stickers, posters, game boards, logos, and comics — both cartoony and realistic. But it's the world of children's illustration where her heart truly lives. She draws inspiration from the innocence of young children and the charm of animals, and her artwork has a warmth that appeals to readers of every age.

Art has been Mary's passion since childhood, and she considers it a gift that her hobby became her profession. For her, illustrating isn't just work — it's a source of peace, joy, and deep fulfillment.

Fun Fact: When Mary was brought on to illustrate Calla's Stubborn Cowlick, neither she nor Julia knew that Mary's own daughter has not one — but two cowlick swirls on the crown of her head, making the middle of her hair stand straight up no matter how much combing or oiling she tries. Some things just have a mind of their own — and some illustrators are simply meant for a book.

Sana Khurshid | Pakistan | Illustrator of Frankie and the Fuzzy Birthmark

Sana Khurshid is a watercolor and children's book illustrator with over five years of experience bringing stories to life for young readers. Based in Chakwal, Pakistan, Sana specializes in expressive watercolor illustrations that capture character, emotion, and imagination in every brushstroke.

With more than 250 illustrated pages across multiple children's book projects, Sana has developed a gift for translating a story's heart into visuals that children instantly connect with. Her work is warm, imaginative, and deeply intentional — every character she draws feels real, every scene feels lived in.

In Frankie and the Fuzzy Birthmark, Sana's illustrations carry readers on Frankie's journey from poolside insecurity all the way to sunscreen-and-sunshine confidence. It's the kind of art that doesn't just accompany a story — it becomes the story.

We are so grateful to have her extraordinary talent representing Pakistan on these pages — and we're thrilled to share that Sana will be returning to illustrate our upcoming book, There You Are, Lauren. Some collaborations are just meant to continue.