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Maybe that illustration of the little girl at the window was a premonition of my little shop window? The view isn't the same but the window is..

This photo is from my first Christmas and I'm proud to say that I'm still here, a year later making picture books in my studio space upstairs.

Maybe that illustration of the little girl at the window was a premonition of my little shop window? The view isn't the same but the window is..

This photo is from my first Christmas and I'm proud to say that I'm still here, a year later making picture books in my studio space upstairs.

This illustration never became a picture book but I feel like the story is there waiting to be found.

I made it while I was studying for my MA at @arucambridge @csacbi and it's still one of my favourites. One day I'll come up with a story for this little person.

@theagencybooks

This illustration never became a picture book but I feel like the story is there waiting to be found.

I made it while I was studying for my MA at @arucambridge @csacbi and it's still one of my favourites. One day I'll come up with a story for this little person.

@theagencybooks

Pigeons are actually very pretty and much smarter than we give them credit for.

Illustration from my non fiction book Bright Birds published by @twohootsbooks @theagencybooks

Pigeons are actually very pretty and much smarter than we give them credit for.

Illustration from my non fiction book Bright Birds published by @twohootsbooks @theagencybooks

This is how I make my illustrations

#noai #collage #childrensbookillustration #human

This is how I make my illustrations

#noai #collage #childrensbookillustration #human

I had a great morning @theforumnorwich - a special Norwich Book Festival catch up with @matttheillustrator @amy.c.robertson & @benmanleygram for a cuppa then bumping into @rosefeather_ who has a fab new project on the go called the Telling Stories Press. Also made a print with the @norwichprintingmuseum and had an inspiring chat with the @anywherebookclub and of course loads of excellent books for sale by @norfolkchildrensbooks who had @bobtregoning signing copies of his books after his event for the @norwichbookfest #childrensbookillustration #norwich #norfolk #norwichbookfestival

I had a great morning @theforumnorwich - a special Norwich Book Festival catch up with @matttheillustrator @amy.c.robertson & @benmanleygram for a cuppa then bumping into @rosefeather_ who has a fab new project on the go called the Telling Stories Press. Also made a print with the @norwichprintingmuseum and had an inspiring chat with the @anywherebookclub and of course loads of excellent books for sale by @norfolkchildrensbooks who had @bobtregoning signing copies of his books after his event for the @norwichbookfest #childrensbookillustration #norwich #norfolk #norwichbookfestival

Current view..I know how to do a wild Saturday night

#collage #childrensbookillustration #dailydrawing #mushrooms #toadstoolsofinstagram

Current view..I know how to do a wild Saturday night

#collage #childrensbookillustration #dailydrawing #mushrooms #toadstoolsofinstagram

I'm so delighted that Bright Birds has been longlisted in the UKLA Book Awards which is voted for by teachers - all these brilliant books will be read aloud in classrooms. Stiff competition indeed...

It was the last book I worked on with editorial genius Suzanne Carnell - in fact it was her bright idea and I can't thank her enough for trusting me to write and illustrate this book.

Many thanks to my marvellous publisher for helping me to birth this book baby @twohootsbooks designer extraordinare @jojospooney and my awesome agent @jcehare @theagencybooks

I'm so delighted that Bright Birds has been longlisted in the UKLA Book Awards which is voted for by teachers - all these brilliant books will be read aloud in classrooms. Stiff competition indeed...

It was the last book I worked on with editorial genius Suzanne Carnell - in fact it was her bright idea and I can't thank her enough for trusting me to write and illustrate this book.

Many thanks to my marvellous publisher for helping me to birth this book baby @twohootsbooks designer extraordinare @jojospooney and my awesome agent @jcehare @theagencybooks

Bright Birds is Children’s Book of the week in today’s @thetimes with a fab review from @lucybannerman_books - ‘This love letter to birds is a stunning book for all levels of interest’ 🦅🐓🦆What a nice way to start the bank holiday weekend! @theagencybooks @twohootsbooks @macmillankidsuk @panmacmillan

Bright Birds is Children’s Book of the week in today’s @thetimes with a fab review from @lucybannerman_books - ‘This love letter to birds is a stunning book for all levels of interest’ 🦅🐓🦆What a nice way to start the bank holiday weekend! @theagencybooks @twohootsbooks @macmillankidsuk @panmacmillan

I made a FISHY themed Father’s Day window @one.fox.shop to celebrate the publication of Beneath the Waves - the 3rd press out and learn book in the series. Made with the incredible @laurenfairgrieve @sophielinnekerdesign @nosycrow and @nationaltrust #childrensbookillustration #collage #shoplocal #childrensillustration #norfolk

I made a FISHY themed Father’s Day window @one.fox.shop to celebrate the publication of Beneath the Waves - the 3rd press out and learn book in the series. Made with the incredible @laurenfairgrieve @sophielinnekerdesign @nosycrow and @nationaltrust #childrensbookillustration #collage #shoplocal #childrensillustration #norfolk

I’m heading off to PG Live this afternoon to show off my greetings card collection. It’s my first trade fair so wish me luck! #childrensbookillustration #collage #pglive #greeting_cards

I’m heading off to PG Live this afternoon to show off my greetings card collection. It’s my first trade fair so wish me luck! #childrensbookillustration #collage #pglive #greeting_cards

What a fab evening celebrating a triple book launch with my friends @kathrynsimmondswriter and @fionafoggdraws at Waterstones in Norwich. It was so nice to mark the occasion with lots of friends and family and to see all our books out on the shelves Huge thanks to all the team @norwichstones for organising everything so well. And of course to the publishers, editors, designers and agents who help bring these books into the world. @walkerpicturebooks @tormalore @macmillankidsuk @twohootsbooks @jcehare @one.fox.shop

What a fab evening celebrating a triple book launch with my friends @kathrynsimmondswriter and @fionafoggdraws at Waterstones in Norwich. It was so nice to mark the occasion with lots of friends and family and to see all our books out on the shelves Huge thanks to all the team @norwichstones for organising everything so well. And of course to the publishers, editors, designers and agents who help bring these books into the world. @walkerpicturebooks @tormalore @macmillankidsuk @twohootsbooks @jcehare @one.fox.shop

I need a trip to the sea..but for the time being I will have to make do with snipping memories of beach combing. On my drawing board today is the start of a new collage which will become a card 🪸🐚🦀 #sea #seashore #beachcombing #collage #artist #greetingscards

I need a trip to the sea..but for the time being I will have to make do with snipping memories of beach combing. On my drawing board today is the start of a new collage which will become a card 🪸🐚🦀 #sea #seashore #beachcombing #collage #artist #greetingscards

On the cutting mat today 🌸

On the cutting mat today 🌸

Out this week!! Bright Birds 🦅 🦜🐣🐓🦜 Huge thanks to my fantastic editor and designer for all their help birthing this book baby @twohootsbooks @macmillankidsuk #childrensbookillustration #nonfiction #cleverbirds #naturalhistory #amazinganimals available @one.fox.shop

Out this week!! Bright Birds 🦅 🦜🐣🐓🦜 Huge thanks to my fantastic editor and designer for all their help birthing this book baby @twohootsbooks @macmillankidsuk #childrensbookillustration #nonfiction #cleverbirds #naturalhistory #amazinganimals available @one.fox.shop

I absolutely loved making this game for @Djeco last summer. And it’s just been released into the wild - Bazarquatic is Djeco’s game of the month and is perfect for players aged 6-99! Dive into the mysterious depths where every choice matters. Play your cards wisely to avoid traps and secure victory! It’s available from all the best shops including my very own @one.fox.shop #dreamjob #childrensillustration #djeco #kidsgames

I absolutely loved making this game for @Djeco last summer. And it’s just been released into the wild - Bazarquatic is Djeco’s game of the month and is perfect for players aged 6-99! Dive into the mysterious depths where every choice matters. Play your cards wisely to avoid traps and secure victory! It’s available from all the best shops including my very own @one.fox.shop #dreamjob #childrensillustration #djeco #kidsgames

How ace is this BOO! costume for #worldbookday?!! 🐠🐟🐙🐳 check out the eyes 👀..ingenious 😍

How ace is this BOO! costume for #worldbookday?!! 🐠🐟🐙🐳 check out the eyes 👀..ingenious 😍

Here's sneaky peak inside Bright Birds and their brilliant brains. Huge thanks to the dream team at @twohootsbooks @panmacmillan for making this such a fun and interesting project - I am so delighted with the finished book! Special thanks to the wonderful @meganmccubbinwild for providing the foreword.

Out at the beginning of April. Pre orders available here https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/kate-read/bright-birds/9781529088182

Here's sneaky peak inside Bright Birds and their brilliant brains. Huge thanks to the dream team at @twohootsbooks @panmacmillan for making this such a fun and interesting project - I am so delighted with the finished book! Special thanks to the wonderful @meganmccubbinwild for providing the foreword.

Out at the beginning of April. Pre orders available here https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/kate-read/bright-birds/9781529088182

Christmas cards and baubles are now in full swing and with cold weather on the way it’s going to feel even more festive! They are available on my website www.kateread.co.uk or in my shop @one.fox.shop or at the wonderful @make.holt @handstandnorwich and @blicklingnt

Christmas cards and baubles are now in full swing and with cold weather on the way it’s going to feel even more festive! They are available on my website www.kateread.co.uk or in my shop @one.fox.shop or at the wonderful @make.holt @handstandnorwich and @blicklingnt

jewel moray eel take two..

jewel moray eel take two..

An Opah! A fascinating species of fish which is apparently the only fish that keeps its body temp warmer than the surrounding water. #naturelovers #nature #collage #childrensbookillustration #fish

An Opah! A fascinating species of fish which is apparently the only fish that keeps its body temp warmer than the surrounding water. #naturelovers #nature #collage #childrensbookillustration #fish

I finally put my shop sign up🩵 all made and painted by my own fair hands @one.fox.shop 🦊 is a teeny tiny shop space in Aylsham the heart of North Norfolk selling lots of lovely illustration based goodies including books, prints, cards, ceramics, socks (yes socks) and toys. You can find me there most days working away on picture book projects and drinking lots of tea.

I finally put my shop sign up🩵 all made and painted by my own fair hands @one.fox.shop 🦊 is a teeny tiny shop space in Aylsham the heart of North Norfolk selling lots of lovely illustration based goodies including books, prints, cards, ceramics, socks (yes socks) and toys. You can find me there most days working away on picture book projects and drinking lots of tea.

I am so thrilled to see this fab trail @sissinghurstcastlegardennt featuring the 10 birds from my and @laurenfairgrieve’s @nosycrow @nationaltrust Birds of a Feather press out book! What a great job they’ve done..😍

I am so thrilled to see this fab trail @sissinghurstcastlegardennt featuring the 10 birds from my and @laurenfairgrieve’s @nosycrow @nationaltrust Birds of a Feather press out book! What a great job they’ve done..😍

And here are some of the results of a fantastic afternoon at @norwichsciencefestival We read the Big Bad Bug @twohootsbooks, and we looked at Butterfly Skies @nosycrow together and then made some beautiful butterflies and snails to hang up at our windows. All the children worked so hard and made such lovely creatures! 🦋🐌

And here are some of the results of a fantastic afternoon at @norwichsciencefestival We read the Big Bad Bug @twohootsbooks, and we looked at Butterfly Skies @nosycrow together and then made some beautiful butterflies and snails to hang up at our windows. All the children worked so hard and made such lovely creatures! 🦋🐌

All set up and ready to go @norwichshoe for @localmakersmarket Xmas fair! So many lovely stalls and makers here today..open 10-4

All set up and ready to go @norwichshoe for @localmakersmarket Xmas fair! So many lovely stalls and makers here today..open 10-4

Bauble factory post #2 festive pigeons

Bauble factory post #2 festive pigeons

Packing 🤶

Packing 🤶

Here's a section from the pages at the back of Butterfly Skies published by @nosycrow and @nationaltrust At the front of this gift book you'll find press out pieces so you can pop out 20 beautiful butterflies and hang them around your house or school or nursery or bedroom or shop...or wherever you like! This is a peacock butterfly, they love purple buddleia and they hiss!

Here's a section from the pages at the back of Butterfly Skies published by @nosycrow and @nationaltrust At the front of this gift book you'll find press out pieces so you can pop out 20 beautiful butterflies and hang them around your house or school or nursery or bedroom or shop...or wherever you like! This is a peacock butterfly, they love purple buddleia and they hiss!

@localmakersmarket at @norwichshoe today!

@localmakersmarket at @norwichshoe today!

Thanks for this fab video from @nosycrow showing the @nationaltrust butterflies 3D and escaping! I learned loads about these fascinating insects, (including some of their more disgusting habits🦋🌸💩) thanks to @laurenfairgrieve and @hollyphillipsdesign

Thanks for this fab video from @nosycrow showing the @nationaltrust butterflies 3D and escaping! I learned loads about these fascinating insects, (including some of their more disgusting habits🦋🌸💩) thanks to @laurenfairgrieve and @hollyphillipsdesign

The great butterfly count 2023 has begun! @savebutterflies

https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/the-2023-big-butterfly-count-has-begun

And I received my advance copy of Butterfly Skies published by @nosycrow @nationaltrust It is just as fun as Birds of a Feather, and contains 10 beautiful butterflies which can be popped in and out of the book, with a fascinating fully illustrated page of butterfly facts about each one.

Written by the wonderful @laurenfairgrieve and designed by super talented @hollyphillipsdesign - it was a joy to work on and I'm very proud of the result 🦋🐛🐝🌼🌷🌱

Out very soon and available to pre-order at your favourite bookshop 🦋

Thanks to @jcehare @theagencybooks ❤️

The great butterfly count 2023 has begun! @savebutterflies

https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/the-2023-big-butterfly-count-has-begun

And I received my advance copy of Butterfly Skies published by @nosycrow @nationaltrust It is just as fun as Birds of a Feather, and contains 10 beautiful butterflies which can be popped in and out of the book, with a fascinating fully illustrated page of butterfly facts about each one.

Written by the wonderful @laurenfairgrieve and designed by super talented @hollyphillipsdesign - it was a joy to work on and I'm very proud of the result 🦋🐛🐝🌼🌷🌱

Out very soon and available to pre-order at your favourite bookshop 🦋

Thanks to @jcehare @theagencybooks ❤️

Today's work, a screech of seagulls..

Today's work, a screech of seagulls..

For all the Cancerians out there big and small, it's nearly birthday time.. 🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀

For all the Cancerians out there big and small, it's nearly birthday time.. 🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀

Finally! The sun is shining in Norfolk!! I am jumping with joy just like these frogs because it's been so bloody cold here while the rest of the country basks in glorious sunshine 😂

And at last I can photograph my new cards including a variation on Ellie from the Littlest Elephant who is on her way to a birthday party and some bright colourful feathers.

All available on my website or Etsy shop KateReadIllustration while stocks last 😁

Shiny nails by Sally @numberfivenailstudio

Finally! The sun is shining in Norfolk!! I am jumping with joy just like these frogs because it's been so bloody cold here while the rest of the country basks in glorious sunshine 😂

And at last I can photograph my new cards including a variation on Ellie from the Littlest Elephant who is on her way to a birthday party and some bright colourful feathers.

All available on my website or Etsy shop KateReadIllustration while stocks last 😁

Shiny nails by Sally @numberfivenailstudio

And... The Littlest Elephant is out in paperback today as well! 😀🐘 Also published by the marvellous @twohootsbooks

And... The Littlest Elephant is out in paperback today as well! 😀🐘 Also published by the marvellous @twohootsbooks

Happy Book Birthday to The BIG BAD BUG! Out today 9th March 23. 🐛🐞🐌🐜🐝🕷️

Thanks so much to the wonderful team at @twohootsbooks

#collageart #childrensbookillustration #picturebookartist #minibeasts

Happy Book Birthday to The BIG BAD BUG! Out today 9th March 23. 🐛🐞🐌🐜🐝🕷️

Thanks so much to the wonderful team at @twohootsbooks

#collageart #childrensbookillustration #picturebookartist #minibeasts

The Big Bad Bug is in a big bad mood and he's heading your way on the 9th March. To celebrate #worldbookday and the release of my minibeast mini drama, I will be @norwichstones on Saturday 4th March for storytime and bugtastic craft activities!

This event is free to attend but spaces are limited. To book a place visit the Norwich Waterstones website...

https://www.waterstones.com/events/extra-special-storytime-the-big-bad-bug-with-kate-read/norwich-castle-street

www.kateread.co.uk

The Big Bad Bug, a self proclaimed 'very rare species' is used to getting his own way, but claiming a giant berry all for himself is a step too far...will he ever learn to share, and mend his bullying ways? This bug's eye view from the bottom of the garden will entrance any young child and show them the value of kindness and community- a perfect picture book for minibeast fans!

The Big Bad Bug is in a big bad mood and he's heading your way on the 9th March. To celebrate #worldbookday and the release of my minibeast mini drama, I will be @norwichstones on Saturday 4th March for storytime and bugtastic craft activities!

This event is free to attend but spaces are limited. To book a place visit the Norwich Waterstones website...

https://www.waterstones.com/events/extra-special-storytime-the-big-bad-bug-with-kate-read/norwich-castle-street

www.kateread.co.uk

The Big Bad Bug, a self proclaimed 'very rare species' is used to getting his own way, but claiming a giant berry all for himself is a step too far...will he ever learn to share, and mend his bullying ways? This bug's eye view from the bottom of the garden will entrance any young child and show them the value of kindness and community- a perfect picture book for minibeast fans!

Happiness is...

#collageart #painting #childrensbookillustration #studio #texture #picturebookartist

Happiness is...

#collageart #painting #childrensbookillustration #studio #texture #picturebookartist

Quick sketch for a collage, they are very stupid but beautiful birds and often have narrow escapes down country lanes.. #wip #pheasant #collageart #countryside #childrensbookillustration

Quick sketch for a collage, they are very stupid but beautiful birds and often have narrow escapes down country lanes.. #wip #pheasant #collageart #countryside #childrensbookillustration

Publisher post is always very exciting post, today I received Chinese co-editions of BOO! and One Fox as well as my new book,The BIG, BAD BUG in Estonian and this one I've had for a while but is is super cool.. The Littlest Elephant in...wait for it.. ESPERANTO! 🤩

Publisher post is always very exciting post, today I received Chinese co-editions of BOO! and One Fox as well as my new book,The BIG, BAD BUG in Estonian and this one I've had for a while but is is super cool.. The Littlest Elephant in...wait for it.. ESPERANTO! 🤩

In Vejle Library with my nephew 🇩🇰 What a gorgeous space for children! It's a lovely warm and welcoming place to play, stimulate imaginations and curl up with a good book. 📖

In Vejle Library with my nephew 🇩🇰 What a gorgeous space for children! It's a lovely warm and welcoming place to play, stimulate imaginations and curl up with a good book. 📖

I feel like this guy might need a story.. All 🐓 jokes fully encouraged.. 😂

#collageart #fowl #chickenrecipes #chickensofinstagram #cockerel #childrensbookillustration #katereadillustration #colourpop #collage #picturebookartist

I feel like this guy might need a story.. All 🐓 jokes fully encouraged.. 😂

#collageart #fowl #chickenrecipes #chickensofinstagram #cockerel #childrensbookillustration #katereadillustration #colourpop #collage #picturebookartist

A few weeks ago I watched about 8 swallows madly swooping and diving over the river, it felt like their last feed before the long journey.

Today the weather is wet and the swallows have gone, but yesterday it was glorious and when the sun shines in October it feels extra lovely.

Card available on www.kateread.co.uk or Etsy shop

#collageart #childrensbookillustration #katereadillustration #colourpop #picturebookartist #justacard #birds #britishbirds #collage #etsy

A few weeks ago I watched about 8 swallows madly swooping and diving over the river, it felt like their last feed before the long journey.

Today the weather is wet and the swallows have gone, but yesterday it was glorious and when the sun shines in October it feels extra lovely.

Card available on www.kateread.co.uk or Etsy shop

#collageart #childrensbookillustration #katereadillustration #colourpop #picturebookartist #justacard #birds #britishbirds #collage #etsy

I am really looking forward to taking part in the wonderful South Ken Kids Festival in November.

https://southkenkidsfestival.co.uk/

There will be some fantastic Authors and Illustrators taking part including Beatrice Alemagna, Lucie Arnoux, Magali Attiogbé, Stephanie Blake, Elina Ellis, Ole Könnecke, Bridget Marzo, Jean-Claude Mourlevat, François Place, Kate Read, Axel Scheffler, Olivier Tallec, Joe Todd-Stanton and Sam Usher @beatricealemagna @jarvispicturebooks @elinaellis @joetoddstanton @samuel_usher

I am really looking forward to taking part in the wonderful South Ken Kids Festival in November.

https://southkenkidsfestival.co.uk/

There will be some fantastic Authors and Illustrators taking part including Beatrice Alemagna, Lucie Arnoux, Magali Attiogbé, Stephanie Blake, Elina Ellis, Ole Könnecke, Bridget Marzo, Jean-Claude Mourlevat, François Place, Kate Read, Axel Scheffler, Olivier Tallec, Joe Todd-Stanton and Sam Usher @beatricealemagna @jarvispicturebooks @elinaellis @joetoddstanton @samuel_usher

New card alert! 🦛 Hippo Birthday to anyone having a birthday today! 🎉 All cards available wholesale and retail

Plus in some absolutely gorgeous shops @thegigglygoat @cillaandcamilladorset @teals_store @handstandnorwich @dandelionclock_bakewell @make.holt @seaskydesign @mainstreethare

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KateReadIllustration?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

www.kateread.co.uk

#hippo #hipposofinstagram #collage #collageart #colourpop #colour #childrensbookillustration #illustratorsoninstagram #drawing #hippobirthday #birthday #birthdaycard #justacard #animals

New card alert! 🦛 Hippo Birthday to anyone having a birthday today! 🎉 All cards available wholesale and retail

Plus in some absolutely gorgeous shops @thegigglygoat @cillaandcamilladorset @teals_store @handstandnorwich @dandelionclock_bakewell @make.holt @seaskydesign @mainstreethare

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KateReadIllustration?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

www.kateread.co.uk

#hippo #hipposofinstagram #collage #collageart #colourpop #colour #childrensbookillustration #illustratorsoninstagram #drawing #hippobirthday #birthday #birthdaycard #justacard #animals

OUT TODAY! Spotted in the wild yesterday at @felbrigghallnt and the gorgeous @elmhillcraftshop, published by the wonderful folks at @nosycrow, designed by @hollyphillipsdesign and written by @laurenfairgrieve. Thanks everyone, its a beauty! Kxx

#nationaltrust #nosycrow #birdsofinstagram #birds #katereadillustration #kateread #collageart #childrensbookillustration #birdsofafeather

OUT TODAY! Spotted in the wild yesterday at @felbrigghallnt and the gorgeous @elmhillcraftshop, published by the wonderful folks at @nosycrow, designed by @hollyphillipsdesign and written by @laurenfairgrieve. Thanks everyone, its a beauty! Kxx

#nationaltrust #nosycrow #birdsofinstagram #birds #katereadillustration #kateread #collageart #childrensbookillustration #birdsofafeather

This kingfisher flies into the world on 1st September! My latest book written by the wonderful Lauren Fairgrieve @nosycrow for @nationaltrust with a launch party to follow soon..can't wait! #childrensbookillustration #childrensbooks #childrensillustration #kingfisher #britishbirds #nature #nationaltrust #nosycrow #nosycrowbooks #collage #collageart

This kingfisher flies into the world on 1st September! My latest book written by the wonderful Lauren Fairgrieve @nosycrow for @nationaltrust with a launch party to follow soon..can't wait! #childrensbookillustration #childrensbooks #childrensillustration #kingfisher #britishbirds #nature #nationaltrust #nosycrow #nosycrowbooks #collage #collageart

Here's one of the 3D birds 😎 from Birds of a Feather, out on 1st September available for pre order now.

Here's one of the 3D birds 😎 from Birds of a Feather, out on 1st September available for pre order now.

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