'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Monday 12 February 2018

Announcement: New Meet The Illustrator Coordinator Heidi Cooper Smith

Swings and roundabouts often describe life and here at KBR, the thrill rides never stop. We value each and every ounce of effort, not to mention each carefully contemplated word, our team members contribute so when one of them leaves, it is not without sadness.

The illustrious Sally Fawcett farewells KBR this month. Her Meet the Illustrator contributions have been a consistent source of enlightenment and entertainment and we shall miss her cool and colourful presence. Thank you for introducing us to so many sparkling illustrators, Sally!

Thankfully our Ferris wheel keeps on turning and we are equally as delighted to announce our new Meet the Illustrator Coodinator, author illustrator, Heidi Cooper Smith.

Perhaps you've already met Heidi? We featured her in December's Meet the Illustrator interview, here. She writes and draws with a sincerity that exudes warmth and often, mirth and is sure to add another dimension of sparkle to our dazzling team.
At an early age Heidi knew she wanted to write and illustrate picture books.  But during a Visual Arts degree, she fell in love with Ceramics and spent the next 20 years covered in clay.

Heidi rediscovered the joy of drawing in 2014 when she joined the ’52-week illustration challenge’.  Six months later she was offered her first illustration contract with Koala Books for Two Birds on a Wire, by Coral Vass. 
This wonderful experience inspired her to start writing too, and in 2015 and 2016 she won the CYA illustrated manuscript competition (aspiring).   
Kate and the Thing (Wombat Books) is Heidi’s first book as both author and illustrator.  She has two more titles due out in 2019.
Heidi’s favourite books are those that have humour at their core, and a surprise twist at the end.  Among the many illustrators who inspire her are Lisbeth Zwerger, David Roberts and Freya Blackwood.
WELCOME HEIDI!
Feel free to connect with Heidi and be sure to pop by to meet more of our radiant Kids' Lit creators.