There are so many incredibly talented illustrators and I feel like I’ve been so fortunate in the past few weeks to happen upon so many of them.

These books are absolute favorites of my 19 month old.  She squeals when she sees the books and carries them to you to read them to her.  It is beyond adorable.  So adorable, in fact, that I refused to return them to the library in exchange for prolonged cute book encounters.

Emily Winfield Martin has such amazing artistic talent, I had seen her work before at a local shop in Seattle and didn’t put it together that she was this amazing children’s book illustrator as well.  Check out her etsy shop The Black Apple.

After my petite fell so deeply in love, as we all did with Emily’s stunning illustrations I wanted to know more…this is from her website:

She works in a tiny nook of a studio filled with old children’s books, wind-up toys, and stacks of fabric. Her work is inspired by fairy tales, music, myths, carnivals, children’s books from the late 19th through mid 20th century, her favorite films, and autobiography.

This space sounds amazing!  If for some reason you’re still not gushing then you need to watch this short video.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYZRslUPViE&feature=player_embedded

Okay, so let me get onto her books.  She has written two children’s picture books Dream Animals in 2013 and the companion to is Day Dreamers published just this year.

From: http://www.emilywinfieldmartin.com

These illustrations are incredible.  After we checked Dream Animals out from the library I hoped there would be more and sure enough Day Dreamers had just been published.

from www…emilywinfieldmartin.com

I try not to judge books by their covers, but when this is the cover you can bank on a remarkable book within.

I love that these books spark your imagination, when we were reading it one night, my five year old said, oh I know what is happening it’s that little boys imagination…that’s so cool.  I love books that are not only gorgeous, but that inspire young minds to dream and to explore their imaginations.

These books do just that, they are lovely adventures that delight and inspire.  My petites and I adore these books and I am sure that you will too.

Erin

If you liked this post you may like:

Illustrator Love: Kit Chase

Illustrator Love: Molly Idle