I'm seeking a professional children's book illustrator and publishing partner for my completed manuscript, What Was She Like, Mammy?

Book Illustrator is needed in New Zealand.

As above , written by Sinéad Coffey. It’s a heartfelt children’s picture book inspired by my Irish childhood, my grandmother and conversations with my own two daughters. The story explores love, family, memories and the connections between generations, particularly how children can come to know and love someone they’ve never met through the stories passed down to them. The manuscript is complete. I’m looking for support with character development, beautiful hand-painted or watercolour-style illustrations, cover design, professional book layout and preparation for print. I’d like the illustrations to reflect real family members and authentic Irish settings, using family photographs as references. My intention is to produce a beautiful, timeless, professionally published hardcover children’s book for sale in New Zealand and potentially internationally. I’m seeking information on your process, pricing, timelines, publishing options and commercial rights.

Budget range:
Small project ($750 – 1,500 USD)

Examples:
I’m drawn to warm, timeless children’s picture book illustrations with a soft watercolour or hand-painted feel.
Some references include:

The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers – https://www.booktrust.org.uk/book-recommendations/bookfinder/the-heart-and-the-bottle/

Grandad’s Island by Benji Davies – https://benjidavies.squarespace.com/grandads-island

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst – https://www.hachette.co.nz/patrice-karst-joanne-lew-vriethoff/the-invisible-string

These are references for the emotional storytelling and atmosphere rather than styles to replicate.

For my book, I’d love soft, expressive illustrations with authentic Irish coastal scenery, warm family interiors, beautiful gardens and nostalgic childhood memories.

The characters are based on real family members, and I can provide photographs for reference.

I want the finished book to feel like a treasured family keepsake: beautifully illustrated, emotionally engaging and something children and adults will want to return to for generations.

About the client
Kia ora, I’m Sinéad Coffey, an Irish-born writer, mother of two and business owner based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I moved to New Zealand in 2014, but my Irish roots and family stories have always been a big part of who I am. I’ve written my first children’s picture book, What Was She Like, Mammy?, inspired by a real bedtime conversation with my daughters, Molly and Kennedy, about my grandmother. It’s an incredibly personal project about love, family, memories and keeping the stories of those who came before us alive. While my professional background is in business, strategy and writing, this is my first venture into children’s publishing. I’m passionate about creating a beautiful, meaningful book that families can treasure and pass down through generations. I’m looking for a creative professional who understands the emotional heart of the story and can help bring it to life through thoughtful, beautiful illustrations.