Laurel Aylesworth

Laurel Aylesworth is a children’s book illustrator based in Barrington, Rhode Island. Her clients include Familius Publishing and Cricket Media. Recent books she has illustrated include The Blue Canoe, My House, My Family, and Chalk the Walk, which won the 2026 Children’s Book Council Kids’ Favorite Award.

Her career began in graphic design for print and digital media. She found her calling as an illustrator after becoming a mother, wading knee-deep in picture books from the library. She strives to bring a sense of mystery, magic, and tenderness to her visual storytelling.

Aylesworth loves drawing stories that center around kindness, diversity, and strong female protagonists. She is an LGBTQIA+ ally and welcomes stories that amplify LGBTQIA+ voices in the children’s literature community. She finds inspiration in her children because they are full of surprises and provide endless facial expressions.

Learn more at Laurel Aylesworth’s official website.