The SAA are very pleased to be supporting the World Illustration Awards by sponsoring The SAA Agents Award for New Talent.

NILA AYE – HACHETTE

NILA AYE – HACHETTE (illustrator, Meiklejohn, publishing)

 

Written by the legendary poet Benjamin Zephaniah, this joyful book has been brought to life by Nila Aye’s enchanting illustrations. From playful characters to whimsical scenes, Nila's illustrations capture the heart of Zephaniah's words in the most magical way.

NILA AYE – HACHETTE (illustrator, Meiklejohn, publishing)

 

NILA AYE – HACHETTE (illustrator, Meiklejohn, publishing)

 

NILA AYE – HACHETTE (illustrator, Meiklejohn, publishing)

 

NILA AYE – HACHETTE (illustrator, Meiklejohn, publishing)

 

NILA AYE – HACHETTE (illustrator, Meiklejohn, publishing)

 

Nila Aye is represented by Meiklejohn

Kate Forrester’s Puffin Clothbound Classics

Kate Forrester’s Puffin Clothbound Classics (illustrator, publishing, The Artworks)

Kate has beautifully illustrated a wonderful series of Little Puffin Clothbound Classics. They are pocket sized and adorned with gold foil-stamped designs, making them the perfect collectible items for a young person’s own little library.

Kate Forrester’s Puffin Clothbound Classics (illustrator, publishing, The Artworks)

JAMES COTTELL/BUSTER BOOKS

JAMES COTTELL/BUSTER BOOKS (illustrator, publishing)

 

James created this fantastic artwork for Where's the Pirate' the third book in this series.

 

JAMES COTTELL/BUSTER BOOKS (illustrator, publishing)

 

JAMES COTTELL/BUSTER BOOKS (illustrator, publishing) "All aboard this pirate search-and-find book, packed full of fun pirate facts and friendly, colourful scenes showing treasure maps, gemstones, parrots, beaches, palm trees and much more. ..."

 

JAMES COTTELL/BUSTER BOOKS (illustrator, publishing)

James has also illustrated , 'Where's the Dinosaur' and 'Where's the Digger'

 

JAMES COTTELL/BUSTER BOOKS (illustrator, publishing)

 

James Cottell is represented by NB Illustration

GAIA ALESSI COVER ILLUSTRATION FOR WIDE EYE

 

GAIA ALESSI COVER ILLUSTRATION FOR WIDE EYE (Arena Illustration, illustrator, publishing)

 

Published by Pushkin Press this month, Gaia's cover and accompanying map bring Jennifer Liss's mystery-adventure to life, drawing readers into the world of ten-year-old Meridian as she hunts for a legendary lake monster while uncovering long-buried family secrets.

 

GAIA ALESSI COVER ILLUSTRATION FOR WIDE EYE (Arena Illustration, illustrator, publishing)

 

Gaia's bold wrap-around cover immerses readers in a sweeping landscape of rolling hills, mountains and a glimmering lake, with Meridian herself keeping watch for the ever-elusive Wide Eye. Alongside the cover, Gaia created an intricate map of Wide Eye Lake. The work was the result of a close collaboration between Gaia, the publisher and the author, with Jennifer Liss supplying photo reference and thoughtful feedback to ensure the world felt both authentic and richly imagined. The finished cover reads as a genuine extension of the story itself - atmospheric, inviting and full of quiet mystery.

Gaia Alessi is represented by Arena Illustration.

LEVI PINFOLD ILLUSTRATES HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

LEVI PINFOLD ILLUSTRATES HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (Arena Illustration, illustrator, publishing)

 

One of illustration's most extraordinary talents has stepped into the wizarding world again, and the results are nothing short of spellbinding. Levi brings his singular vision to the sixth fully illustrated edition of J.K. Rowling's beloved series, and the first glimpses are breathtaking.

 

LEVI PINFOLD ILLUSTRATES HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (Arena Illustration, illustrator, publishing)

 

This month we are thrilled to share a first look at Levi's illustrations for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, published by Bloomsbury. Taking up the baton from Jim Kay, Levi has made the world entirely his own - from the silver instruments of Dumbledore's office to the snow-dusted paths of Hogsmeade and the heady atmosphere of Professor Slughorn's Potions class. J.K. Rowling herself has described his work as spellbinding, and it's hard to disagree. The full edition publishes on 6th October 2026, and pre-orders are open now via Bloomsbury with 30% off and an exclusive tote bag featuring the cover.

Levi Pinfold is represented by Arena Illustration.

RICHARD JOHNSON’S STARRY SEEK-AND-FIND FOR THE OBSERVER

RICHARD JOHNSON’S STARRY SEEK-AND-FIND FOR THE OBSERVER (illustrator, publishing)

 

Award-winning illustrator Richard Johnson turns the night sky into a world you can lose yourself in - and his latest commission for The Observer is a breathtaking double-page spread that hides a universe of surprises.

This month we celebrate Richard's stunning editorial work for The Observer, created in anticipation of a rare planetary alignment and in celebration of the South Downs Dark Skies Festival. The brief called for a seek-and-find puzzle tucked inside a visually spectacular spread and Richard delivered something far beyond a simple game. Readers were invited to search a luminous, star-strewn landscape for hidden treasures including a badger, a space rocket flask, a telescope and… a scotch egg! His trademark dreamlike style and luminescent colour palette transformed the commission into something genuinely transporting.

Richard Johnson's editorial illustration work spans decades of commissions for major publications, and his ability to bring warmth, wit and wonder to even the most specific of briefs is second to none. Whether crafting immersive editorial spreads or intricate visual puzzles, his work invites audiences to look closer and always rewards them for doing so.

Richard Johnson is represented by Arena Illustration.

COSMIC KICKS AND ALIEN TRICKS FROM ALEKSEI

COSMIC KICKS AND ALIEN TRICKS FROM ALEKSEI (Arena Illustration, Children’s Books, illustrator)

 

Aleksei Bitskoff blasts onto bookshelves with an uproarious cover for The Galaxy World Cup, a galactic football adventure where underdogs meet aliens and chaos reigns.

Get your boots on and prepare for take-off! Alan Joyce’s The Galaxy World Cup lands courtesy of Chicken House Books with a brilliantly bonkers cover illustration by Aleksei Bitskoff that perfectly captures the madness, humour and interstellar action inside. When a rag-tag team of schoolboys get mistaken for Earth’s greatest players and zapped into the universe’s biggest tournament, Aleksei’s character-rich visuals bring every extraterrestrial oddball and unlikely goal scorer to life - on and off the pitch.

Known for his finely observed line work, imaginative worlds and instinctive sense of comedy, Aleksei’s cover doesn’t just sell the story - it sells the fun. From weird alien spectators to snap-shot moments that feel like they’ve been plucked straight from the game, his art effortlessly invites readers aged 7–11 (and anyone who knows the agony and ecstasy of a last-minute goal) to dive in.

Aleksei Bitskoff is represented by Arena Illustration.

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BILLY PARTRIDGE

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BILLY PARTRIDGE (illustrator, publishing)

 

Award-winning creator Billy Partridge welcomes you to Kookaway Island and the potion-making prodigy… Eggboy! Set in a surreal world brimming with humour, magic and friendship.

 

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BILLY PARTRIDGE (illustrator, publishing)

 

This month we spotlight Billy’s gloriously offbeat animated series idea Eggboy, a delightfully bonkers world full of eccentric personalities and cinematic storytelling ready to leap onto a screen. His knack for character-led visual invention runs like a thread through everything he does, from immersive publishing projects to animation development.

An award-winning graduate of Leeds Arts University and winner of the prestigious Society of Artists’ Agents Award for New Talent at the World Illustration Awards, Billy first turned heads with his debut graphic novel Hupo and the Wonder Thief, published by Flying Eye Books. Inspired by nature, folklore and the playfulness of cartoons and Studio Ghibli, his work blends humour, magic and heart in ways that keep audiences coming back for more.

Billy Partridge is represented by Arena Illustration.

Hao Hao – HarperCollins

Hao Hao – HarperCollins (Illustration Ltd, illustrator, publishing)

From breakfast to bedtime, Hao Hao’s art makes chemistry feel familiar and fun.

Hao Hao – HarperCollins (Illustration Ltd, illustrator, publishing)

For Elements of the Day published by HarperCollins’ Red Shed imprint, Hao Hao teamed up with author Samantha Lewis to make the building blocks of the universe feel familiar and fun for young readers.

 

Hao Hao – HarperCollins (Illustration Ltd, illustrator, publishing)

 

The hardback uses vibrant colour art to show how chemical elements are part of everything children see, touch and taste from waking up to going to bed. Hao’s designs turn moments like breakfast cereal or sand on the beach into playful, easy-to-grasp visuals that connect sensory experience with scientific ideas.

 

Hao Hao – HarperCollins (Illustration Ltd, illustrator, publishing)

 

Her work adds warmth and clarity to the book’s curious, fact-rich journey through the day, inviting both kids and adults to see science in the everyday.

Check out the book here.

Clare Mackie

Clare Mackie (Artist Partners Ltd, illustrator)

Clare Mackie has always been associated with the creation of fabulous original  characters, full of charm and wit - these lovely quirky illustrations are just a a glimpse into her world, and what she has produced. Established in many fields  which include editorial illustration, and having worked  for many of the top notch magazines- Tatler, and Country Life, and good housekeeping, and The New Yorker.

Clare Mackie (Artist Partners Ltd, illustrator) Clare Mackie (Artist Partners Ltd, illustrator)

Clare has also produced many illustrations for books and specifically children’s books ( shortlisted for a Greenaway award ) her work has also been licensed and adorns various merchandise, which  include ceramics, cards, and kitchenware and various  household items.

Clare Mackie (Artist Partners Ltd, illustrator)

For more of clare’s delightful work please go to the Artist Partners  website: Clare Mackie - Artist Partners

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