Bio:

I began illustrating for children in 2007 and have since had the chance to work with some great authors, and even some famous footballers. I'm lucky enough to spend my days drawing things like wicked pirates, crazy llamas and cowardly dogs.
I have an honours degree in literature, and as a qualified teacher I taught English, creative writing and art in NZ secondary schools for 5 years. In 2004, after moving to Sydney, I began freelancing in commercial illustration for advertising, film, editorial publishing, and toy design. I worked as an in-house designer for The Book Company, and as as art director and illustrator for Childhood Heroes, producing books in association with high profile sports stars such as Tim Cahill, Brett Lee, and UK footballers Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand. In July 2009, I threw myself into illustrating picture books full time.

I live in sunny Sydney, with my mathematician husband and three magical kids in assorted sizes. Our two dogs just come in one size - small and yappy.

2010 was a very busy year, with seven books completed, a guest lectureship at The University of Western Sydney, and speaking at three literary festivals and 62 schools! Highlights of the year were illustrating the American Girl "Girl of the Year" series for 2011 (written by the fabulous Lisa Yee), and winning five Children's Choice awards for "Fearless" by Colin Thompson. 2011 has also started off well, with two books shortlisted for three major Australasian awards.


Due for release in 2011:

Sounds Spooky, Chris Cheng (Random House)
American Girl’s Girl of the Year books (American Girl)
Violet Mackerel’s Remarkable Recovery, Anna Branford, Walker Books 2010
Violet Mackerel’s Natural Habitat, Anna Branford, Walker Books
Marmaduke Duck and Bernadette Bear, Juliette McIver (Scholastic)
Fearless in Love, by Colin Thompson (ABC Books/Harper Collins)

Awards:

2009: Children’s Book Council of Australia Crichton Award for “Mending Lucille”
2010: “Fearless”
Shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards
Winner - CBCA Junior Judges Children’s Choice award,
Winner - Young Australians Best Book Award (YABBA)
Winner - Kid's Own Australian Literature Award (KOALA)
Winner - Canberra's Own Outstanding List Award (COOL)
Winner - Kids Reading Oz Choice Award (KROC)
2010: "Marmaduke Duck and the Marmalade Jam" shortlisted for the New Zealand Post Book of the Year Award and the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award
"Violet Mackerel's Brilliant Plot" shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year Award






Illustrator
PAL
Member since 2005
Region: Australia East/New Zealand

Contact Information

Website:  http://www.sarahdavisillustration.com

Published In Children's Market: Yes
Available for Speaking Engagements? Yes