Renée

Kurilla

Children’s Author

Illustrator of Children’s Books

Travels from: Boston, MA

“Lively illustrations give oodles of discussion topics, making this a book young children will love listening to over and over.” ― Kirkus Reviews

Renée Kurilla is a children’s author and illustrator who loves drawing nature, animals, and working on projects that require a little bit of research. She creates art and stories that inspire kids (and grown-up kids) to spread kindness and appreciate the wonder of the world around them.

Renée has illustrated many books for kids including the #1 New York Times bestselling JUST BECAUSE by Matthew McConaughey, MERMAIDS’ SONG TO THE SEA by Dianna Hutts Aston, CHICKS RULE! by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, the ADA LACE series by Emily Calandrelli, and FARM BOOTS by Lisl H. Detlefsen.

She has written a few books as well such as IT’S FALL!, IT’S WINTER!, ONE SPRINGY SINGY DAY, ONE UPSIDE DOWNY DAY, and THE FLOWER GARDEN (a 2026 Illinois Monarch Award Finalist).

Renée has a BFA in Illustration and a minor in Graphic Design from Lesley University College of Art and Design. Before transitioning to a full-time career in children’s books, she was a Lead Artist at FableVision Studios for 10 years, creating meaningful stories and characters for educational media.

She lives just south of Boston with her husband, daughter, a million stuffed animals, and a corgi pup named Yoshi.

Renée's Featured Titles

Large Group Assembly (K-3)

Renée tailors her presentations for each grade level. She begins each talk by describing what an author and illustrator does, the types of interests she had as a kid, and what led her to a career in publishing. She explains how illustration is “everywhere” around us, showing children the many different paths to choose with a career in illustration. Each talk focuses on a chosen book: Renée will read a book, show process images, share stories of how the book was made, and do a drawing demo (or draw-along depending on the size of the audience)! Her presentation always ends with Q&A and optional book signing/personalization. (Length: 30-45 min)

(Book choices: ONE SPRINGY SINGY DAY, ONE UPSIDE-DOWNY DAY, THE FLOWER GARDEN, FARM BOOTS, CHICKS RULE!, CHICKS ROCK!, JUST BECAUSE IT’S FALL, MERMAIDS’ SONG TO THE SEA)

Small Group Workshop (K-3)

Renée will work with small groups to develop characters and story ideas, providing worksheets and discussion topics to spark kids’ imaginations. She will use her book THE FLOWER GARDEN as a reference point and go over some of the process in more detail. She will help the children create their own work to be proud of. (Length: 1.5 hours)

Medium/Large Group Assemblies (for grown-up kids)

Tailored to college students, Renée describes her interesting path to children’s book illustration starting with a career in animation. With a fun, colorful slide presentation, she will get students excited and motivated to further pursue a career in the arts, discuss career possibilities, and answer any questions that arise! (Length 30-45 min)

“Renee was very kind and easy to work with; her presentation was fun and engaging for all ages at our school. She displayed a lot of energy and genuine enthusiasm for her work. Our students were inspired!” ― Parkdale Elementary 2024

“Renée Kurilla’s school author visit is geared perfectly to her audience of K-2 students. Renee is fun and breezy, and full of energy, like her audience. She engages students with her stories and her vibrant, colorful illustrations using digital art. Students are thrilled with an interactive reading of The Flower Garden, contributing the sound effects. We want her back!” ― Sharon Lavallee, H. Olive Day School Librarian, Norfolk, MA

“Uplifting seasonal verse focusing on well-known customs and conventions.” ― Kirkus Reviews

“Throughout the book, the art creates an atmosphere of warmth and fun with its rounded forms and cheerful portrayal of kids reveling in the season.” ― Booklist

“Get into a fall mood with Kurilla’s upbeat rhyming text and exuberant digitally rendered illustrations in a rich palette appropriately dominated by warm yellows, oranges, and reds.” ― The Horn Book

“The girls’ friendship is refreshingly real, with the reluctant friend more than willing to stand up for herself when she feels she’s not being heard. . .With a short page count and easy-to-read speech balloons, this is at a perfect level for chapter-book readers, and more-experienced readers will be charmed by the playful, cartoonish art in bright, saturated colors. Absolutely delightful.” ― Booklist **STARRED REVIEW**

“A cheery, colorful jaunt through a garden gnome’s world, arranged lovingly and thoughtfully in graphic novel form. . .promises to be an enjoyable read for both eager and hesitant beginning readers.” ― School Library Journal

“Vibrant illustrations accompany this friendship story.” ― The Horn Book Magazine

Renée’s News Link

Renée’s Sketchbook

Renée’s Art

Renée’s Etsy Shop

Honors, Awards & Recognition

FARM BOOTS:
Winner of the 2024 Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Children’s Picture Book (0-3 Years)
Winner of the 2024 Moonbeam Award (Preschool)
A Children’s Book Council 2024 Favorite (K-2nd Grade)

IT’S FALL:
Starred Review Publishers Weekly
Kid’s Indie Next List September/October ’23
One of Publishers Weekly new and noteworthy children’s books of August ’23
Featured on the cover of The Horn Book Magazine September/October ’23
An Amazon Editors’ Pick

JUST BECAUSE:
Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller

THE FLOWER GARDEN:
2026 Illinois Monarch Award Finalist
Booklist Starred Review
Booklist Top Ten Graphic Novels for Children
ALA Graphic Comics Round Table Best Graphic Novel Pick
Good Housekeeping Kids’ Book Award
Chicago Public Library Best Fiction for Young Readers

ONE SPRINGY, SINGY DAY:
Amazon Editors’ Pick

RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE:
American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Book of the Year
Junior Master Gardener Growing Good Kids Award Winner

Media clips

School Library Journal Review | The Flower Garden Review

Kirkus Review | One Springy, Singy Day Review

Picture Book Builders | CHICKS RULE & illustrator interview with Renée Kurilla

Boston Globe | Bellingham Author Illustrator works with Matthew McConaughey on New children’s book

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.