we create
children's books
for authors
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Human-made art · Free colored sample first · KDP/IngramSpark-ready files
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what we Offer

🎨 Self-publishing a children’s book takes more than pretty pictures. You need characters that stay consistent, pages that match your story, a cover that looks professional, and files prepared correctly for Amazon KDP or IngramSpark.

❤️ Fairy Tale Publishing helps authors move from manuscript to publish-ready artwork with one team: character design, sketches, full-color illustrations, cover design, layout, and print-ready delivery.

🖌️ Before you commit, you can request a free colored character sample and see the style first.

Full cycle  

Book
Publishing

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projects
Custom character illustration for a children's storybook
Hand-drawn children's book scene with detailed characters
Whimsical children's picture book illustration with storybook characters

book layout

and cover

design

view
projects
Children's book interior page layout design sample
Professional picture book spread with page layout design
Children's book cover design with custom character illustrations

Trusted by Children’s Book Authors

5.0 ★ on Google

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Marianne Selinger
a year ago
★★★★★

Karine was a great find. I was looking to publish my first children's book but had no idea where to start. I found Karine and she was a fountain of information not just about illustration but also everything else about the process and what to do next.
The illustrations where done sooner then I thought and loved them as soon as I saw them. When I am showing people my book that's always my first question who did your illustrations?
I totally recommend Karine !!!

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Eric Warczinsky
a year ago
★★★★★

I highly recommend US Illustrations for your next project. Karine was very responsive and accommodating for my children's book that required a fair amount of world building and imagery. Illustrations were done with care and sent over on time; she was an excellent collaborator. Hope to work with her on future books!

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Domonique Hickman
4 months ago
★★★★★

I'm so glad I found this company! My experience was great. They were very informative with helping me understand the process of illustrating a children's book. The illustrations were so cute and it's everything I imagined for my book. I highly recommend US Illustrations. Plus, the pricing was really good. That was another reason I chose them.

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Donnita Peterson
9 months ago
★★★★★

I worked with USIllustrations for my first children's book, and they did a fantastic job! From start to finish, Lena kept me informed throughout the process, and my illustrator, Karine, brought my vision to life beautifully. The quality of the illustrations is exceptional. What stood out most to me was their patience and dedication—they were incredibly accommodating with revisions, making sure each illustration matched my vision perfectly. The team also delivered everything in a timely manner. I'll definitely be working with USIllustrations again in the future!

D
David Yale
a year ago
★★★★★

As a retired business executive and first time author of children's books, it was my good fortune to work with Karine Makartichan of US Illustrations. Karine is not only a top notch illustrator, she is a true partner in the process of creating a book and bringing it to life. She is insightful, responsive and highly collaborative; a pleasure to work with. Lastly, Karine and her team delivered on their commitments, as the project came in on time and on budget. Needless to say, I highly recommend US Illustrations.

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Fernanda Neves
Edited 9 months ago
★★★★★

My book project turned out beautifully! US Illustrations is a very professional business with talented illustrators - it took close to 30 days to bring my book to life and I am very pleased with the results! Highly recommend their services! Karine was amazing, responsive and truly understood the vision for my first children's book!

B
Bethlehem Beyene
a year ago
★★★★★

I cannot speak highly enough about the outstanding service I received from US Illustration! From start to finish, the experience was seamless, professional, and far exceeded my expectations. Karine demonstrated exceptional attention to detail, genuine care, and a rare commitment to excellence. She's a truly gifted artist who brought my book to life in the most beautiful way.
Karine took all my concerns seriously and addressed each one with great care and patience. Every step of the process was handled efficiently, transparently, and with a personal touch that made me feel truly valued. As a first-time book publisher, I was nervous about the illustration process, but Karine made it incredibly easy and enjoyable.
I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone seeking quality, reliability, and an experience that leaves you genuinely satisfied. Thank you, Karine, for setting such a high standard!

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Rene' Wilson
3 months ago
★★★★★

I employed Us illustrations to provide colored pictures for my children's book. They were easy to communicate with, professional and timely with deadlines.

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Michaela Gordon
a year ago
★★★★★

You will have a great experience if you decide to go with US Illustrations! First, they sent me a free illustration, which was the only company that had provided that to me. Karine is beyond talented. Her drawings are incredible. My book had complex colors due to the nature of the concept, and Karine worked with me until my vision came to life. I get so many compliments on the illustrations from both kids and adults. Also, US Illustrations is fairly priced and worth every penny. I highly recommend them!

L
Lucy Ibarra GetMortgageFit
11 months ago
★★★★★

I've had a wonderful experience with US illustrators for both of my books. The beautiful colors and detail for each illustration brought each character to life.
They got the work on illustrations done in a timely manner, and we're very professional with their communication and attention to detail.
I would highly recommend them for any author, looking for illustrations or to put a book together for publishing.

B
Bill Yeargin
7 months ago
★★★★★

US Illustrations did a great job on the first book of a new children's book series I am developing. They were timely and able to capture exactly the feel wanted. Highly recommend!

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Michael Gibson
a year ago
★★★★★

I cannot contain my excitement over the incredible work that Karine has done in bringing my book idea to life through her stunning illustrations. From the moment I shared my story with her, she understood exactly what I was trying to convey and took it to a whole new level with her artistic talent. Each illustration perfectly captures the essence of my characters and plot, enhancing the overall narrative in ways I never thought possible. Seeing my words come alive on the page through Karine's creativity has been an absolute dream come true. Her attention to detail, passion for storytelling, and exceptional skill have truly transformed my vision into something beyond my wildest imagination. I am forever grateful for Karine's artistry and how she has elevated my story in ways I could have never envisioned on my own.

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Max M
a year ago
★★★★★

I've known Karine and the team at US Illustrations for years, and simply put, they are very talented artists dedicated to delivering high quality work with a broad range of capabilities. If you need a good illustration team, look no further.

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Erik Melkonyan
a year ago
★★★★★

I recently ordered a 24-page children's book with 10 illustrations from US Illustrations, and I couldn't be happier with the results. The team was incredibly professional and attentive to my needs, providing detailed and vibrant illustrations.

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Donna Masotti
a year ago
★★★★★

I worked with Karine on a children's book, The Story of Grace, and she was wonderful. Not only is her work impeccable, but her patience was admirable. She understood what I envisioned and worked to bring it to life. Her professionalism and artistic talent is notable, I highly recommend her services for any project you have.

V
Virginia Schreckengast
a year ago
★★★★★

I remember almost two years ago February of 2023, I found US Illustrations. I sent an inquiry and they ask if it was OK to call. I talked to them and they were very nice. I told them I needed the art to look just like my drawing, and they did. I wanted to check some other companies in my area and no one wanted to work with my drawing, they wanted to be creative, it all came full circle back to US Illustrations. They are doing incredible work for me, whether it's art for a blanket, logo's, business cards, and now we are working on a children's book. And they are bringing all my ideas to life. I couldn't ask for a better team of people to work with. Thank you Karine and US Illustrations for being there for me.

Animating Children's Books Into Magic

character is the key!

Transform your children's book into professional animation.
Fairy Tale Publishing creates engaging book animations, educational videos, and custom character designs for authors and publishers. Expert storytelling, quality animation, and captivating visuals that bring stories to life for YouTube, social media, and educational platforms.

Featured children's book illustration portfolio project
full cycle service

Full Book Support, From Illustration to Print-Ready Files

We help with character design, page illustrations, cover design, layout, and files prepared for Amazon KDP or IngramSpark.

Get a Free Colored Sample
request your free sketch

How Your Book Gets Illustrated

A simple process for self-published authors: free colored sample, character design, sketches, revisions, full-color pages, cover, layout, and print-ready files.

see working steps

explore Our portfolio

See real children’s book projects we’ve illustrated, from character design and full-color pages to covers and layout. Use these examples to find the style that fits your story.

Blue Gooby children's book illustration by Theresa Hill
see more

blue goo
by Theresa Hill

Billboard illustration project by AnoOne Agency
see more

billboards
by AnoOne Agency

Eva's Dream children's book illustration by Aris Raffich
see more

eva's dream
by Aris Raffich

The Bunny children's book illustration by Paul Wesel
see more

the bunny
by Paul Wesel

VIEW CHILDREN’S BOOK WORK

Book a children's book consultation

Your message will be emailed to info@fairytalepublishing.co. Prefer to talk? Call +1 866-405-8672.

More feedback by Authors — 5.0 ★ on facebook

T
Tanya Smith
March 16
★★★★★

I had a wonderful experience from start to finish with US Illustrations, especially Karine. This was my first time experience with illustrations and she helped answer all of my questions. She even helped me after my book was finalized. I felt comfortable with her as my illustrator. The work she does is also of very high quality and you can tell she has a strong passion for her work. The time she puts into each detail made my vision literally come to life. I am so happy and thankful I chose this company to complete my first children's book with. I will be back for my next book asap.

N
Nita Peterson
September 10, 2025
★★★★★

I worked with USIllustrations for my first children's book, and they did a fantastic job! From start to finish, Lena kept me informed throughout the process, and my illustrator, Karine, brought my vision to life beautifully. The quality of the illustrations is exceptional. What stood out most to me was their patience and dedication—they were incredibly accommodating with revisions, making sure each illustration matched my vision perfectly. The team also delivered everything in a timely manner. I'll definitely be working with USIllustrations again in the future!

L
Lucy Cibrian Ibarra
July 7, 2025
★★★★★

I've had a wonderful experience with US illustrators for both of my books. The beautiful colors and detail for each illustration brought each character to life. They got the work on illustrations done in a timely manner, and we're very professional with their communication and attention to detail. I would highly recommend them for any author, looking for illustrations or to put a book together for publishing.

H
Hallie Loper
April 15, 2025
★★★★★

I fell asleep with a dream and when I woke up Karine at US Illustrations had turned it into a reality! Our level of imagination blended seamlessly on this project and truly I can't wait for the next! I reached out to several illustrators before selected US Illustrations. I wanted to be sure I could trust someone with something as special as my first children's book. They were fast, professional and have gone above and beyond! I have quite the imagination and when I see something in my mind I fear someone else will not be able to recreate it but when I say Karine and her team did just that, I mean it! NAILED IT! I was shocked when I received the free trial sketch of my character because he truly was everything and more! It was as if she was in my mind, I still don't know how they managed to do it. He couldn't have been more perfect! I had a phone call with Lena and she answered all my questions and by the end of our call I knew they'd be the illustration company I wanted to go with. Karine responded to every email almost within the day I sent or the very next day. She was open to critiques (which I had very very few) and she was such a pleasure to work with. I loved the minor touches to the finalized book which made all the difference and I feel she was also personally invested in my book which says a lot. I can't wait to eventually publish it and brag about the level of skill and dedication this company/Karine have. I have already started a second project and I can't wait to see what they're able to create with my vision. Truly 10/10 stars. I am so glad I found them and I am so glad I didn't just go with anyone for something so important.

D
David Yale
April 9, 2025
★★★★★

As a retired business executive and first time author of children's books, it was my good fortune to work with Karine Makartichan of US Illustrations. Karine is not only a top notch illustrator, she is a true partner in the process of creating a book and bringing it to life. She is insightful, responsive and highly collaborative; a pleasure to work with. Lastly, Karine and her team delivered on their commitments, as the project came in on time and on budget. Needless to say, I highly recommend US Illustrations.

M
Mich Elle
March 18, 2025
★★★★★

Karine was great to work with! I was able to modify sketches and colors to my vision, which was liberating in creating the characters in my book. Very awesome experience overall. Thank you for helping bring my book to life in illustrations!

M
Michaela Gordon
September 22, 2024
★★★★★

You will have a great experience if you decide to go with US Illustrations! First, they sent me a free illustration, which was the only company that had provided that to me. Karine is beyond talented. Her drawings are incredible. My book had complex colors due to the nature of the concept, and Karine worked with me until my vision came to life. I get so many compliments on the illustrations from both kids and adults. Also, US Illustrations is fairly priced and worth every penny. I highly recommend them!

V
Virginia Schreckengast
September 21, 2024
★★★★★

I remember almost two years ago February of 2023, I found US Illustrations. I sent an inquiry and they ask if it was OK to call. I talked to them and they were very nice. I told them I needed the art to look just like my drawing, and they did. I wanted to check some other companies in my area and no one wanted to work with my drawing, they wanted to be creative, it all came full circle back to US Illustrations. They are doing incredible work for me, whether it's art for a blanket, logo's, business cards, and now we are working on a children's book. And they are bringing all my ideas to life. I couldn't ask for a better team of people to work with. Thank you Karine and US Illustrations for being there for me. Virginia Alice Schreckengast Exploring Our World. Net

R
Robert Moorhead
September 6, 2024
★★★★★

Karine has illustrated and formatted two books for me and and I couldn't be happier with the results. Karine is always very responsive and willing to help. Will definitely use again.

M
Maryela Pinkston
September 6, 2024
★★★★★

It was such an amazing experiencing working with this company. They really are with you every step of the way. Especially with their communication which is swift, easy and very clear communication, They deliver great results and am so happy with my unique illustrations for my first children's book! I highly recommend them!

R
Ray Dlug
August 24, 2024
★★★★★

The illustrations and cover for my Children's Christmas book "I Believe! I Believe!" are amazing. Thank you Karine and the entire staff. The book will be for sale in September. Ray Dlug

R
RMRozman
August 21, 2024
★★★★★

Karine and US Illustrations was a great experience for me in my first published Children's book: "I Love You As Much and More Than This." Karine was kind, patient, and was quick to respond on everything. Her illustrations were spot on with my visions, & I have received many compliments about her illustrations. Highly recommend! :)

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Answers To

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from self-published authors before starting a children’s book illustration project.

What should I consider when hiring an illustrator for my children's book?


When hiring an illustrator for your children's book, you should consider their experience, style, and availability. Look for an artist who has a strong portfolio of children's book illustrations and is able to create the type of artwork you are looking for. You should also make sure the illustrator is available to complete the project within your desired timeline. Feel free to schedule a FREE consultation call with us and we will guide you through the entire process.

How much does it typically cost to hire an illustrator for a children's book?


The cost to hire an illustrator for a children's book varies based on factors like the illustrator's experience, the difficulty of the project, and the amount of work needed. To get the best deal, you should compare quotes from several different illustrators. And, if you're looking for a quick and easy solution, Fairy Tale Publishing can provide you with a full quote within 24 hours! Fill out the form below and get started.

How do I determine the right number of illustrations for my children's book?


The right number of illustrations for a children's book can depend on a variety of factors, including the length of the book, the age group of the intended audience, and the type of illustrations you are looking for. It's a good idea to work with your illustrator to determine the best number of illustrations for your book. Click the button below to schedule a FREE consultation with our professional illustrators.

How do I communicate my vision for the illustrations in my children's book?


To communicate your vision for the illustrations in your children's book, you should provide your illustrator with detailed descriptions of your characters, settings, and scenes. You can also provide examples of artwork or styles that you like to give the illustrator an idea of what you are looking for. Working with Fairy Tale Publishing, things work much more accessible. You can simply fill out our Character Form, and we will bring your vision to life by creating a FREE character illustration within 24 hours. Please feel free to fill out our Character Form below.

request free illustration

How do I ensure that illustrations in my children's book match the tone and style of the text?


To ensure that the illustrations in your children's book match the tone and style of the text, you should discuss your vision for the book with our illustrators and provide them with examples of the type of artwork you are looking for. You should also be open to feedback and revisions from the illustrator to ensure that the illustrations and text are cohesive.

How do I handle copyright issues with the illustrations in my children's book?


discussing copyright with the illustrator before starting the project is important to avoid any issues with the illustrations in your children's book. You need to discuss copyright issues with the illustrator before starting the project. Make sure to have a written agreement that outlines the terms of the collaboration and protects both parties. Fairy Tale Publishing offers full copyright ownership, which is clearly stated in our contract with authors.

Can I see a rough draft of the illustrations before they are finalized?


Yes, we always send a rough draft before they are finalized (we call them "Sketches"). It's a good idea to work with your illustrator to establish a timeline and review process that allows you to provide feedback and make any necessary revisions before the final artwork is completed.

Children's book illustrator consulting with an author

Can I make changes to the illustrations in my children's book after they have been completed?


Yes, it is typically possible to make changes to the illustrations in your children's book after they have been completed. However, it's important to keep in mind that making significant changes to the artwork after it has been completed can be time-consuming and may incur additional costs. It's a good idea to communicate any changes you would like to make to the illustrator before the final artwork is delivered. However, you can always adjust the initial draft stage - at no cost.

Professional children's book illustration FAQ guide
View our pricing
the creative squad

meet our team

Fairy Tale Publishing is a team of professional artists and project managers focused on children’s books. We help self-published authors with character design, full-page illustrations, cover design, layout, and print-ready files. You work with a guided creative process, not a random freelancer.

Children's book illustration sample by Arus, Fairy Tale Publishing artist

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Children's book illustration sample by Nare, Fairy Tale Publishing artist

Nare

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Children's book illustration sample by Karine, Fairy Tale Publishing artist

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Children's book illustration sample by Lucy, Fairy Tale Publishing artist

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AUTHOR RESOURCES

Helpful guides for self-published children’s book authors: hiring an illustrator, planning your budget, choosing a style, preparing your manuscript, and getting your book ready for print.

Ready to See Your Character in Color?

Request a free colored sample before starting your children’s book project.

GET A FREE COLORED SAMPLE
Request a free children's book character illustration
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Tell us about your animation project to get a custom quote

Your message will be emailed to info@fairytalepublishing.co. Prefer to talk? Call +1 866-405-8672.