Children’s books are often remembered for their vibrant illustrations that stay in our minds long after the stories end. The splash of colors, the quirky expressions on characters, the small details hidden in corners, all of these create a world where young readers feel seen and stories come alive. In India, a vibrant community of illustrators is working their magic in how children see and engage with stories, blending cultural nuances, humor, and fresh visual storytelling. Here are five illustrators whose work you should know if you love children’s books or simply love art that sparks wonder.
Priya Kuriyan
Priya Kuriyan’s illustrations are instantly recognizable for their warmth, humor, and whimsy that feels like childhood itself. Her work in books like Ammachi’s Glasses captures everyday Indian life with a vivid, affectionate eye. She uses expressive characters and layered details that invite children to discover new things with each re-read. Priya’s ability to bring out the quirks of ordinary moments gives her art a timeless charm. Her illustrations often bring together the personal with the cultural, making her work deeply relatable. She continues to shape the landscape of Indian children’s publishing with each project she touches.
Rajiv Eipe
Rajiv Eipe’s illustrations have a softness and movement that draw you in immediately. From Dive! to Ammachi's Incredible Investigation, his work is filled with a playful sense of light and color. He often uses layered textures that make his pages feel alive while keeping them accessible to young readers. His characters are expressive, with emotions that children can connect to instantly. Rajiv’s compositions are cinematic without losing the warmth needed for a children’s book. He brings stories to life while leaving enough room for imagination to flow.
Lavanya Naidu
Lavanya Naidu’s illustrations are full of charm and joy, with characters that feel both rooted and whimsical. Her work in The Area 51 Files and Home is in Between showcases her skill in using color and simplicity to engage young readers. Lavanya often infuses humor and soft textures into her art, making even small details memorable. Her style feels contemporary while retaining a comforting familiarity that makes her books easy to love. She often draws inspiration from everyday moments, making her illustrations deeply accessible. Lavanya’s work encourages children to notice the beauty in the ordinary.
Prabha Mallya
Prabha Mallya’s art is layered, quirky, and full of gentle surprises that unfold as you linger on the page. Her work in The Alphabet of Animals and Birds and other books like Salim Mamoo and Me, is marked by detailed line work and a playful exploration of form. Prabha often blends the fantastic with the everyday, creating scenes that feel both real and dreamlike. Her characters are expressive, and her use of humor and detail invites children to keep looking. She has a knack for making animals and people equally lively on the page.
Sharanya Manivannan
Sharanya Manivannan is not only a writer but also an illustrator, bringing poetic sensitivity into her visuals. Her book Mermaids in the Moonlight showcases her intricate, flowing illustrations that blend mythology with lush landscapes. Sharanya’s art often captures emotion with delicate lines and a dreamy color palette. She uses illustration as an extension of storytelling, letting visuals carry as much weight as words. Her work often feels like stepping into a lyrical dreamscape, offering children a chance to engage with stories visually and emotionally. Sharanya’s illustrations evoke curiosity and a sense of wonder.
Words Harita Odedara
10.07.2025
