iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Steph Lau (she/her) @stephlaubooks.com · 22/09/2026

One more day till MEDUSA'S PET ROCK launches! I'll be swinging by @mrmoppsbooks.bsky.social tm morning to sign books, so if you wanted a signed, personalized copy and/or a Medusa sticker, now is the time! moppsbooks.com/list/medusas...

A copy of the picture book MEDUSA'S PET ROCK by Steph Lau, along with a Post-it that says "1 more day...", a spiky Medusa shooting lasers out of her eyes sticker, and a Lumpy the pet rock pillow

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Steph Lau (she/her) @stephlaubooks.com · 09/09/2026

Cover design process for my picture book MEDUSA'S PET ROCK (which omg, is coming out in just 2 weeks 😱) #kidlitart

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Have you ever gotten so competitive at summer camp that you ripped open a time portal just to win the 'dino badge'? 🦖🏕️🪄 #KidLitArtPostcard #summer #kidsummer #dinosaurs #magicportals #illustrator #KidLitArt Rep by @litagentsaritza.bsky.social @andreabrownlit.bsky.social 💼 www.dianacastleart.com

Three kids stand in a dirt clearing with pine trees behind them. A black girl and blond haired boy look comedically scared as they stare at the hispanic girl standing in the middle. She is standing on top of a box that says #1 and is pointing at herself proudly. Behind her, a magic portal shows a dodo bird flying through and a dinosaur snarling and looking at the dodo.

The text above reads: Diana Castillo, Author/Illustrator.
-picture books
-early readers
-chapter books

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Brian LaRossa @brianlarossa.com · 03/09/2026

Hey illustrators, How about this, to celebrate the 1st #kidlitartpostcard of the fall season (Labor Day is so late this year!) I’m going to offer a free 1 hour portfolio review + coaching session via Zoom. To enter share 1 image from your portfolio below and a winner will be chosen at random. 💙❤️

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

rachel elliott @okieelliott.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Hello Comics, Kidlit, and Librarian Friends! The folks at Macmillan are putting together a list of people to receive a digital advanced copy of the first book of ISAAC AND PEARL, my early reader graphic novel series. Would you like one?? Reply below. :D

color drawing of two cat siblings (anthropomorphized, standing on two legs, wearing clothes.) The taller / older one is pointing at a cloud that looks like a horse. The younger / shorter one is holding up a toy horse. We are seeing them from behind.

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Kingfisher & Wombat @tkingfisher.com · 21/08/2026

All the time. People seem to think I’m insulting myself when I say this, but I know SO MANY talented people who didn’t hit like I did. Yes, I AM talented! Yes, I DO work hard! But you can wallpaper a battleship with talented hard-working artists, and we don’t all get that break.

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Charlene Chua @charlenedraws.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Have you entered our Back To School #BookGiveaway yet? Win a copy of Benson Shum First Night of Howlergarten and When You Go To Dragon School by Chelsea M Campbell & Charlene Chua ! Enter on Instagram tinyurl.com/4k8cwept #kidlit #booksky #edusky

Photo showing cover of First Night of Howlergarten and When You Go To Dragon School

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Me, living in Spain and married to an Argentinian: So, we get to celebrate no matter who wins the World Cup tonight? Neat. My husband: ...😵‍💫

static.klipy.com

Brian Johnson: Shades On in Breakfast Club

ALT: Brian Johnson: Shades On in Breakfast Club

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Happy 5 year anniversary to #KidLitArtPostcard day! To celebrate, here is a drawing and throwback pic to my childhood in Cuba (it was my job to pet the dog & collect the eggs). 🎉 #kidlitart #funny #PBs #chapterbooks #kidlit #summer Rep by @litagentsaritza.bsky.social @andreabrownlit.bsky.social

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Dane will return at NYCC H-05 @monkeyminion.com · 03/05/2026

For me, it’s that there will always be a time during the process of making a thing where I absolutely despise everything about it. I need to stop, take a break from it, and come back to it and see if I feel the same way *before* I decide to scrap it. I always forget that it’s coming.

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Fellow kidlit comic artists: How messy are your first round of sketches? Do you find yourself cleaning them up before sending to editors? I'm rarely, if ever, brave enough to send my first round sketches. 😂 #comicartists #comics #graphicnovels #kidlit #kidlitart #kidscomics #sketches

Two, two-page spreads of a kids comic, showing messy sketch paneling with a dynamic action scene.

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

I'm going on sub with a really funny MG GN (about a clueless prince who'd rather interview monsters than battle them) and, as you might guess, the series is full of cool monsters! But these two are my favorites <3 #kidlitart #middlegrade #middlegradegraphicnovels #MGfantasy #MGmonsters

The image is a drawing of an old, wrinkled parchment paper. Drawn on the paper are two creatures with text descriptions.

#1: A four eyed spider with a beak and three spiky appendages on its head. One of the spider drawings show it shooting web from its beak. The text reads: Monster Parrot Spiders are giant spiders wih parrot-like traits. They have head feathers that spike when they're angered, and their babies hatch from hard shell eggs.

#2: A sketch of what looks like a fairy, with sharp grinning teeth and messy hair that hangs over its face. An arrow points form the fairy to a mushroom drawing. The text reads: Mushroom Pixies are gossipy, sneaky and quick to anger. When surprised, they turn into mushrooms to hide. Pixies HATE being compared to fairies.

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

A year ago, my nephew was born the same day my book was published ... so on Wednesday, we threw an animal themed birthday party for both of them!! 😂 happy birthday to my two favorite babies! #kidlit #animalbooks #earlyreadercomic

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

The more I draw this early reader #comic, the more I want to pitch an animated show about them! ♥️ - Monster boy scared of all things spooky? ✔️ - Cute ghost friend obsessed with cookies? ✔️ - A (not-so-scary) haunted house with a new monster friend in each ep? ✔️✔️✔️ #Frankie&Boo #kidlitart #spooky

An early reader comic cover, titled "Frankie and Boo...and the scary house!". It's drawn in a cartoony style and shows a night scene with a shadowed house in the background. The boy in the foreground looks like a young Frankenstein, and is holding a flashlight and facing the right, looking worried. Behind him, a ghost with curly hair is facing the left. He is holding his finger up to his mouth in a gesture to be 'silent'. The word bubble from his mouth floats up to say "...and the scary house" part of the title.

A mirror shows the reflection of a young Frankenstein boy, looking nervous. There is a spider with a crown standing atop the mirror. Next to the mirror illustration, is an illustration of a ghost with curly hair. The ghost is holding a jar of cookies with his back arm, and stuffing a cookie in his mouth with the other hand. The jar lid is glowing and floating above the jar.

The text for each character reads:
Frankie Stein Jr. is a shy, young monster that hates all things scary. Despite his fear, he tries be brave and confront the ghost in his house (with the help of his trusty flashlight). Frankie likes reading about plants but is too scared to get close to living monster plants.

Boo is a very friendly ghost that doesn’t consider himself scary at all. He likes organizing, cleaning and eating the occasional cookie or two. Boo moved out of Ghost Forest and into Frankie’s house because he thinks houses are cooler.

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Kaz Windness she/her @kazwindness.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Do you have a kids’ book idea about #autism? Are you an ND children’s book creative looking for help on your career path? This workshop is specifically for you. April22nd 4pm EST. + rare pitch opportunity! childrenspublishingacademy.com/neurodiverge... #kidsbooks #publishabook #autismawareness

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Hope everyone has an action-packed, dramatic, and heroic #KidLitArtPostcard day! I'm open to #MG and #CB projects, as well as #EarlyReaders and #GraphicNovels. Portfolio: dianacastleart.com Agent: saritza@andreabrownlit.com @litagentsaritza.bsky.social

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Cheryl B. Klein @cherylklein.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

This was useful & interesting last time, so I'll try again: ISO a Black comics artist for a short, 2-color, YA historical & contemporary graphic NF project. Atmosphere more moody/realistic than superhero, manga, or cute. If you have suggestions or links to a portfolio, please drop them below!

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

It's a special kind of whiplash to be working on silly kids books, then take a break to help mom set up her will for the care of your special needs, older brother who will be 100% dependant on you,living an ocean away, on the eventual passing of your mom... & then back to drawing burping dragons. 🫠

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Josh Funk @joshfunkbooks.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

A CELEBRATION OF YOU by kip alizadeh & me. Available wherever books are sold! #bookbirthday #kidlit #edusky #skybrarian Bloomsbury Books US @andreabrownlit.bsky.social

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Halloween is months away but I've been drawing this dynamic duo a lot lately! Frankie Stein is scared of all things scary...so he's not too pleased to find a ghost in his new house. Boo (the ghost) doesn't see what the big deal is. 😂 #kidlitart #FrankieAndBoo #ghost #frankenstein #NotSoScary

The image is a B&W illustration in a children's book style. A young boy version of Frankenstein, with stitched cheek blush marks and stitched arms, holds an old rotary phone like he's calling someone. His free hand is outstretched, gesturing at the ghost floating in front of him. The ghost has curls on its forehead, and a bored expression as it drinks from its tea cup. Above them hangs a vintage chandelier with cobwebs.

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

I'm rewatching #KPOPDemonHunters for like, the millionth time and it's still such a banger. In my headcanon, Rumi is a total worrywart about training, even as a kid. I'd love to see the next movie feature a kid #Huntrix training montage! Come on Netflix!! 👹⚔️ #Kidlit #kidlitart #kidlitartpostcard

Tween versions of Rumi, Mira and Zoey from KPOP Demon Hunters stand together, holding small wooden practice swords. Rumi looks stressed and is exclaiming about the time. Mira and Zoey are playfully posing for a selfie.

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Sarah McIntyre @sarahmcintyre.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Want to buy some original ink & watercolour #Adventuremice illustration artwork? ...Not a print, the actual one-off picture that appears in the book! Mark your diary if you want to get in quick to nab the best paintings or the best deals. Prices will vary widely: £7-£300!🐭🎨🖌️

Poster reads: original Adventuremice Art Drop! From the new book ‘Of Mice and Mummies’, on launch day, Thursday 26 February, from 9pm UK time in the Adventuremice.com shop

Picture shows Pedro and Fledermaus in a small dingy, aloft on a wave. Fledermaus looks surprisingly calm, despite the fact he’s flying out of the boat.

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

I loved working with Laura and can't wait to see what lucky publishing house snaps her up 🎉

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Josh Funk @joshfunkbooks.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

New bookshop alert! The Book Shop of Needham (MA) is having its grand opening today! And it’s packed with readers despite the “storm”. #indiebookshop #books #booksky #reading

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Charlene Chua @charlenedraws.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

I’m contributing to this auction. Waiting for my auction item to go up on IG before posting the direct link; link to the whole auction & more details in comment. Pls bid, or share if you can’t bid! #kidlit #booksky

Screencap of auction Publishing for Minnesota. Text details the initiative and where the auction funds may go.

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

🎁If you're still holiday shopping for a young reader, don’t forget to check out my books! Both got lovely honors this year and are available on Amazon for quick delivery!🎁 If you use my Amazon affiliate link, I get a small commission (thanks!): 📖 SCM: amzn.to/3MYzHLD #comics #holidaygiftsforkids

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Steph Lau (she/her) @stephlaubooks.com · 20/11/2025

My latest author interview, where I talk about my pet bunny, my artistic journey, and how Over and Under the Snow saved my bacon.

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Suzanne Helmigh | Art Director @suzannehelmigh.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

If you're an artist wanting to break through in TTRPG illustrations and feel like you need an Art Directors feedback on your current portfolio. Feel free to reach out, comment or DM me here. I feel like the industry is hard enough as is. I will reply slow but I'll do my best to support! 💜

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Children's Bookshelf @pwkidsbookshelf.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

New books on the way from @dianaacastle.bsky.social @studioespinosa.bsky.social @sudiptabq.bsky.social + more buff.ly/4hWZfBl

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

I've been waiting so long to announce this!! One year after I first sketched this crazy little character, I can now share her book will be out in the world in 2027! I'm super excited for readers to meet the chaotic and fiery dragon/detective FUEGO! 🔥🐉♥️ #chapterbooks #kidlit #booksky

A cartoony, black and white drawing shows a dragon with red hair breathing fire on a castle. A witch stands on the balcony of a tower, points her wand, and zaps the dragon with magic. Little fires throughout the image are accented with the color red.

A scroll in the foreground reads 'WANTED: The dragon Fuego. Dangerous! Bad! Avoid!'. Featured on the scroll is a picture of a grumpy girl with pointy ears and the same red hair as the dragon in the background. Next to the scroll, is text for a book deal announcement:

'Karen Nagel at Simon Spotlight has acquired world rights to Detective Fuego and the Case of the Booms by author-illustrator Diana Castillo, an illustrated chapter book about a dragon cursed to remain in human form and solve dragon-related cases around the kingdom to break her curse, aimed at fans of The Bad Guys. Saritza Hernández at Andrea Brown Literary Agency brokered the deal for publication in summer 2027.'

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Cloudy🐈 @hellocloudy.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

I unkilned the kiln today ✨️ shop update coming Saturday October 11th 🍂🧡

a ceramic plate painted with the image of a fox in a witch hat surrounded by pumpkins on a vine

a ceramic plate painted with the image of a cat in a witch hat surrounded by pumpkins on a vine

a ceramic trinket dish glazed with a green glaze and decorated with a figurine of a fox with mushrooms and yellow shrubs, with other dishes visible in the background

a ceramic trinket dish glazed with a brown glaze and decorated with a figurine of a ghost and pumpkins, with other dishes visible in the background

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

Big, big news! My debut early reader comic #SnapCrunchMunch can now be found at the #MiamiZoo gift shop!😍 I grew up visiting Miami Zoo so this is a dream come true! If you're in Miami and spot my book please share your pics! 📸 #kidlit #kidlitart #authorillustrator #earlyreader #booksky #bookdebut

An early reader comic book called Snap! Crunch! Munch? by Diana Castillo can be seen leaning against a sign from Miami Zoo.

Author/Illustrator Diana Castillo holds up her book Snap! Crunch! Munch? while visiting the Miami Zoo.

A giraffe at the Miami Zoo leans in curiously as a hand holds out the early reader comic Snap! Crunch! Munch? by Diana Castillo.

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

KidLitGN @kidlitgn.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Win an Inspiroy 2 S pen tablet from Huion Two winners will be selected and you can enter to win until 8 p.m. EDT on Sept. 15. See here to enter: wp.me/pcVwAl-1Gf GN creators, load your pitches on Sept 28 at kidlitgn.com #kidlit #pitchevent #graphicnovels

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

How wild has 2025 been for you so far? I started 2025 working a totally normal office/admin job and now I sit in an office in a themepark/zoo, illustrating while I listen to the lions roar next door.

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Cohen is a Ghost @skullmandible.bsky.social · 24/08/2025

The more things I've made, the less I've been interested in publicly criticizing the things that other people make, because once you make a few things you start to understand what a miracle it is that anything gets made at all

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

George @hannahtempler.com · 17/06/2025

comics take a long time to draw. no, but really. if artists were paid an hourly rate it would explode the brains of most people both out AND in/adjacent to the field

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Serena Malyon 🌞🌛 @serenamalyon.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

What is something that is common knowledge in your field, but shocks outsiders? Illustration pay has not kept up with inflation. We get paid approximately the same dollar amount as an illustrator in the early 2000s. Some of the big companies are the worst for this.

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Gina Perry @ginaperry.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

Next Thursday, June 5th, is the 3rd birthday of #KidLitArtPostcard Day! Illustrators: get that work ready (new or gold!). Art Directors, Editors, and Agents: get ready to make some new connections! #kidlit #kidlitart

Illustration of a goat and child birthday party at a playground. It looks like springtime and goats are nibbling flowers, cups, and gifts. Kids are swinging, sliding, and arriving with balloons. Art by Gina Perry

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Tonight I'm painting something moody (and dragony) while rewatching #HouseoftheDragon because... well, dragons, am i right? 🥰 #illustration #workinprogress #dragonart #kidlit #kidlitart

Closeup of a moody painting, showing a teen girl with her back to the viewer but looking over her shoulder. She's holding a dragon egg in one arm, and a blue flame appears in her other hand, lighting her and the area in a blue glow. Behind her is a tall window set against a brick building with greenery. Inside the window we see glimpses of the long, coiled body of a gold dragon (same color as the egg). The dragon seems to be looking out the window at the girl, and she has a worried expression. The mood is overall mysterious.

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

I'd love to see more #d&d vibes in #kidlit (old/castle settings, wizards, dungeons, dragons and monsters, etc). Anyone got suggestions? Doesn't have to literally include dice rolling, just the vibes (think Delicious in Dungeon, Disenchantment, Nimona, Gravity Falls etc).

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Laura Kincaid @thewizardofwaffles.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to Snap! Crunch! Munch? & @dianaacastle.bsky.social 🦁🐘🦩🦒🐰 #earlyreader #easyreader #kidlitcomics #kidlit #debutauthor #comicsforkids

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

BIG NEWS: My debut early reader comic Snap! Crunch! Munch? is officially out in the wild today—published by Holiday House! 🎉🥳 #kidlitart #kidlit #earlyreader #comic #holidayhouse #bookdebut

A picture of a giraffe looking at the camera, with a word bubble that says OMG. Below it, a hand holds out the book Snap! Crunch! Munch? Another graphic bubble says 'big news!' .

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 12/04/2025

POV: You start a new project and your brain is fighting with itself on what art style it wants to use. 😅 #kidlitart #comics #GN #graphicnovel #illustrator

Two identical Frankenstein boys fighting with themselves, one is drawn with lineart, and the other without. They are shouting "i look better!" and "nuh-uh! lineart is better!"

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

Brian LaRossa @brianlarossa.com · 07/04/2025

I don’t art direct comics or graphic novels so I never work with coloring artists but I'm working on a new illustrated chapter book where we'd be repackaging existing grayscale finished art and need to colorize it. If you’re a colorist, please share samples and a link to your folio. No DMs pls. 💙❤️

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Reposted by Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator

We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Today is #WeNeedDiverseBooksDay! If you’re celebrating, tag us so we can follow along with the festivities! Unsure of what to read? We’ve recommended titles for all ages, and you can win ALL of them in our special giveaway, only on Instagram 🎉 🎁 bit.ly/4cd5vVE

Multi-colored pastel graphic with black title text at the top that says, “Want a chance to win ALL of our recommended #WeNeedDiverseBooksDay books?” Beneath the text are twenty-six thumbnails of the titles WNDB officially recommended to celebrate We Need Diverse Books Day. The titles include: “Miles of Style,” “The Wedding Shoe Snatch,” “Piano Wants to Play,” “Laolao’s Dumplings,” “Berry Song,” “Freewater,” “The Beautiful Game,” “Nic Blake and the Remarkables,” “Boy, Everywhere,” “Eagle Drums,” “Time and Time Again,” “Warrior Girl Unearthed,” “When the Mapou Sings,” “This Ravenous Fate,” “The Black Girl Survives in This One,” “All We Were Promised,” “The Rodeo Queen,” “The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina,” “Our Missing Hearts,” “Ayiti,” “The Reading Adventure,” “Fresh Ink,” “Flying Lessons & Other Stories,” “The Hero Next Door,” “A Universe of Wishes,” and “On the Block.”

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Did you know today is #WeNeedDiverseBooksDay? Fun fact: Their 2022 mentorship program connected me with my wonderful mentor @brianlarossa.com, which led to meeting my stellar agent Sary— and now, my debut book releases this month! Couldn't be more grateful to WNDB!😍 #kidlitart #weneeddiversebooks

Image shows the book cover for Snap! Crunch! Munch? an early reader comic by Diana Castillo, published by Holiday House. Next to the book cover it says 'Editorial Reviews' and features a review from the School Library Journal, and Booklist.

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Diana Castillo | Author/Illustrator @dianaacastle.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Sometimes when my brain needs to reset I just go look at the sea. 🌊❤️

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