Meet the illustrator Sara Acton

 

Take a look at Sara Acton's portfolio

Sara Acton is an award-winning author and illustrator. Sara grew up in the Cotswolds in England and always loved drawing, especially people and other strange creatures. She studied BA Hons Fine Art and trained as an Art Teacher in London. After teaching and practicing art in England and New Zealand Sara moved with her family to Australia. Her first picture book Ben and Duck won the 2012 Children's Book Council of Australia Crichton Award for new illustrators. 

Sara Acton has generously donated an original art piece for our IBBY Australia Mini Masterpiece art auction and I have my eye set on buying this sweet image but the bidding is hot!

This image comes from Runt (CBCA Younger Readers winner 2023)

Here are some other books illustrated by Sara:

Each lovely illustration shows Jack and the blue jumper, its warmth and comfort obvious to all readers. They will understand Jack’s feeling for the garment, probably recalling something they held as dear. Acton has the ability in a few deft strokes of her pen to create a moment in time, one which is important to the protagonists and one which we all recognise. And I love the endpapers, detailing postcard moments in their life together. Read Plus

Here is my blog post about Jack's Jumper

A Boat of Stars

Tales of Mr Walker

Against white pages, we see Acton’s fantastic watercolour-style illustrations come to life, putting children and their journeys of discovering new foods front and centre. Kids will enjoy spotting foods they may know, such as birthday cake and various fruits, but might also find foods they haven’t yet come across, such as avocado and bacon. I also definitely spotted some fairy bread… 

but I won’t tell the kiddos. Better Reading

I’ll Always Be Older Than You is a kind, warm, delightful poem from an older sister to her younger brother about how their relationship will grow and develop as they mature. From the masterful Jane Godwin and with soft, pastel illustrations from Sara Acton, this book will reflect the sibling relationships in many families.  Reading Time

I borrowed a few books illustrated by Sara Acton from the library I visit each week but I have now added her name to my charity book fair shopping list. Her illustrations are so lively and joyous and Sara really knows how to use white space. I am keen to add a few of her books to my own shelves and every young cat lover needs a copy of Poppy Cat. Here are the Scholastic Teachers Notes. Sara Action also has a magical touch with emotion on the faces of her human and animal characters. Her style reminds me of Charlotte Voake and Suzy Lee.