Picture Hooks provides opportunity and development for emerging picture book illustrators
We help illustrators access the world of children’s publishing.
Although based in Edinburgh, Picture Hooks support is available for all emerging illustrators.
FREE Event: The Importance of Picture Books in the National Year of Reading
We’re delighted to announce another FREE Picture Hooks event which will be held at the Macrobert Art Centre in Stirling, as part of our Emerging Illustrators 2026 tour. Award-winning illustrator of Coorie Doon Jill Calder, acclaimed children’s author Vivian French, and Picture Hooks 2025 mentee and illustrator Esther Kent will delve into how picture books […]
‘When you write children’s books, who is your customer?’ An article by author Abie Longstaff
Renowned children’s author Abie Longstaff has written 60 (!) books, so it’s safe to say she knows her stuff. That’s why, when we spotted her article on Substack, we knew we had to share it with you all. Read on for some golden advice from Abie. This article was first published on Substack. All credit belongs to Abie Longstaff. […]
PH DISCUSSES | BRAND NEW INTERVIEW WITH CARNEGIES AWARD EXECUTIVE JAKE HOPE
Out now! Our latest interview with author, Carnegies Award Executive, children’s book and reading development consultant, and one of the UK’s top librarians, Jake Hope. Join Picture Hooks Co-Chair Vivian French as she talks all things picture books and the importance of libraries, plus get an inside look at the judging process for The Carnegies, […]
Picture Hooks at Edinburgh Central Library – Exhibition & Panel Talk
We ran a free exhibition at the beautiful Edinburgh Central Library, all about the importance of picture books, featuring brilliantly talented, award winning artists: Catherine Rayner, Chris Haughton, Debi Gliori, Ken Wilson-Max, Lydia Monks, Nick Sharratt, Sara Ogilvie, and Vivian French. Picture Hooks: Hooked from the Start explored how books read in childhood influence and inspire us […]
Latest from our blog
FREE Event: The Importance of Picture Books in the National Year of Reading
We’re delighted to announce another FREE Picture Hooks event which will be held at the Macrobert Art Centre in Stirling, as part of our Emerging Illustrators 2026 tour. Award-winning illustrator of Coorie Doon Jill Calder, acclaimed children’s author Vivian French, and Picture Hooks 2025 mentee and illustrator Esther Kent will delve into how picture books […]
‘When you write children’s books, who is your customer?’ An article by author Abie Longstaff
Renowned children’s author Abie Longstaff has written 60 (!) books, so it’s safe to say she knows her stuff. That’s why, when we spotted her article on Substack, we knew we had to share it with you all. Read on for some golden advice from Abie. This article was first published on Substack. All credit belongs to Abie Longstaff. […]
PH DISCUSSES | BRAND NEW INTERVIEW WITH CARNEGIES AWARD EXECUTIVE JAKE HOPE
Out now! Our latest interview with author, Carnegies Award Executive, children’s book and reading development consultant, and one of the UK’s top librarians, Jake Hope. Join Picture Hooks Co-Chair Vivian French as she talks all things picture books and the importance of libraries, plus get an inside look at the judging process for The Carnegies, […]
Picture Hooks at Edinburgh Central Library – Exhibition & Panel Talk
We ran a free exhibition at the beautiful Edinburgh Central Library, all about the importance of picture books, featuring brilliantly talented, award winning artists: Catherine Rayner, Chris Haughton, Debi Gliori, Ken Wilson-Max, Lydia Monks, Nick Sharratt, Sara Ogilvie, and Vivian French. Picture Hooks: Hooked from the Start explored how books read in childhood influence and inspire us […]
Picture Hooks’ Guide to Bologna: Advice for First Timers
The dates have been announced, flights are being booked, and tickets are on sale – the world’s biggest Children’s Book Fair awaits! If this next Bologna Book Fair is your first ever and you don’t know what to expect, or you’re feeling frazzled at just the thought of it, fear not! We at Picture Hooks […]
‘Help, I’m Stuck!’ A Picture Hooks Competition
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOW CLOSED FOR ENTRIES We all need a helping hand sometimes, don’t we? As with our other competitions, we’d like to see two illustrations in a swipe through format. our competitions are all about encouraging you to think about storytelling, the page turn, showing character, and expressing feelings. We’ll be looking […]