Sharon Rentta Illustration
Sharon Rentta
Hello! I'm a Children's Book illustrator and author based in Cambridge and, although I love all types of illustration work, my main passion is picture books.
I can be contacted via email: sharon.rentta@gmail.com
Or
By Instagram
A Bit About Me
I grew up in Chester where I did an art foundation course before going on to complete a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design at the Liverpool John Moore’s University. In 2003, I moved to Cambridge to do an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. I’m now settled here in Cambridge with my husband, working from my home studio.
Since, graduating, I've worked with Alison Green Books on several picture books, including a series called Animal Explorers, inspired by real life adventurers and explorers, and also the “A Day with the Animal...” series, exploring the world of work in an educational but fun way (published and still available in several different languages). Other titles include Dogs go Shopping, Sidney the Little Blue Elephant and Sidney Goes to School.
I also enjoy fiction illustration and have had the privilege of illustrating Eva Ibbotson's last books, One Dog and his Boy, which won the Independent Bookseller Book of the Year award in 2012, and The Abominables. Most recently, I have had the honour of illustrating a very special poem called Alive with Poppies, published by Scholastic and written by Tomos Roberts, who performed it at the Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall in 2021.
Upcoming titles: I illustrated another very special book due to be published in May 2025... "This Letter Says I Love You" written by Lucy Rowlands and inspired by Mathilda Handy's true story of dealing with loss and grief.
When I’m not illustrating, I enjoy being outdoors walking, sketching, jogging and attempting to play golf, as well as reading and doing puzzles. I'm also a bit of a chocoholic... the darker the better!
Awards
2004 and 2005
2012
2013
Highly Commended - The Macmillan Prize for children's picture book illustration.
Illustrated One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbostson, which won Independent Bookseller Book of the Year.
Heinrich Wolgast Preis for A Day with the Animal Doctors.