James de la Rue

James de la Rue was born in Guernsey (or on Guernsey), and much later studied illustration at the University of the West of England at Bristol (or in Bristol). Later still, having done “other stuff”, he answered the call from within and began illustrating professionally in 2007.

Since then he has illustrated nearly 40 titles published by many of the UK’s biggest publishers, plus editorial work. His work has been selected for AOI Images exhibitions, and was awarded in the Images 34 Children’s category. James has celebrated ever since by drinking at least three strong coffees per day.

Working chiefly in watercolour, ink, and the middle of the night, James works upstairs in a Nottinghamshire house shared with his wife and two beeyootiful daughters. He muses on his imminent move to a faux rustic garden studio. The stuff of dreams no less.

jamesdelarue.co.uk

Published

A Girl Called Dog (Nicola Davies) / Bansi O’Hara & The Bloodline Prophecy (John Dougherty) / Emily’s Surprising Voyage (Sue Purkiss) / Gladiator Boy (gloriously violent series by David Grimstone) / Great Expectations (Puffin Classics edition) / Spy Dog, Spy Pups and Spy Cats (three ongoing series by Andy Cope) / The Queen’s Token (Pamela Oldfield) / World War One Tales (series by Terry Deary)

Publishers

A&C Black / Barrington Stoke / Bloomsbury / HarperCollins / Hodder Children’s Books / Oxford University Press / Puffin / Random House / Walker Books