Painted Words Illustration Agency

08/18/2026

Wishing a very happy Book Birthday to Gifts from Crows, illustrated by Shadra Strickland Illustration, and My Sister's Quinceañera, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri Illustration!🎂🎉

08/11/2026

Six years ago, Frank Morrison created something truly incredible in partnership with Doritos. Frank painted the "Signs of the Times" mural in the heart of Brooklyn, honoring the Black Lives Matter movement and capturing the spirit of a defining moment in history.

We are so proud to represent an artist whose voice and vision extend far beyond illustration!

We’re excited to bring you our latest mural featuring the art of ac...

07/31/2026

Find art by Elisa Chavarri and Michael Slack across Crocodile Creek's amazing lineup of puzzles, toys, crafts, and lunch boxes. The perfect way to keep the little ones entertained through the last days of summer.

Shop their work at www.crocodilecreek.com

07/14/2026

Betsy Bird interviewed Frank Morrison and author Derrick Barnes on their book, Seven Million Steps, for the Fuse8 Blog. The book chronicles Dick Gregory’s 1976 two-and-a-half month run from Los Angeles to NYC to raise awareness about food insecurity and poverty in the US.

When Frank was asked to describe what appealed to him about working on the book, he said, “I’m just trying to do my part by collaborating with this amazing team, visualizing a world where everyone has their basic needs met. This is not about us, it’s about the people. During the pandemic, the world came together and mobilized in response—can you imagine if we had that kind of stance for the poor and hungry?”

See the full interview here.

Seven Million Steps was also included in the New York Times article, “How Four Picture Books See America at 250.” The article says, “Frank Morrison’s expansive illustrations emphasize Gregory’s lean physique and robust spirit, the natural beauty he encountered and the people he welcomed into his orbit. That there were no parades for him when he crossed the George Washington Bridge on July 4 did not bother him; Gregory believed that “what we’re here for” is doing all that we can to help those in need. This may not seem like a particularly American ideal, then or now, but we can amend our selves at any age.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/03/books/review/america-250-childrens-picture-books.html

07/13/2026

Congratulations Huy!

04/20/2026

Imperfectly Perfect Posey (Spinning Wheel Stories) by Lizzie Brooks, illustrated by Enni Heikura has a starred review from Kirkus.

"Posey is sweet and sympathetic, and Heikura’s soft, swirly pastel illustrations are the perfect complement."

Congratulations Enni!

The book will be released June 9, 2026

03/20/2026

The Woman Behind the Magic: How Lillian B. Disney Shaped the Disney Legacy (Beach Lane) by Brittany Richman and illustrated by Joanie Stone has been i longlisted for MPIBA’s Reading the West Award under the Picture book category! Congratulations!

The shortlists will be announced on May 1st and public voting will be open May 1-31. Final winners will be announced in June.

https://readingthewest.com/36th-annual-longlist/

03/16/2026

Fight for the Right to Read (Creston Books) by Jeff Gottesfeld and Michelle Y. Green, illustrated by Kim Holt was recently featured in ALXnow, an online news source of everything Alexandria.

https://www.alxnow.com/2026/03/11/new-childrens-book-tells-story-of-alexandrias-1939-library-sit-in/