Welcome to my blog (scroll down to see individual posts), which was originally on a separate site at Inkygirl.com. I also have a separate Inkygirl newsletter on Substack at debbieohi.substack.com.
Also see: Inkygirl interviews – Resources
How do I develop an illustration style? How do I gain confidence as an artist? Welcome to my Picture Books 101 post series, in which I talk about the basics of writing and illustrating picture books for young readers. This is part of my Creating Picture Books Resource. I began this series . . .
Earlier this year, I asked agents, artist representatives, and others how they found illustrators. Please note that this was an informal survey conducted across my social platforms, and not meant to represent all agents, art reps, and those who hire illustrators. Thanks to those who participated. Also see Part 1 . . .
Warm and Fuzzy is a fun and adorable new picture book about two friends going on an adventure and about meeting anxiety with resilience, an open mind … and extra toilet paper. 😁 Written by Scott Rothman, the book is illustrated by my friend Brian Won. I met Brian through . . .
Children’s books by author Darcy Pattison have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include an Irma Black Honor, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, two Eureka! Nonfiction Honors, two Junior Library Guild selections, two NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts, and a Notable Social Studies Trade Book. . . .
(Last updated May 2nd, 2026) Welcome to my Picture Books 101 post series, in which I talk about the basics of writing and illustrating picture books for young readers. This series is part of my Creating Picture Books resource. I began this series over on Substack, but have decided to . . .
Rob Sayegh Jr. is the author-illustrator and illustrator of numerous books for children, including the New York Times best-selling picture books I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared! by Seth Meyers and Cupig by Claire Tattersfield. Rob Sayegh Jr. creates playful illustrations, silly stories, and heartwarming characters to make people of all . . .
Happy launch day to my friend Heidi Stemple, whose debut middle grade novel launches from Wordsong today! The Poetry Of Car Mechanics is a novel-in-verse about 15-year-old Dylan, who seeks solace through birdwatching and poetry in the woods behind his grandfather’s auto shop. When he rescues an injured hawk, he . . .
I was honoured to be an Author Host at Toronto Library Foundation’s Biblio Bash at the Toronto Reference Library last week. This year’s annual black-tie event raised $1,070,1000 in support of the Toronto Public Library! Donations from Biblio Bash will be directed to youth programs and partnerships that support the social . . .
Earlier this year, I asked freelance illustrators about their paid work and how they found it. Please note that this was an informal survey conducted across my social platforms, and not meant to represent all illustrators. Thanks to all those who participated! 209 illustrators participated. I created this polls mainly . . .