Artist Statement: This piece was inspired by the culture of New York City, where different stories and pathways are constantly in bloom. In this illustration, a group of children comes together to admire nature and learn about the world around them. Though no one is the same, everyone is connected. I hope to remind people that when we band together as a community, we can create and nurture beautiful things. Rather than dividing us, our differences bring us together.
Elle Liu is a Brooklyn-based children's illustrator (and hobby gardenist). She has previously been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, SCBWI, and dPictus. Elle loves sad books, tiny animals, and the smell of citrus. In her spare time, she can be found baking something sweet or making soft toys.