Kris Warden

Illustrator for Louie the Lobster in 'What is a Friend?'

She is an honors graduate in Graphic Design from George Brown College in Toronto. When Sarah approached her for this project she saw it as a wonderful opportunity (not to mention a challenge) to help carve out Louie and the other characters. "My goal was to be able to take their idea behind 'Louie' and give the characters and their habitat a unique childlike appeal." The combination of watercolor crayon and hand-drawing provides the artwork with a vibrant look while giving the imagery a playful, childlike air.

"The key to the wonderful artwork in 'What is a Friend' book is Kris' decision to hand-draw the story's imagery using watercolor crayons." - Sarah Gallant McCurdy

Kris recently moved to the East Coast of Canada, to Fredericton, New Brunswick to be closer to her sister and wonderful nieces and nephews. We are looking forward to having Kris pick up her watercolors for Louie's next adventure.

Erin Schouten

Illustrator for the upcoming Izzie and Ollie Adventure

Erin is the artist behind the wonderful illustrations in the upcoming Izzie and Ollie series of children’s story books. She is a graduate of Carleton University’s Psychology Program and has also completed the Creative Arts program at Algonquin College. At work, Erin combines her passion for art and psychology as an art facilitator at the H’Art of Ottawa, a visual arts studio for adults with developmental disabilities.

"When approached by Arron to illustrate the Izzie and Ollie series, I was thrilled by the opportunity to work on a children’s book while carrying my first child." - Erin Schouten

We look forward to partnering with Erin for the other installments in the Izzie and Ollie series.

Erin lives in Ottawa with her husband, two dogs, and their new baby boy.