Children's Book Illustration
Every great story deserves unforgettable illustrations. For more than forty years, Roberta Collier-Morales has created children’s book illustrations, educational artwork, and visual storytelling experiences that spark imagination, inspire curiosity, and bring characters and stories to life for readers of all ages.
A Lifelong Passion for Children’s Book Illustration
Children’s book illustration has been at the heart of Roberta Collier-Morales’ creative journey for decades. Since the early 1980s, she has illustrated trade books, mass market publications, educational materials, religious books, magazines, posters, and auxiliary learning resources for children and young readers. Her passion for visual storytelling began long before her professional career and continues to inspire her work today.
Roberta earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education and Illustration from Colorado State University and later completed a Master’s Degree in Studio Art and Illustration from Marywood University. Throughout her career, she has combined artistic skill, educational insight, and a deep understanding of storytelling to create illustrations that engage, educate, and inspire readers of all ages.
From First Book to Full-Time Freelance Illustrator
Roberta’s professional illustration career took a significant leap forward in 1985 when she was hired to illustrate her first children’s book, Barefoot Bear Plays Ball, written by Richard L. Eyster and published by Tern Enterprises, Inc. The opportunity was a turning point that inspired her to leave her position as an art therapist and teacher at E.N.T.E.R. (Ecumenical Narcotics Treatment for Effective Rehabilitation) in Harlem, New York and pursue freelance illustration full-time.
What began as a single book project grew into a lifelong career filled with creativity, learning, and adventure. Over the years, Roberta has collaborated with publishers, educators, authors, and organizations to bring stories and educational content to life through engaging and meaningful illustrations.
Storytelling, Diversity & Authentic Representation
One of the defining principles throughout Roberta’s career has been her commitment to creating culturally diverse and authentic illustrations. From the beginning, she made a conscious effort to research her subjects carefully and portray people, communities, and experiences with honesty, respect, and accuracy.
This dedication earned her a reputation for creating thoughtful, well-researched artwork that educators, publishers, and readers could trust. Whether illustrating educational content, fictional stories, or faith-based materials, Roberta approaches each project with the belief that visual storytelling has the power to foster understanding, empathy, and connection across cultures and generations.
Supporting the Children’s Book Community
Beyond her illustration work, Roberta has remained deeply involved in the children’s publishing and writing community for many years. As a long-time member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) in both New York and Colorado, she has built lasting relationships with fellow authors, illustrators, educators, and publishing professionals.
From 2010 through 2015, she served as Illustrator Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI, helping support and encourage emerging illustrators while sharing her own professional experiences. Roberta has also participated in writers’ groups, workshops, conferences, schools, universities, and civic organizations, where she enjoys teaching, public speaking, and mentoring others who are pursuing creative careers. She remains grateful for the many writers, artists, and mentors who have influenced her own journey and continues to find joy in helping the next generation of storytellers discover theirs.
More Illustrated Children's Books
by Roberta Collier-Morales
