Alex Willmore

Alex Willmore is a bestselling British children’s author and illustrator, celebrated for his vibrant artwork, memorable characters, and playful storytelling. Since he could first hold a pencil, Alex has been drawing characters, inspired by classic cartoons and humorous picture books. and bringing each to life with a sense of mischief and fun. After studying Illustration for Children’s Publishing at the North Wales School of Art and Design, he established himself as one of the UK’s leading creators of children’s books, combining expressive illustrations with stories that entertain, inspire, and encourage a love of reading. Willmore went on to illustrate The Runaway Pea, which was selected for the BookTrust’s 2020 Time to Read Campaign. Alex has won the 2020 Shrewsbury Book Fest award and The FCBG 2020 award for his illustrations in The Runaway Pea, as well as being nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal and was a finalist in the 2020 Oscar’s Book Prize. He has also won the Scholastic Laugh Out Loud (Lollies) 2024 picture book award for his book I Did See a Mammoth. His books have been translated into multiple languages.

Willmore is widely recognised for illustrating bestselling picture books including The Runaway Pea Washed Away by Kjartan Poskitt, as well as interactive favourites such as Donut Touch!. He is also the creator of the popular Let’s Find… series, which includes Let’s Find the Puppy, Let’s Find the Dinosaur, Let’s Find the Penguin, and Let’s Find the Tiger. His books are filled with humour, lively characters, and engaging visual puzzles that encourage children to explore every page while developing observation and early literacy skills.

Throughout his career, Alex Willmore has received numerous accolades for his work. His illustrations for The Runaway Pea won the FCBG Children’s Book Award and the Shrewsbury Bookfest Award in 2020, while Donut Touch! won the Nottingham Children’s Book Award. His books have been translated into multiple languages and continue to delight young readers around the world. Alex lives in Northampton, England, with his wife, their two sons, and their chihuahua, where he continues to write and illustrate imaginative books that combine laughter, adventure, and positive messages.