Asa Katarina Gilland

Åsa Katarina Gilland is a Swedish children’s book illustrator celebrated for her warm, colourful, and folk-art-inspired artwork that brings heart and personality to stories for young readers. She began her creative journey in design and over the years has built a rich portfolio of picture books, greeting cards, stationery, textiles, and home-decor designs, all featuring her distinctive retro-inspired visual style and vibrant use of pattern and colour.

Gilland has illustrated a variety of titles, from A Grandma’s Magic to the popular Welcome To series about U.S. states, and her work often reflects a deep appreciation for family, imagination, and emotional nuance. The Perfect Shelter, published in 2020, is a children’s picture book written by Clare Helen Welsh. Gilland’s illustrations play a crucial role in conveying the gentle yet powerful story of two sisters coping with illness and change, using the metaphor of weather and building to explore complex feelings like fear, sadness, and hope. She also depicts soft tones and expressive scenes to help young readers navigate complex feelings with sensitivity and empathy. This complements with the author’s skill of using personal experience to help young readers understand and articulate the difficult emotions tied to serious illness in a loved one.

Gilland has lived and worked in several countries and continues to create art that resonates with children and adults alike.