ABOUT
Michelle, a graduate of Ringling College of Art & Design, began her illustration career working for The New York Times Company in Florence, Alabama. After working in the newspaper industry for over a decade, she took a big leap to pursue her dream of becoming
a children's book illustrator.
Michelle has illustrated over 20 children's books and numerous editorial illustrations. She has collaborated with the National Center for Youth Issues, It's A Southern Thing, Adventure Keen, Schiffer Kids, Alabama Department of Archives and History, Cricket Magazine and Highlights Magazine. In 2021, her book A Poem is a Firefly won the Purple Dragonfly Picture Book Award for children aged 6 and over, as well as the North Light Book Award in the poetry category.
Wander Over Yonder received Third Place, and Y is for Y'all won First Place in the 2023
Bookfest Awards for children's fiction picture books. In 2024, Up Where the Stars Are, was selected as one of the notable titles on the Core Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction List. Splish, Splash! First to Last won the Gold Medal Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for Learning Order and the Northern Lights Book Award in the concept category.
When Michelle is not sketching and illustrating, she enjoys spending time with her
family, friends, reading and exercising.
She lives in Birmingham Alabama with her husband, two children and four dogs.
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childrensillustrators.com/michelle/portfolio
https://childrensillustrators.com/interviews/michelle_hazelwood_hyde