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, and Highlights. 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. Her most recent title, "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 for 2024.
When Michelle is not sketching and painting, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and exercising.
She lives in Homewood Alabama with her husband, two children and two very fuzzy dogs.
childrensillustrators.com/michelle/portfolio
https://childrensillustrators.com/interviews/michelle_hazelwood_hyde