Frann Preston-Gannon

Frann Preston-Gannon is a London-based illustrator and author celebrated for her textured, vibrant, and colorful style. She crafts her artwork using acrylics, inks, and pencils, then digitally remasters and layers these textures to create scenes that reviewers and readers praise as lively, tactile, playful, and richly experimental. Known as much for her lyrical storytelling as for her visual art, Frann’s books are filled with heartwarming messages and nature-centric stories that shine with love for the natural world. She is particularly passionate about inspiring children to notice and cherish the world around them.

Frann's journey in kids' books began at the age of 15, working in a children’s bookshop. In 2011, she became the first U.K. recipient of the Sendak Fellowship, spending time with Maurice Sendak at his home in Connecticut—an experience that deeply shaped her career. Another professional highlight for Frann was having the book she is most proud of, By the Light of the Moon, adapted and performed by a full philharmonic orchestra in 2022.

Today, Frann creates in a cozy office in London, often with a cat curled up on her lap and listening to a podcast. She also founded and runs The Paper Cat Children's Bookshop in Herne Hill.