Isabelle Arsenault

Canadian illustrator and author Isabelle Arsenault has earned international acclaim for her delicate, conceptual, sensitive, poetic, and whimsical artwork. She’s a three-time recipient of Canada’s Governor General’s Literary Award and three of her titles, including the graphic novel Jane, the fox and me by Fanny Britt, have received a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award.

With soft lines, selective use of color, and a blend of pencil, watercolor, gouache, and collage techniques, Isabelle conveys a range of emotions in her images. She names Jane, the fox and me, Virginia Wolf by Kyo Maclear, and Cloth Lullaby by Amy Novesky as particularly inspiring projects, and she is always drawn to a story that surprises her. She would like to eventually try her hand at creating a board book—or a series of board books—for young children.

In her Montreal studio, Isabelle works at a drawing table with natural light streaming through large windows, alongside a view on the Lachine Canal. When she’s not making books, you might find her playing Scrabble in front of the fireplace, spending time with her family, reading, baking bread and cakes, swimming, or traveling.