Hi, I’m Nina
I’ve been working in the illustration industry for over two decades having taught more than 64,000 students worldwide. I’m passionate about sharing what I know.
I was honored with the CBCA (Children’s Book Council of Australia) Notable Book award in 2000, marking the beginning of a journey that has seen more than a dozen of my picture books published worldwide. Among them are acclaimed titles such as Boom Bah! (Phil Cummings), No More Kisses (Margaret Wild), Good Dog Hank (Jackie French), and Pooka (Carol Chattaway, YABBA Award Winner, 2013).
View my picture book publications list below or visit my books page.
To view my portfolio, click here.
Since 2016, I’ve been sharing my craft through online teaching, hosting events, and in 2023, I launched a successful membership program supporting aspiring children’s picture book illustrators. I’m passionate about inspiring creativity and sharing insights into the art of character design and visual storytelling.
Why I do what I do
My driving force stems from a deep-seated passion for picture book illustration. My goal is not only to illustrate picture books but also to empower others to do the same.
Children’s picture books hold a special place in storytelling. My mission is to share my wealth of knowledge by providing the structure, resources, and support necessary for others to reach their full potential in their storytelling abilities.
"Nina is so experienced and her teaching via videos, workbooks and her Live sessions really kept my interest and covered all aspects of the industry, not just the drawing, which I really appreciated. Her courses really are the whole package. One of the best parts was getting to know a community of like-minded and supportive illustrators and Nina's involvement and encouragement in our pursuit was heartwarming. Thank you Nina!"
Lara Porter
PBIC 2021
My Picture Book Publication’s
CLICK HERE TO VIEW NINA'S PICTURE BOOK ILLUSTRATION PORTFOLIO
- This is the Dog (Maura Finn & Nina Rycroft, Scholastic NZ, 2021). Maura Finn is an award-winning Melbourne-based Kiwi author.
- The Grasshoppers Dance (Julliette MacIver & Nina Rycroft, Scholastic NZ, 2015).
- Once a Creepy Crocodile (Peter Taylor & Nina Rycroft, Five Mile Press, 2015). Shortlisted for Speech Pathology Australia’s ‘Book of the Year Award’, 2015.
- Good Dog Hank (Jackie French & Nina Rycroft, Harper Collins, 2014).
- Possum’s Big Surprise (Colin Buchanan & Nina Rycroft, Scholastic Australia, 2014).
- Dinosaurs Eat Cheese (Jackie French & Nina Rycroft, Harper Collins, 2013).
- Pooka (Carol Chattaway & Nina Rycroft, Working Title Press, 2012). Winner of the YABBA (Young Australians Best Book Awards 2013).
- Now I Am Bigger (Sherryl Clark & Nina Rycroft, Working Title Press, 2010).
- No More Kisses (Margaret Wild & Nina Rycroft, Little Hare, 2010).
- Ballroom Bonanza (Nina Rycroft, Working Title Press, 2009, ABRAMS NY, 2010). Finalist in the CJ Picture Book Awards International Competition, 2010. Finalist in the Young Hoosier Book Awards, USA, 2010. Listed in the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge. An illustration was purchased by Dromkeen VIC, to be a part of the Dromkeen Children’s Literature Collection.
- Boom Bah! (Phil Cummings & Nina Rycroft, Working Title Press, 2008, Kane Miller’s, 2009). Winner of the BILBY World Picture Book Award, 2010. Boom Bah! adapted into an award-winning stage production, touring Australia Singapore, and Korea as part of a literacy initiative between Windmill and the advertiser, Little Big Book Club. Boom Bah! was presented to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to commemorate their visit to Australia, in May 2014.
- Elephant Dance (Sue Whiting & Nina Rycroft, Koala Books, 2007).
Macquarie's: My First Animal Alphabet (Macquarie, 2007).
Hippopot-a-Mouse (Mike Dumbleton & Nina Rycroft, Era Publications, 2007). - Tricky Little Hippo (Jane Bowring & Nina Rycroft, Koala Books, 2005).
- Little Platypus (Nette Hilton & Nina Rycroft, Koala Books, 2000). CBCA (Children’s Book Council of Australia) Notable Book, 2001. Listed in the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge.
- Sir Joshua and the Unprofessional Dragon (Sam Bowring and Nina Rycroft, Koala Books, 1999).
- Charlie’s Gold (Jackie French and Nina Rycroft, Koala Books, 1999).
My Journey
In 2023, I relocated to Adelaide, Australia, where I now reside with my son, who’s pursuing his studies at university, and Pooka my dog.
Community has always been important to me, so in my first year back in Australia, I launched the Treehouse Membership—an online community where aspiring picture book illustrators could come together, share their passion, and support each other’s creative journeys. Since then, it’s been incredibly fulfilling to witness many of my Picture Book Illustration students start their own exciting journeys as children’s picture book illustrators. A lot of them come into the membership to tell their stories, offer advice, and pass on any nuggets of wisdom from their own experiences. It’s truly inspiring to see our community grow and thrive as we celebrate creativity and support one another in achieving our dreams.
Key Milestones:
2006-2009, taught children’s picture book illustration evening classes in Sydney.
2010, took part in Literature Live, an E:lite and CAL funded program, training authors and illustrators with interactive white-board and video conferencing equipment to enhance remote school visits and workshops.
2016, relocated with my family to Auckland. Taught evening classes, weekend workshops and a series of Auckland Museum holiday programs.
2016, became a Skillshare Top Teacher.
2017, launched the Picture Book Illustration e-Course pilot.
2018, curated and hosted my inaugural online event, Project Portfolio, where I had the privilege of interviewing 14 talented individuals, showcasing their work and insights.
2019, curated and hosted a second Project Portfolio interviewing 18 talented individuals, showcasing their work and insights.
2020, curated and hosted the Art/Work Summit and CPR: Creative Productivity Rescue program.
2020, launched the Picture Book Illustration e-Course Self-Paced Program.
2021, launched a 4-week Animal Character Design Masterclass.
2023, launched the Treehouse Membership. An ongoing program designed to support aspiring picture book illustrators.
