Hi, I’m Nina
I’ve been working in the illustration industry for over two decades, having taught more than 65,000 students worldwide. I’m passionate about sharing what I know.
About Me
I had the honour of receiving 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 my published works are acclaimed titles such as Boom Bah! (Phil Cummings), No More Kisses (Margaret Wild), Good Dog Hank and Dinosaurs Love Cheese (Jackie French), and Pooka (Carol Chattaway, YABBA Award Winner, 2013).
In 2014, my collaboration with the then-Australian Laureate Jackie French resulted in Dinosaurs Love Cheese, a book showcased at the Festival of Australian Children’s Literature. Together with Jackie French and Dr. Belle Alderman from the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature, we celebrated its opening and I donated all original drafts, in-process drawings, and final illustrations to the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature. Click to view Dr Belle Alderman talk about the making of Dinosaurs Love Cheese.
Another career highlight was seeing my illustrations in Boom Bah! come to life in the award-winning stage production that toured Australia, Singapore, Korea, and New Zealand. Seeing the costumes, music and the fun children were having was an unforgettable experience. Click here to see a short clip of the stage production.
View my picture book publications list below or visit my books page.
To view my portfolio, click here.
Sharing My Craft
Since 2016, I’ve been sharing my craft through teaching my 8-week Picture Book Illustration Course, the Animal Character Masterclass, my Watercolour Illustration course, offering one-on-one mentoring, and hosting creative events. I love helping aspiring and emerging illustrators build skills, confidence, and a body of work they’re proud of.
Along the way, I’ve seen students go from, “I used to love art in school, but I haven’t drawn in years,” to, “I’ve just had my first book published!” Hearing these stories is an absolute dream come true and keeps me passionate about inspiring creativity and sharing my skills and insights to help others reach their picture book illustration goals faster.
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. They often serve as the gateway to a lifelong love of reading, introducing young readers to imaginary worlds, diverse characters, and the magic of art. These books have the power to bring clarity to life’s complexities and ignite imaginations.
My mission is to share my skills and knowledge, providing aspiring illustrators with the necessary structure, resources, support, and community to realise their full potential. Together, we can continue to enrich the world of children’s literature and inspire the next generation of storytellers.
A little personal note
In 2023, I began a new chapter and returned home to Australia. I’m now building a new life (and studio!) with my new partner in Canberra ACT, settling into a rhythm that includes long walks, road trips, and sketchbook time. This transition has been big and tender and is very much still a work in progress, but it’s also been full of fresh inspiration.
As always, I’m open to new adventures and opportunities. If you have something in mind—collaborations, speaking engagements, podcasts, or online events and interviews—please feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you and see what we might create together.
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 an online event, Project Portfolio, interviewing 14 illustrators, showcasing their work and insights.
2019, curated and hosted a second Project Portfolio, interviewing 18 illustrators, showcasing their work and insights.
2020, curated and hosted the ArtWork Summit and CPR: Creative Productivity Rescue online events.
2020, launched the Picture Book Illustration e-Course Self-Paced Program.
2021, launched the Animal Character Design Masterclass.
2024, launched a 4-week Watercolour Illustration Course.
2023-March 2026, launched the Treehouse Membership. A program designed to support aspiring picture book illustrators.
"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 Publications
Click here to look at my 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).
