Renée Kurilla is a children’s author and illustrator who loves drawing nature, animals, and working on projects that require a little bit of research. She creates art and stories that inspire kids (and grown-up kids) to spread kindness and appreciate the wonder of the world around them.
Renée has illustrated many books for kids including the #1 New York Times bestselling JUST BECAUSE by Matthew McConaughey, MERMAIDS’ SONG TO THE SEA by Dianna Hutts Aston, CHICKS RULE! by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, the ADA LACE series by Emily Calandrelli, and FARM BOOTS by Lisl H. Detlefsen.
She has written a few books as well such as IT’S FALL!, IT’S WINTER!, ONE SPRINGY SINGY DAY, ONE UPSIDE DOWNY DAY, and THE FLOWER GARDEN (a 2026 Illinois Monarch Award Finalist).
Renée has a BFA in Illustration and a minor in Graphic Design from Lesley University College of Art and Design. Before transitioning to a full-time career in children’s books, she was a Lead Artist at FableVision Studios for 10 years, creating meaningful stories and characters for educational media.
She lives just south of Boston with her husband, daughter, a million stuffed animals, and a corgi pup named Yoshi.