Esmé Shapiro is an award-winning author and illustrator specializing in children's literature. She gained recognition for her debut work, "Ooko," which earned a Governor General’s Literary Award nomination in 2016. Her subsequent books, including "Alma and the Beast" and "Carol and the Pickle-Toad," have received critical acclaim, with "Alma and the Beast" garnering two starred reviews. Shapiro has also illustrated notable titles such as "Yak and Dove" by Kyo Maclear and "Eliza: The Story of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton" by Margaret McNamara. Her most recent work, "My Self, Your Self," was named one of the Best Children’s Books of 2023 by The Bank Street College of Education.
Born in Laurel Canyon, California, and raised between there and Ontario, Canada, Shapiro draws inspiration from her eclectic upbringing. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she received the Nancy Lee Rhodes Roberts Scholarship and the SILA West 53 Gold Award-Phillip Hayes Scholarship during her studies. Her whimsical illustrations and storytelling often reflect a blend of natural wonder and playful imagination. Shapiro’s work has been exhibited at The Society of Illustrators and featured in publications such as Taproot, Quill and Quire, and Plansponsor magazines.
Currently residing in the Catskills with her husband and two dogs, Shapiro continues to create enchanting stories and art for young readers. Her books have appeared on bestseller lists, including the National Post, where "Ooko" reached the number one spot. With a distinctive style that balances humor and heart, she remains a prominent voice in contemporary children’s literature.