Thao Lam

Thao Lam is an award-winning illustrator and author known for her vibrant collage work and visual storytelling in children’s literature. Her illustrations have appeared in publications such as "Cricket" and "Highlight" magazines, and she received the Highlights Five Pewter Plate Award in 2008 for verse illustration of the year. Her distinctive style, characterized by layered textures and bold colors, has earned her recognition, including multiple selections for the American Illustration Awards.

Born in Vietnam, Lam immigrated to Canada as a child, where picture books became a bridge to understanding her new environment and language. This early connection to visual narratives deeply influenced her artistic path. She studied illustration at Sheridan College in Toronto and balances her career as an illustrator with her role as an art buyer for an educational publishing company, collaborating with artists worldwide. Lam’s work reflects her fascination with everyday beauty and her dedication to crafting stories that resonate with young readers.
Picture Books
# Title Year
1 Skunk on a String 2016
2 Wallpaper 2018
3 My Cat Looks Like My Dad 2019
4 The Paper Boat: A Refugee Story 2020
5 Thao 2021
6 The Line in the Sand 2022
7 Happy Birthday to Me 2023
8 One Giant Leap 2024
9 Everybelly 2025