Bowerbird Publishing is proud to work alongside a talented and diverse community of illustrators whose creativity brings stories to life in vivid and memorable ways. From enchanting children's books and detailed educational illustrations to expressive artwork and captivating cover designs, each illustrator contributes a unique artistic style and perspective. Their passion and attention to detail transform words into visual experiences that inspire readers of all ages.
- Listed in alphabetical order -
Crystal Leonardi is a graphic designer and digital illustrator based in Far North Queensland. As the founder of Bowerbird Publishing, she has combined her lifelong passion for visual arts with modern digital technologies to create engaging children's book illustrations, striking book covers and professionally designed publications.
Working closely with authors throughout Australia, Crystal has illustrated children's books, designed award-winning covers and developed distinctive visual identities that reflect each author's unique vision. Her collaborative approach ensures every project is both creative and purposeful, resulting in books that are as visually compelling as they are meaningful.
Whether illustrating heartfelt picture books or designing eye-catching covers, Crystal is passionate about bringing stories to life through artwork that inspires, connects and leaves a lasting impression.
Crystal Leonardi
leonardi.crystal@gmail.com
Gemma Biviano is a young, emerging illustrator, graphic designer and muralist who grew up in Sydney before relocating to Cairns in 2025, where the unique landscapes and wildlife of Far North Queensland continue to inspire her creative work.
She has collaborated with writer and early educator, Alison Fitzsimmons, on multiple publications including the children’s picture book series, The Girl Who…, creating colourful and expressive illustrations that bring each story to life.
Based in Far North Queensland, Heather Stewart is a passionate emerging illustrator and proud mother to her daughter, Paige, who continues to be her greatest inspiration. Having created art throughout her life, illustrating Astrid of Skaldvik marks her first professional opportunity in the world of children’s literature.
With a love for storytelling, creativity, and childhood wonder, she hopes her artwork helps inspire young imaginations, encourages a love of reading, and contributes positively to children’s education. Her hand-drawn illustrations are lovingly created with a deep appreciation for the magic found within stories.
Heather Stewart
Jaye Harris is a Far North Queensland artist and illustrator whose vibrant, expressive artwork celebrates creativity, imagination and personal transformation. With more than 18 years of professional experience, Jaye has developed a distinctive yet versatile artistic style through years of self-discovery and formal study, including graduating from the Milan Art Institute's Mastery Program in 2023 and becoming a member of its Society of Professional Artists in 2025.
Jaye has collaborated with a number of Australian authors, illustrating the Koko and the Magical Flute children's book series by Renee Cashman, creating award-winning novel covers for Chantal Munro, and designing covers for emerging authors. In 2026, she began illustrating her own children's book, A Boy in His Creative Adventures.
Working from her own studio gallery in Far North Queensland, Jaye also teaches acrylic and oil painting, encouraging others to embrace their creativity with confidence. Her passion for collaborating with fellow creatives and bringing stories to life through art makes her a valued member of the Bowerbird Publishing illustrator community.
Kai Hagberg is a visual artist and jeweller based in Atherton, Queensland. His multidisciplinary practice spans drawing, painting, sculpture and goldsmithing. He is an award-winning jewellery designer, and his painting works have been selected as finalists for major Australian art prizes.
‘Manny Long Ears’ is his 3rd published book illustration, and he is looking forward to many more.
Kai Hagberg
Rachel King Smith is the debut author of Little One, a heartfelt children’s book born from an idea and a series of poems. Through gentle verse, she shares a powerful message: that even those who feel small or unsure can have the greatest impact simply by being themselves.
Rachel grew up on a farm, surrounded by open skies and wide horizons - a beginning that shaped her deep love of land, animals, and quiet reflection. In adulthood, life eventually led her to Cairns, where she has now lived for almost seventeen years.
By day, she works in the legal field, but her true joy lies in creativity, painting, and country life.
Rachel lives with her husband, Brendan, and son, Asher, on an acre of land where they are beginning to create their own small property - a return to the rural life Rachel cherishes. Their home is shared with two dogs, King and Kia, and three beloved cats, including ragdoll siblings Summer and Winter, and Bunny, a rescued tabby.
Rachel King Smith
Vivian Saad has a degree in Graphic Design from the Belas Artes University of São Paulo, Brazil. With more than ten years of experience, she has illustrated and formatted several children's books, including religious colouring books, fashion illustrations, and young adult books.
Her work has been published as well in publisher houses and by self-published authors from the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Her illustrations have been published in catalogues such as "The best illustrations in Latin America 2014 and 2016", of Palermo University, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and participated in the XXI International Exhibition of Illustration for Press in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Vivian has also won the runner-up in the Anijam Contest, at the 12º animation showcase created by the Toronto Animated Image Society, Canada. Gold Medal in the Royal Palm Literary Awards 2022, Florida Writers Association (FWA) with the book Where Do Balloons Land?, by Jill Clark (author).
