Shelby Rock

Snail illustration, kidlit illustration, picture book art, children’s book illustration

A theme very near and dear to my heart "SNAIL MAIL TRAIL"

From @kidlitart_drawing_challenge March Prompt List on IG!

My submission for the #FairyaryMood2026 prompt “Follow the Wind” on IG (ended up going with a spring theme ) 🤭 My composition is very wide because I was attempting to do a full storybook spread for the layout.

Anyways, I’m so happy to have fun fairy challenges this month.

It’s #kidlitpostcardday once again! I’m Shelby! A kidlit illustrator from Texas! I’m interested in picture books and middle grade projects 😎

You can view my portfolio or contact me at www.shelbyrock.com

Another middle grade book cover mockup!

I do always say antique shopping feels like treasure hunting!

Now I feel I MUST draw this dragon on their pile of antique store trinkets!

I’m available for middle grade book cover projects and kidlit illustrations ✨

WIP I’ve been working on this week.

Every year or so I seem to work on an illustration where I subconsciously try to draw as many trinkets and items as I can possibly fit in my composition.

It’s like a puzzle I make as I go 🤭 I figured an antique shop vibe is fitting for such a challenge.

We don’t usually get snow but it definitely feels like winter here in Texas the last couple days. Though, it’s a bit of unfortunate that the horses here don’t have snowman shaped snack opportunities..

Also they aren’t pink 🤔

#kidlitart #kidlitillustration #picturebookartist

Hello, Bluesky World!

I’m a former photographer turned full-time illustrator and independent creator, focused on story-driven art for children!

I’m seeking representation ✨ Feel free to explore my work and connect!

#kidlitart #kidlitartist

A series of holiday-themed narrative illustrations from my portfolio, featuring five original forest characters working together to decorate a pine tree for Christmas

WIPs and trying to incorporate more critters! ✨ These are part of a 5 spread series of narrative illustrations I’m creating for my portfolio. Christmas themed, of course, as I was inspired by winter and the holiday season 🎄 #kidlitartist #picturebookillustration #kidlitart #storybookart

Shelby Rock

Happy New Year! 💛 I'm Shelby!

Going into 2026 I'm putting energy into the kinds of stories I hope to help bring into the world.

I'm an illustrator and autistic creator making character led stories for children and middle grade readers.

I'm also seeking representation and booking new projects.

New Year ✨ New Intros

Happy Holidays everyone ✨🎄

I am officially going fully freelance after my corporate job laid off their entire creative team late this year.

Im excited!
This new year I’m on the hunt for illustration representation and picture book projects!

To break into the picture book industry and find work with a reputable publisher ✨

Oh my goodness that sounds daunting!

Children’s book illustration, fantasy illustration, picture books art, dragon art, kidlit art

Children’s book illustration, fantasy illustration, picture books art, dragon art, kidlit art

Children’s book illustration, fantasy illustration, picture books art, dragon art, kidlit art

9 Days Til Christmas! 🎄 I’ve been spending a lot of time working on portfolio pieces so here’s a festive repost.

REMINDER: Im currently booking for 2026 Kid Lit + Middle Grade Projects ✨ Checkout the link in my bio

Have yall seen Dylan the Dino Boy Saves Christmas? That concept is so funny! And the illustrations 🤯

One of my ✨DREAM PROJECTS✨ is to work on a Christmas picture book! 🎄

Hi hello #kidlitpostcardday I’m Shelby Rock, a children’s book illustrator and autistic creator from Texas ✨

I love stories that honor difference, celebrate courage and cultivate a connection and curiosity about nature!

You can find my portfolio and contact info linked in my bio 💖

‘Twas the week after Halloween, when all thro’ the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a….

Summer camp is not so "fun in the sun" when your new bestie is a vampire!

This is mockup cover for a middle grade story about two girls who meet at summer camp... and one of them just happens to be a creature of the night.

#fantastyartforkids #mgfantasy #storybookart #storybookillustrator

Hi #PortfolioDay! 🤩 I’m Shelby Rock, a kidlit and middle grade book illustrator who loves bringing fantastical worlds and neurodivergent stories to life.

⭐️Open for 2026 projects! ⭐️

www.shelbyrock.com
hello@shelbyrock.com

Young boy dressed as a vampire holding a bucket filled with candy and showing off his costume. Black and grey. Storybook aesthetic.

5 Days til Halloween 🎃
New children’s book characters inspired by Trick or Treaters!

Childrens book art, kidlit, girls holding hands walking through the forest, picture book illustration, middle grade books

Childrens book illustration , kidlit, girls holding hands walking through the forest, picture book illustration, middle grade books

✨Kindred Spirits ✨ Anne Shirley and Diana Barry #kidlitillustration #middlegradebooks

KidLit illustration, childrens book art,

I’m currently working on a new Anne (and Diana 🎀) piece so I wanted to share the first illustration I created of Miss Anne Shirley Cuthbert! #kidlit #picturebookillustration

My comfort character 🦋 She is the embodiment of my inner child and my #1 autistic headcanon (Shes not explicitly identified as being on the spectrum but I can’t help but notice the parallels.)

Her optimism and imagination are so infectious! More Anne to come

Girl with blue tshirt and ponytail is holding a giant pencil. The words “created with human intelligence” surround in a circle around her

we all know AI 💩 is awful, & art created by living, emotional, wonderful & HUMAN artists is what we need more of in this world!

BlueSky is so wonderful - there are so many AMAZING artists here sharing beautiful artwork daily and it is such a breath of fresh air!!

i love all you creative people!!

#kidlit #freelanceartist #illustratorsforhire #middlegradebookcover #middlegradeillustration

Childrens book illustration

Childrens book and middle grade illustration

Hi everyone! ✨
I'm currently seeking new illustration projects in the kidlit and middle grade world.

🫶🏻 If my style aligns with your project check out the link in my bio for inquiries.
Let's work together and inspire some young minds!

Has me googling “do lemurs meditate?” 😂