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Have you ever wondered how the illustrations in children’s books come to life? Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with children’s book illustrator Sara Andrews about her creative journey, her artistic process, and the joy of helping stories leap off the page.
I first met Sara at our church’s Bible study for moms several years ago. I knew she was an artist, and I’d seen her work on social media. A few years ago, she made a painting for me of my parent’s house (the house I grew up in) to give them as an anniversary gift.
From illustrating whimsical characters to creating a beloved mural in Tullahoma, Tennessee, Sara’s work helps children step into imaginative worlds. Her path to becoming an illustrator is just as inspiring as the stories she helps tell.
A Chance Facebook Conversation Started It All
Unlike many illustrators who follow a traditional publishing path, Sara’s introduction to children’s books came through an unexpected Facebook message.
“I was doing illustrations online. Not children’s books, just general illustrations,” Sara explained. “A guy named Rick Vella found me on Facebook and sent me a message saying he liked my style and was looking for a children’s book illustrator.”
That message led to a meeting at a coffee shop, where Sara and Rick discussed his book idea. Although she admits she was nervous about meeting someone she didn’t know, the conversation quickly felt right.
“We both discovered we shared the same faith, and everything just lined up. It felt like I was supposed to be there.”
Since that meeting, Sara has illustrated three books written by Vella.
(From page to public art! Sara Andrews poses with The Notorious Rockeater of Rutledge Falls and the Rockeater mural she painted in Tullahoma, Tennessee – with author C. Rick Vella.)
Influences From Childhood and Beyond
When asked which artists have influenced her work, Sara immediately named several beloved children’s book illustrators.
Among her favorites are:
- Felicia Bond, illustrator of the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series
- Maurice Sendak, creator of Where the Wild Things Are
- Mercer Mayer, beloved author and illustrator of the Little Critter books
“I love detailed work, but I also love the use of negative space,” Sara said.
Like many readers, Sara grew up with these books, and their influence continues to shape her artistic style today.
From Pet Portraits to Picture Books
Before illustrating children’s books, Sara explored many different forms of art.
She studied art in college, enjoying collage and painting before eventually moving into digital design. Later, she launched a creative business that included watercolor pet portraits, house portraits, stationery, greeting cards, and stickers.
(House portrait Sara painted for my parents)
“I loved digital work because I could put my designs on all kinds of products,” she said. “But eventually I wanted to get back to creating with my hands again.”
That desire led her back to watercolor painting and custom artwork, all while continuing to grow her stationery business, now known as Lung Flower Studio.
How Long Does It Take to Illustrate a Book?
The answer depends on the project.
Sara’s most ambitious book, The Notorious Rockeater of Rutledge Falls, took approximately four years to complete. But that timeline included breaks due to life circumstances and work on other projects.
By comparison, The Silly Situation That Made Samuel Smile took only about four months.
“Not all books have the same level of detail or the same number of pages,” Sara explained.
Her third book, Christmas Rose, fell somewhere in between and was completed in under a year.
Building Characters Through Collaboration
One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was learning how Sara and author Rick Vella work together to develop characters and scenes.
Typically, Rick shares a manuscript, and together they determine how the story will be divided across pages. Then they brainstorm illustration ideas for each scene.
“It’s a lot of back and forth,” Sara said.
For The Notorious Rockeater of Rutledge Falls, several versions of the main character were created before they settled on the final design.
“We looked back at the original drawings last year and laughed. The final version feels so obviously right now.”
Sara carefully studies every physical description in the manuscript, making notes to ensure the illustrations match the story.
“There’s nothing worse than when you’re reading something and then the picture doesn’t match what was just described.”
(One of Sara Andrews’ beautifully detailed illustrations from The Notorious Rockeater of Rutledge Falls. Her watercolor artwork brings the Tennessee landscape—and its lovable one-eyed Rockeater—to life.)
The Joy of Illustrating for Children
Of all the things Sara loves about illustrating, one stands above the rest: seeing children engage with the finished books.
“Watching a child read the book with a parent and seeing their eyes light up – that’s one of my favorite things.”
She loves seeing children become immersed in the worlds she’s helped create.
“You see that they’ve gone into this other world, and you know that you made that world.”
Her own children were fascinated by the experience as well. Sara said it was a kid seeing a parent on television – her children knew she had created the book, but it still felt strange and exciting to see it in print, knowing their own mom was behind it.
Finding Inspiration in Nature
Like many creatives, Sara occasionally encounters creative blocks. When that happens, she heads outdoors.
“I’m a big gardener,” she said. “Being outside, touching plants, being in the sun – anything that brings me joy from nature helps me reset.”
Often, those moments away from her work spark new ideas that help her return to projects with fresh energy and perspective.
Advice for Aspiring Illustrators
Sara’s advice for anyone hoping to become an illustrator is simple but powerful:
“Create the art that feels right for you. Do what you’re passionate about. Keep going. Put yourself out there.”
She also emphasized the importance of building a portfolio and sharing your work.
“My path wasn’t what I expected. I was simply creating work I loved, and someone found me.”
A Memorable Visit to Rutledge Falls
One of Sara’s favorite stories from illustrating came while working on The Notorious Rockeater of Rutledge Falls.
Although the book is set at Rutledge Falls, Sara had never actually visited the location when she began sketching scenes for the story. After looking at images online of the Falls and sharing her first illustration concepts, Rick pointed out that her version didn’t resemble the real falls.
His solution?
A field trip.
Sara, Rick, and their families visited Rutledge Falls together, allowing her to photograph and experience the setting firsthand.
“I took lots of pictures and finally understood what it really looked like.”
That visit helped bring authenticity to the book’s illustrations and gave Sara a deeper connection to the story.
💡 Parent tip: Sara also shared this was a very doable hike with kids (she did the hike while babywearing her son) and that the falls are a quick payoff. So, kids aren’t waiting mile after mile to see the falls – in case you want to plan a family visit.
Why Illustrations Matter
Sara believes illustrations do far more than take up space on a page.
“They help children focus and engage with the story while they’re listening.”
She also enjoys adding small surprises throughout her artwork.
“I like putting little unexpected things on the pages.”
These details encourage children to spend more time exploring each illustration and often reward repeat readings.
What’s Next?
Sara is currently working on another book project with Rick Vella. While details are still under wraps, she hinted that readers may soon see a sequel connected to The Notorious Rockeater of Rutledge Falls, inspired by a comment made by the Tullahoma Arts Counsel.
Needless to say, that’s exciting news for fans of the series.
She also shared that she and Rick are also working on a book about a child who is afraid of hair cuts. So stay tuned for that!
How Readers Can Support Sara’s Work
One of the easiest ways to support Sara’s books is to request that your local library stock them (I just submitted a request to my local library last week!) or purchase them for your home library.
Her published titles include:
Readers can also follow her work through Lung Flower Studio on Instagram and Facebook where she shares her artwork, stationery designs, cards, stickers, and other creative projects.
You can also own some of Sara’s artwork for yourself at her Etsy Shop.
Final Thoughts
After speaking with Sara, one thing became clear: her illustrations are created with both talent and heart.
Whether she’s painting a beloved children’s book character, designing stationery, or creating a mural for families to enjoy, her goal remains the same – to bring joy, wonder, and imagination to others.
And judging by the smiles on the faces of children reading her books, she’s accomplishing exactly that.
💡 Come hang out with me for daily bookish chats on Facebook or Instagram!
If you enjoyed this post, here are a few others you may be interested in:
- The Children’s Authors Kids Never Outgrow (And Why Their Books Still Work)
- Childhood Books Worth Passing Down to Your Kids
- Free Summer Reading Programs for Kids With Rewards (2026)
- Interview with Author & Book Editor – Annie Barkley
- Meet the Lindsay Brothers: Self-Published Sibling Authors of Action Adventures (Part 1) and Part 2
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