Alexandra Ball

I'm a UK based children's book illustrator with a passion for wildlife and nature and who enjoys the whimsical things in life.

Born to an aerobics teacher and a countryside ranger it was probably no surprise that I spent my early years with my brother running and jumping in the countryside. These early memories are definitely great inspirations to my illustrations nowadays, and when I create my work I always try to imagine what sort of world I would have liked as a child.

I always had a love for drawing and creating in general and could often be found tapping away at my grandfather's old typewriter and making up stories about lost squirrels or injured kittens... and of course most of the page would be filled with a pretty picture.

Little has changed since those days. I've now got an illustration degree under my belt, an illustration agent that represents me, and perhaps a tad more maturity, but I still spend my days drawing pictures.

I live in a small market town in Hampshire, and work from home with my little springer spaniel, Bee, who can be very helpful indeed. I get a lot of inspiration on our walks together in the countryside, and she also likes to join in and help me by sitting on my lap when I'm sketching.