Dapo Adeola

Dapo Adeola was Writer-Illustrator in Residence from September 2021 until March 2022. During this time, Dapo's theme for the residency was "The Art of Storytelling" and he focused on supporting emerging illustrators, in particular under-represented voices in children's books.

Dapo Adeola, the co-creator of science-mad chatterbox Rocket from the bestselling picture book Look Up! with Nathan Bryon and illustrator of We’re Going To Find The Monster written by Malorie Blackman, creates vivid and striking children’s book characters and images that prompt and challenge readers’ expectations around race and gender in a fun and upbeat way.

As well as running workshops for children, he has risen to prominence in recent years for using his platform and experience to champion and promote careers in illustration to under-represented groups in the creative arts and publishing industries.

When he began his residency as BookTrust's Writer-Illustrator in Residence, Dapo said:

'I’ll be looking at illustration as a form of storytelling: who gets to tell stories, as well as the importance of championing and developing the diverse voices and talents within illustration and storytelling in general. My time will be divided up between both the readers and content creators of children’s literature, with competitions and activities for both groups that give an insight into some of the relevant areas of children’s illustration.

'I’ll also be using my tenure to demystify access into publishing for aspiring illustrators by giving them a glimpse into industry life, as well as workshops on navigating social media and building your brand as a beginner in children’s illustration.

'I’m really looking forward to sharing this next step of my journey with you all.'

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Related books by Dapo Adeola

Space Detectives

Author: Mark Powers Illustrator: Dapo Adeola

A summer holiday job selling ice cream aboard the exotic space station of Starville turns into a race against time to avoid a catastrophic collision with the moon. Bring on the Space Detectives!

Read more about Space Detectives

Space Detectives: Extra Weird Creatures

Author: Mark Powers Illustrator: Dapo Adeola

Powers’ and Adeola’s second book in this illustrated series, ideal for newly independent readers, is delightfully fast paced, silly and beautifully illustrated in black and white. Expect plenty of laughs and some brilliant space-themed scene-setting.

We're Going to Find the Monster

Author: Malorie Blackman Illustrator: Dapo Adeola

A lovely slightly fairy tale-inspired tale about a family with two younger siblings and a teenager getting ready for breakfast, featuring the wonderful storytelling and word wizardry of Malorie Blackman and the illustrations of prize-winning Dapo Adeola.

Hey You! An empowering celebration of growing up black

Author: Dapo Adeola Illustrator: Various

A baby is born to loving parents, but as she grows up it’s hard for her to find books to read containing girls that look like her. Sometimes, as she gets older, she encounters racism, and life can be very hard. Yet, she is reminded that she stands on the shoulders of the great black community that has come before her – and that she has the power to be anythi…

My Dad is a Grizzly Bear

Author: Swapna Haddow Illustrator: Dapo Adeola

The dad in this book is very bearish - he loves honey, chases his little boy around while growling, and naps everywhere. And there's nothing like a grizzly bear hug from your dad to make you feel safe. A charming picture book celebrating all the bear-like dads out there.

Clean Up!

Author: Nathan Bryon Illustrator: Dapo Adeola

Rocket loves visiting her Grammy and Grampy in the Caribbean, especially splashing in the waves with her cool surfing Grammy - but when Rocket finds a baby turtle washed up on the shore, tangled in plastic, she decides something must be done. It's time to clean up!