Woman wearing a black coat and a gray knitted beanie outside on a sunny day.

Wendy J. Warren

Wendy is a full-time illustrator with a passion for storytelling and a flair for the whimsical.

Her debut picture book, The Bear Who Wanted to Dance, was published by Little Tiger in October 2025 and has since been released in multiple co-editions around the world. Inspired by her work with doctors treating children with eating disorders, the book gently touches on themes of body positivity. At its heart, however, it's a joyful tale of determination, friendship, and a generous sprinkle of ballet.

Wendy’s vibrant illustrations are inspired by the people, quirky architecture, and natural landscapes that surround her. Her work brims with colour, humour, and detail imbued with a distinctively playful energy that captures young imaginations.

She draws inspiration from beloved illustrators such as Wolf Erlbruch, Gerald Rose, and Holly Hobbie, as well as the bold colours and elegant forms of 1920s illustration.

A sketchbook and pencil are never far from hand, Wendy is always ready to capture fleeting ideas or sketch from life. Her creative process is rooted in traditional techniques, combining hand-drawing with playful experimentation using watercolour pencil and crayon.

Beyond illustration, Wendy has a love for growing things (mostly to feed slugs, she jokes!) and nurtures a keen interest in horticulture and food equality.

Wendy's website
Wendy's website
Wendy's Instagram
Wendy's Instagram
Children's book cover titled 'The Bear Who Wanted to Dance' featuring a bear in a pink dress dancing in front of a full moon, surrounded by stars and a dark night sky. Authors: Stephanie Stansbie and Wendy J Warren.
A child on a boat with a cat and an older child on a cliff holding a rope that connects to a boat below, with a whale nearby and seagulls flying in the sky.
A young girl with dark skin and black hair in puffs lying on a friendly-looking pink and orange giraffe with a long neck. The girl is relaxed and smiling while resting on the giraffe's back.
Animated scene of a decorated Christmas tree surrounded by mice and reindeer ice skating on snow, with a colorful pastel background.
Two animated raccoons appear to be dancing or playing in a snowy environment. One raccoon is wearing a red and white striped collar, and the other has glasses on its head. They are holding each other's paws with their tails curled behind them.
A cartoon rabbit wearing a yellow raincoat and white boots standing on a gray surface, looking up at a starry night sky.
Cartoon bear and fox lying on a grassy hill covered with daisies, under a blue sky with clouds.
Drawing of a mouse wearing glasses and underwear, sorting Halloween costumes and decorations in a closet decorated with pumpkins, a skull, and a broom.
Animated scene of a ballet dancing fox wearing a tutu, illuminated by a spotlight in a forest setting, with animal audience in the background.
A red squirrel wearing a green sweater with a colorful Christmas light decoration, holding a painted blue Easter egg, standing on a white background.
Two pink poodle characters with fluffy poodle hair, sitting in front of a heart-shaped mirror, applying makeup at a vanity table decorated with beauty products, in a room with pink floral wallpaper.