ElizaWheeler-2025-SqWeb-bright

Eliza Wheeler is an illustrator and author of books for kids, teens, and the young at heart. Her book Miss Maple’s Seeds was a NYT bestseller, and her book Home in the Woods was dubbed “Gorgeous” by the New York Times book review. Eliza is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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'HOME IN THE WOODS' Book Video

A behind-the-scenes video detailing the process of writing and illustrating Home in the Woods.

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Inspiration this Week

July 26, 2013

Friends shared three links with me this week that were inspiring:   16 Quotes About Writing for Children (Article on Mental Floss) http://mentalfloss.com/article/51869/16-quotes-about-writing-children One that especially resonates right now is from Margaret Wise Brown: “In this modern world where activity is stressed almost to the point of mania, quietness as a childhood need is too often overlooked. Yet a child’s need for quietness is the same today as it has always been—it may even be greater—for quietness is an essential part of all awareness. In quiet times and sleepy times a child can dwell in thoughts of his own, and in…

Project News: WHEREVER YOU GO

July 24, 2013

Exciting news! I’ll be illustrating a new picture-book by Pat Zietlow Miller called “Wherever You Go”, with Little Brown Books! When I saw this announcement in Publishers Weekly Rights Report yesterday, it was extra exciting to scroll down to see illustrator friend and fellow mentee Brian Won’s picture sitting right there next to my own. Awesome, Brian! I’ve just learned that Pat Zietlow Miller is from Madison, Wisconsin; it’s so cool to be working on a fellow Wisconsinite’s story. She has a new book coming out in a couple weeks, SOPHIE’S SQUASH with Schwartz & Wade (Aug 6, ’13), illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf. Over a…

Doll Bones

July 22, 2013

I’m not sure there’s anything more exciting to an illustrator than the moment you get to see your artwork in the final printed book. Better yet, a stack of printed books! I’m so grateful that Simon and Schuster chose me to illustrate Holly Black’s fabulous new middle-grade novel. You can’t see it in these photos, but the cover has this silky matte finish, with the title and doll in gloss. It’s a great effect! In the acknowledgements, Holly writes: “Thanks to Eliza Wheeler for her creepifyingly beautiful illustrations.” Awesome!! And when we were at Powell’s Books in Portland, Oregon, I…

Interview on InkyGirl

May 23, 2013

I have some amazing Kidlit artist friends, and at the top of that list sits Debbie Ohi. Debbie is an artist, writer, musician, gamer, and social media fiend. She generously shares great industry info with everyone around her. We have both been on similar career paths since we met in 2010 during the SCBWI summer conference mentorship meeting, and it’s been so fun to share the experience with her. Debbie interviews me on one of her blogs, Inkygirl.com, a guide for those who write and draw for young people. We talk about Miss Maple’s Seeds, tips for aspiring illustrators, the…