👋 Hi, I’m Jonathan Paterson

I’m a children’s author, illustrator and storyteller with a background in illustration and animation.

I create warm, imaginative picture books filled with humour and heart. Combining naïve drawing with cut paper, fabric, wool, cardboard and photographed textures, I give each story its own distinctive, handmade world.

My influences include Hans Christian Andersen, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Quentin Blake and Hergé.

Bringing Stories to Life

I believe stories are especially powerful when shared aloud.

Alongside creating books, I visit schools to share my stories, artwork and creative journey with children. My talks are gentle, welcoming and interactive, I want every child to feel that the story is being shared with them, not simply performed at them.

I’m also developing my YouTube channel as a warm storytime space for children and families, with the hope of bringing my storytelling to more schools, libraries and community settings.

If you would like to discuss an illustration project or invite me to your school, I would love to hear from you.

Recognition: Ranked 13th in Creativepool’s Artworker category, August 2026.