Kim Sponaugle
Illustrator · Book Designer · Creative Consultant for Children’s Authors
Carneys Point, New Jersey
Helping authors create engaging children’s books through illustration, thoughtful design, story development, and practical guidance—from first ideas to finished books.
Authors I’ve Worked With
Bringing warmth, clarity, and emotional depth to children’s stories
All titles illustrated by Kim Sponaugle
4.7 out of 5
860 customer ratings on Amazon
4.57 out of 5
192 ratings on Goodreads
Nickerbacher, the Funniest Dragon
Written by Terry John Barto
AuthorHouse · 2015 · reissued by TJB Kids 2016 (chapter book) & 2020
The Bald Princess Discovers Her Superpower
Written by Rachel Rose Gray and Tricia O’Neill Politte
🥈 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award — Silver, The Bald Princess series
Chipper Makes Merry
Written by Kimber Fox Morgan
Simple Wonder Press · 2021
Perfectly Poppy
Poppy’s Adventures — the story of Poppy, the cross beak chicken
Written by Tricia Stone–Shumaker
Willoughby and the Terribly Itchy Itch
Willoughby and Friends, Book 1
Written by Pam Halter
Lucy’s Adoption Song
Written by Sandee G MacGregor
Castle Quay Books · 2025
“Her cover illustration is absolutely stunning, and it is selling my book.”— Donna McFarland, author of Duck and Friends: The Dinosaur Bones
How I Approach Story
Traditional illustration with a focus on characters, emotion and connection
I work “old school,” beginning at the drawing board and using Photoshop to refine and finish each piece. Whether it’s a clumsy yellow dragon, a shy flower fairy, or a thoughtful hedgehog, I focus on expressive emotion and rich, colorful rendering to make characters feel alive and memorable.
My aim is to create characters children connect with—ones they would want as a friend and return to again and again. Much of my work centers on children’s adventures, animal and fantasy stories, and faith-based storytelling, where warmth, imagination, and meaning come together on the page.
Working on a book of your own?
A second look at your story
For authors who need clarity, direction, or a second look—I also work directly with first-time and published authors to strengthen how a book reads and how it looks on the page.
5.0 out of 5 ·
working with her
20 client reviews on Reedsy
