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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator

@jburbank.bsky.social

740 followers 600 following 66 posts

she/her I write & illustrate picture books! Rep’d by Ariana Philips at JVNLA #PBParty ‘23 and ‘25 Finalist, #PBRisingStars ‘23 Runner Up #StorytellerAcademy #SCBWI #12x12

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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · 15d

Thank you, Stefan!! 🥳🎨

Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · 15d

Gorgeous! I love all the layering!

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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · 15d

Thank you!! 😊🎉

Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · 15d

Jumping into #kidlitartpostcard day, my birthday, & the start of October! 🎉🍂 Wheee! I am an author/illustrator of nf/f pbs using traditional/digital tools to express the joy & beauty found when kids connect with nature.
Rep’d by @arianaphilips.bsky.social @jvnla.bsky.social
www.jessburbank.com!

An older brother helps his little sister jump into a big pile of freshly raked leaves while a curious squirrel looks on.

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Reposted by Jess Burbank, author/illustrator

Little Thoughts Press @littlethoughtspress.com · Sep 15

Crisp rhyme & wonderful info about the gilded flicker await you in Deborah Reidy's poem "Saguaro Home" inspired by @jburbank.bsky.social's illustration, Saguaro Bird.

In Little Thoughts Press Issue 10: An Ekphrasis Adventure.

www.littlethoughtspress.com/issues

Illustration, Saguaro Bird, by Jess Burbank of a woodpecker poking out of a cactus. Accompanying the illustration is part of the poem "Saguaro Home" by Deborah Reidy.

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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · Sep 4

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I’m an author/illustrator using a mix of traditional and digital tools to express the joy & beauty found when kids connect with nature. rep’d by Ariana Philips @jvnlainc
Portfolio: www.jessburbank.com
#kidlitillustration #kidlitartist #childrensbookillustrator

A watercolor illustration of three kids in a treehouse joining a bird in song.

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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · Aug 28

I wonder how long it will take before I stop feeling compelled to open the Thursday Querytracker email and pour over all the agent changes. 😂

Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · Aug 28

This is wonderful news!!! I’m so happy for you, Myrna. Congratulations. I can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · Aug 7

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I hope August finds you having fun in the summer sun & testing out just how far back the springy playground equipment will go. I love capturing moments of childhood joy in watercolor for all kidlit-related projects. More here: www.jessburbank.com/2025/

Watercolor painting of a girl on playground equipment.

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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · Aug 7

Thank you for sharing! 💕

Little Thoughts Press @littlethoughtspress.com · Aug 6

"A Sonoran Symphony" by Shaun Jex (@captainquisp.bsky.social) is a must-read lyrical beauty inspired by Jess Burbank's (@jburbank.bsky.social) gorgeous illustration, Saguaro Bird.

Find both & lots more inspiring art & writing in Issue 10: An Ekphrasis Adventure.

www.littlethoughtspress.com/issues

Illustration by Jess Burbank of a woodpecker poking out of a hole in a cactus. Accompanying the illustration is part of the poem "A Sonoran Symphony" by Shaun Jex.

Reposted by Jess Burbank, author/illustrator

Jarod K. Anderson @jarodkanderson.bsky.social · Jul 28

Publishing is like inviting company into your skull and fearing there’s a funny smell in there that you’ve just gotten used to.

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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · Jul 4

Thanks so much!! 💕

Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · Jul 4

Thanks so much, Jenn!

Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · Jul 3

WATCH OUT, WORLD! I’ve got representation! 🤣 I’m ready to zoom in and illustrate your picture book, especially if it features kids or animals in nature, fiction or nonfiction. Find my portfolio at jessburbank.com. Now rep’d by Ariana Philips @jvnlainc
#kidlitartpostcard

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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · Jun 23

I can’t wait to see where this new partnership leads & start this next chapter in my publishing journey with @arianaphilips.bsky.social and @jvnla.bsky.social !

An announcement that Jess has recently signed with literary agent, Ariana Philips.

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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · Jun 18

I love the concept of @littlethoughtspress.com Issue Ten, An Ekphrasis Adventure and am proud to have been a part of it! I loved the poems inspired by and accompanying my illustration, “Saguaro Bird.” Read or purchase your own copy of this issue here: www.littlethoughtspress.com/issues

A literary magazine open to a page with a poem and a painting of a bird in a saguaro cactus.

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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · May 16

Ohhh…I got you! 😄 The first Thursday of every month, you can post your virtual postcard here using the hashtag #kidlitartpostcard and agents, editors, and art directors can search the hashtag to see your work. If you search the hashtag, you’ll see lots of examples.

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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · May 10

Yes!!! Congrats! Those little wins while querying are soooo crucial. Celebrate them!!

Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · May 8

Congrats!!

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Jess Burbank, author/illustrator @jburbank.bsky.social · May 3

I’m so excited to be a part of this beautiful issue!

Little Thoughts Press @littlethoughtspress.com · May 2

Issue 10: An Ekphrasis Adventure is now available to pre-order!!

A picture is worth 1000 words & in this issue, we let artwork lead the conversation! Featuring 10 magnificent illustrations & the stories & poetry they inspired. You don't want to miss it!

checkout.square.site/buy/4YRQGRFO...

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Reposted by Jess Burbank, author/illustrator

Steve Asbell - FLAP YOUR HANDS is out now! @steveasbell.com · Apr 17

RFK Jr says that your autistic child will never write a poem. That their existence is a tragedy.

I’m autistic. I wrote and illustrated this picture book to show that your autistic child is a celebration.

Which message do you want your child to hear?

www.steveasbell.com#/flap-your-h...

The pages of a picture book, FLAP YOUR HANDS, by Steve Asbell. Shows autistic children joyfully stimming.

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