Author | Lightnews

Moira Ratchford

@moiraratchford.bsky.social

170 followers 99 following 85 posts

Author-illustrator known for vibrant, quirky characters. www.moiraratchford.com. Interested in kidlit art & licensing. Huge fan of birds, chai & fireflies. Tassy Walden Illustrator Award. Seeking representation. SCBWI. She/her

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Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · 3d

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, here's a feisty little llama to raise awareness and morale going forward!

#breastcancer #gopink #breastcancerawarenessmonth #artlicensing

Pink llama with breast cancer pink ribbon: Keep Calm and Fight On

Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · 3d

Happy Halloween, everybody! 🎃🧹🧙

#kidlitillustration #kidlitart #childrensillustration #childrensbooks #picturebooks

Cat Witch zooming into the night sky on her broom. Two cats on a wall comment: "Wow, she must have gotten the turbo model!"

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Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Sep 19

Here's another entry for the "Travel" prompt of #scbwidrawthis. When going on a camping trip, always make sure your backpack doesn't weigh more than you do ~ 😅

#kidlitillustration #kidlitart #childrensillustration #childrensbooks

Gooseberry's backpack is clearly a little too heavy!

Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Sep 19

This is my entry for the latest #scbwidrawthis, with the prompt of "Travel." Provence is my favorite travel destination. What's yours?
#kidlitillustration #kidlitart #childrensillustration #childrensbooks

A nutty group of animals on a road trip through Provence.

Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Aug 7

Ok, I'm dying to read BOB THE VAMPIRE SNAIL!! 🐌

Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Aug 7

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day! Summer surely brings tourist rats to the famous garbage cans of NYC.

I'm Moira, an illustrator known for my quirky, offbeat characters. Open to PBs, BBs, early readers, chapter books. #kidlitart #kidlit Seeking representation.

Portfolio: www.moiraratchford.com/kidlit

Mafia rat in trenchcoat and fedora guards his territory and tells a tourist rat, "Scram, punk".

Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Jul 22

Just because your friend uses wheels to get around doesn't mean they can't enjoy pool time with you! When there's a will, there's a way! Cheers for Disability Pride Month!
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #diversebooks

Kids tossing a beach ball in a pool, with dog watching, wheelchair in foreground.

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Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Jun 5

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day! I'm Moira, an illustrator who creates quirky characters in watercolor, pencil and ink. Seeking representation and new projects! PBs, BBs, early readers, & chapter books. #kidlitart #kidlit
Portfolio: www.moiraratchford.com/kidlit

Sheep carrying towering tray of cupcakes, slips on a banana peel, and the cupcakes end up everywhere, much to his boss' chagrin.

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Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · May 19

So your catbirds don't migrate south in winter? Ours always did in Maryland and here in Connecticut where I'm now living. When they return in the spring it's always a happy day for me to welcome their warbling.

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Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · May 18

They are my favorite birds!! Second on the list is catbirds, which are not as talented mimickers but can scat and improvise like nobody's business!

Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Mar 25

Want a little joy with your morning coffee? I now have Easter and Mother’s Day-themed mugs in my shop! Shop small, support an artist. 😊🎨
www.moiraratchford.com/shop

#eastergifts #mothersdaygifts #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmall #smallbusiness #catgifts

Mug showing watercolor Easter chick with rabbit ears and violets. Easter gift.

Mug with cat in yoga pose and the text "Mamaste", Mother's Day gift.

Mug with funny bird holding bouquet of flowers, and the text: "Love you a bunch!" Mother's day gift or birthday gift.

Mug with "Love you a bunch!" text. Mother's Day gift or birthday gift.

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Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Feb 12

Hi! I'm Moira, an illustrator who creates quirky characters in watercolor, pencil and ink. I'm interested in PBs, CBs and Early Readers. I'd love to work together with you! Thank you
@debbieohi.com! #kidlitart #kidlit

www.moiraratchford.com

A sheep who works at a bakery is carrying a tray of cupcakes and slips on a banana peel. He ends up with cupcakes all over, much to the consternation of his boss.

Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Feb 7

These characters are one-of-a-kind and hilarious! Love them.

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Reposted by Moira Ratchford

Allison Strick @byallisonstrick.bsky.social · Feb 6

Hey #kidlitartpostcard! I’m Allison, a Seattle-based author-illustrator, and I love kidlit comics like a beaver loves branches!

I’m represented by @adriagoetz of @ktliterary

Three spot illustrations of beavers. One is tossing a log in the air with a look of glee; another is hugging a twig and surrounded by hearts; the third is swimming with just his nose above the water.

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Reposted by Moira Ratchford

Sarah Whang @anderkaya.bsky.social · Feb 6

Hey #KidLitArtPostcard !
I've just finished work on my debut picture book (WHEN THE AIR SANG, Annick Press Spring 2025), and looking for more opportunities for the year!

🧸 sunhawhang.com
🌷 [email protected]
🌠 Repped by @kellydhouse.bsky.social

Illustrated postcard of a young girl chatting with her teddy bear friend in a cozy blanket fort outdoors. It is a spring night and tulips are in full bloom. Text at the top right corner reads: Sarah Whang. Open for work in illustration, comics & covers. Represented by Kelly Dyskterhouse at TLA. Portfolio: sunhawhang.com.

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Reposted by Moira Ratchford

Mark Hoffmann @studiohoffmann.bsky.social · Feb 6

Lovely #kidlitartpostcard piece by Tom Booth, amazing illustrator and former Gab ‘n’ Doodle guest.

Watch his episode:
youtu.be/rZIbBg2czhk?...

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Reposted by Moira Ratchford

Catmouse James @catmouse.bsky.social · Feb 6

Hi there :)
Here’s my #kidlitartpostcard !
I love to draw imperfect characters, even if some of them are a real challenge. This month I decided to draw more animals 😊
Btw, I’m ✅ to illustrate PB and GN/comics. And I’m represented by @carynwiseman.bsky.social at @andreabrownlit.bsky.social 💕

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Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Feb 6

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day! I'm Moira, an illustrator who creates quirky characters in watercolor, pencil and ink. Seeking representation and new projects! #kidlitart #kidlitartpostcard #picturebooks #kidlit

Website: moiraratchford.com

Puppy causing chaos with a cat at a birthday party.

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Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Jan 16

I did the same for my dad. Hang in there, it can be tough, I know! 😊

Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Jan 16

Valentine-themed mugs are now up in my shop! Grumpy cat is my personal favorite. Give your loved ones a unique, artist-made gift that they won't find anywhere else (and most definitely not on Amazon). 😊 www.moiraratchford.com/shop
#catlover #catlady #catmom #valentinegifts

Grumpy cat decorated with hearts, wishing you a "happy freakin' valentine's".

Two birds cuddling on a branch: "Together is my favorite place to be"

A female sheep with a heart and the caption, "Love ewe".

Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Dec 5

Happy #kidlitpostcard Day!
I'm Moira, an illustrator who creates quirky characters in watercolor, ink and pencil. Seeking representation and new projects! #kidlitart #kidlitartpostcard #kidlitpostcardday #picturebooks #kidlit
Website: moiraratchford.com

Quirky old lady with parrot on head and anteater friend knitting in front of her pink RV.

Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Dec 2

(Let me try this post again, because for some reason the link didn't work). More cat mugs are available, printed from my original watercolors! A completely unique gift that you won't find anywhere else. www.moiraratchford.com/shop
#catlover #catlady #cats #catmom #catsofbluesky

Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Dec 1

‪I decided to look him up, and I see that he wrote children's books about the "plot" to overthrow "King Donald". And this is the guy to head up the FBI??? I feel like I have stepped into a scene from Alice in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter is running the show.

Cover of "The Plot Against the King", children's book by Kash Patel.

Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Nov 27

Time for pie!!! Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
#kidlitart #childrensillustration #childrensbooks #picturebooks #kidlitillustration

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Moira Ratchford @moiraratchford.bsky.social · Nov 27

Thank you Tré! 😊

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