About

Hello and welcome!

Hi, I’m Anna Lena! I’ve been writing, researching, and drawing for as long as I can remember, which naturally led me to a career as an author and illustrator. With a background in Industrial Design and research, I blend creativity with curiosity to craft nonfiction books that introduce kids to the wonders of history and science.

Obsessed with any intersection of art, technology, history, food, politics and culture, I can never quite shut up about topics that interest me or stop making things to express my ideas. Writing nonfiction books, making animations, or using my art in activism is a way to channel this energy into the world!

My illustration style combines hand-painted textures, paper collage, and digital tools to create rich, layered artwork. I love diving deep into historical texts, talking to experts, and translating complex stories into engaging books for young readers. ​

Beyond books, I teach collage illustration in workshops, and I share my creative process in newsletters. I also have a soft spot for all things nostalgic – old buildings, vintage books, and forgotten recipes – and you’ll often find me in the kitchen testing out dishes.
 

If you’d like to collaborate, reach out via my contact page or email me at hey@annalena.nl! I am represented by literary agent Christabel McKinley at David Higham Associates.