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.

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 historical 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.

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Some tidbits:

Born in:        Waalwijk, the Netherlands

Always in for:       a coffee to go, or a walk in the rain

You might not know:  Loves creepy & odd stories

This makes me nostalgic:   Flytrap mushrooms 

Favourite season:      Autumn 

Hangry for::  Four-cheese pizza!

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