Grateful for every late night, every little idea, and every moment that brought me here. Hi! I’m Sonya & I’m an author-illustrator rep by Jordan Hamessley. I write and illustrate PB’s and MG. Joined the #mermay challenge for #kidlitartpostcard Day 🤍 #kidlitart #kidlit #mermaid

Feeling 94.7% cruddy? Read these wonderful books by my @kidlitcollective.bsky.social sisters! Happy Children’s Book Week! #childrensbookweek #kidlitwomen #kidlit #booksky

Who’s ready for summer! #kidlitart

Today is LOOK UP AT THE SKY DAY. Take a moment to pause, look up, and enjoy the lofting heights of clouds and blue and sunshine. Ahhh, a moment of peace. #kidlitart #LookUpAtTheSkyDay #MomentsOfJoy

Creators, *this is worth the read*. But, Roaring Brook closing isn't the same as Dial closing. Yes, there were layoffs, but RB is reshuffling & a new imprint is in the works. But the squeeze is real. We've been seeing it and feeling it for years. vickyweberbooks.substack.com/p/what-nobod...

Happy Friday! ☀️ It’s finally starting to warm up here in Michigan 🌤️ I tried a softer color palette this time instead of my usual bright tones— how’d I do? 🙈 #kidlitartist #kidlitart #kidlitauthor #illustration #kidlit

Happy #kidlitartpostcard 🌼 #kidlit #kidlitart #easter #kidlitpostcard

The world gets loud while innocents carry scars. #FuckWar

This little illustration is inspired traditional Chaldean and Assyrian clothing, with a modern twist. A small piece of art that reflects my cultures and where my story began. 🥰 So, where are you from? #Chaldean #Assyrian #kidlitpostcard #CulturalRoots #kidlit

My first ever #kidlitpostcard ! How’d I do? Playing The Floor is Lava, Winter Edition. #kidlitillustration #kidlitart #kidlit #illustrator

Mini character design part ✌️ #kidlitart #kidlitwriter

Mini character design ✌️don’t forget to smile today 🙃 #kidlitartist #kidlitart #kidlitauthor #characterdesign #scbwi

My first book launch event is TONIGHT! Come celebrate with me! It's not too late to register 😊 us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

That time of the year for the #Chaldean Community 😍 #Keleche

Querying writers -- Please give yourselves some grace and stop fretting about a few silly typos in your queries. We probably won't notice them, we're not going to hold them against you, and if we DO hold them against you, you don't want to work with us anyway.

How adorable is @britspixels.bsky.social's art? This little gal is making her way to editors this week and I'm so excited!

#kidlitart #halloween 🎃

Oops ! Busted 🤪 #kidlitart #illustration #cuteart

Inspired by an @scbwi_nohio conference session with Kelly Pelsue on drawing vehicles with meaning, here’s an illustration from one of my favorite core memories— my dad’s old “mator”. #kidlitart #ownvoices #diversevoices

The #scbwiohionorth conference Art Show people’s choice winner was @olgasmithart.bsky.social. The fantastic entries in the show were inspiring and a testament to the thriving creative community we have here in Ohio! Congrats, Olga! ❤️

Last night I attended the 2025 Utah Book Awards. @kipalizadeh.net & I are honored our LGBTQ+ inclusive picture book, THE WISHING FLOWER, was selected as a finalist! All children deserve to see themselves in books. All children deserve to feel seen, safe, and loved. 💜 #kidlit #booksky

Psst! I am opening up to unagented children's book submissions *just for the month of October*! This is an exciting experiment. The email to send submissions to is [email protected]. You can find out about what I'm looking for at www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/me...

My amazing illustrator client @sonyaafnan.bsky.social just sent me this piece she drew of me as an astronaut. I’m obsessed! I’ve fully embraced my inner space nerd. Still manifesting representing an astronaut’s book someday! If you aren’t following Sonya, start!

The amazing faculty and team that made for a fun and informative #scbwiohionorth Fall Conference. Thanks to all who made it a success!

Had such a wonderful weekend at the SCBWI Ohio North Conference! I connected with so many amazing authors and illustrators, learned from inspiring editors and agents, and came home creatively recharged. @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social

Friday reminder 🧡💛 #kidlitart #illustration #cuteart

Note to witches: never leave your broom unattended on halloween night… 🎃 #KidLit #KidLitArt #Halloween

At the #PeopleofPublishing25 Conference today. If you’re around, say hi! I’m excited to reconnect with great publishing people! #PeopleofPublishing

Lots of fun lines and textures in my new upcoming artwork  so excited for this one! 😬 #KidLitArt 🎨

I got ✨the✨ screenshot from @jamesfarner.bsky.social this morning, which means I finally get to tell you all about... my book deal. 🥹 "Grace & Jo Have Never Solved a Murder" coming fall 2026 from @daturabooks.bsky.social! #amwriting #bookdeal #mystery #writingcommunity

Excited to connect with other #kidlit creators 😬 eek! Can’t wait!

Tonight! PITCH PARTY prep Zoom event with @littlerainey.bsky.social It’s not too late to register: www.scbwi.org/events/2025-... #scbwiohionorth #scbwi #querying

If aren’t active because your fans haven’t migrated to Bluesky, maybe become active here so that your fans migrate to Bluesky…? briankirbystudio.com/the-pigeon-v...

I’ve left X and I’m hoping to build more connections here on Bluesky. I’m Sonya, an author and illustrator represented by JABberwocky Agency. I’d love to connect with more writers and illustrators. Let’s be friends! 🙃🌼🫣 #WriteStuff #KidLitArt

Leaving two war-torn countries meant letting go of almost everything—even the photos that held our story. Today my sister found this one of me in Syria before we came to America. 🥹 More than a photo, it’s a reminder of survival, new beginnings, and the life we carried in our hearts.

Back at Costco! Where are my sweet potato lovers at? #revisionsnack

Road trip mode: packed, stacked, and ready to roll! 🎒🚗⛺️ #KidLitArt

Heading out on our annual camping trip this weekend. Remember to return those overdue library books 🤭 #ReturnYourBooks #LibraryLove #KidLit #PictureBookLove #AuthorsOfInstagram #IllustratorsOfInstagram #BooksForKids #ReadAloud #BookLovers #Storytime #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity

She missed the mermaid… maybe next time she’ll remember her goggles 👀 Follow me on instagram 🙃 #writingcommunity #kidlitart #authorillustrator

Happy 4th, y’all!!! #writingcommmunity ✨

Big feelings & a small celebration. My manuscript is officially being prepped for submission with my amazing agent 📚This gnome scene isn’t part of the story, but it holds its own gentle magic 💛 I just launched a #DTIYS challenge on Instagram — come join in! 🎨 #WritingCommunity Artwork by me 🙂

so we’re just casually editing three manuscripts, tossing in some illustrations, maybe rewriting a fourth on the side?? ohhh okay, cool cool, totally normal. good chat. #amwriting #amediting #amillustrating

Manuscript sent last night to my agent. Found a four-leaf clover today. Hard work, patience, and maybe a little luck.🍀 #amwriting #kidlit

Today’s the day! THE BI BOOK by Cynthia Alonso & me is officially out in the world! I hope this book helps readers and their families feel seen and loved! Thank you with all my heart for supporting our special book! 🌈💖🌈 www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/713504... #kidlit #booksky

Coloring in the lines instead of just filling them brings me joy. It’s the little playful details that make illustration so fun. I’ve been quiet here but can’t wait to share the final pieces with my agent soon! #WIPWednesday #kidlit

A core memory glimpse, my siblings and I on our village rooftop, dreaming big under the stars. Babi gave up everything for our safety. I hope he can see us now. I'm just getting started, Babi. #WritingCommunity #kidlitart #immigrantstories @thejordache.bsky.social @awfulagent.bsky.social

So proud of my critique partner’s announcement! Can’t wait to grab my copy! Go Diane, Go! 🎉

Getting some art ready before work gets too fun (ahem, serious) 😬