Valerie Sokolova

represented by Kyle Williams

I am on a mission to understand and preserve the origins of my Ukrainian culture in the face of globalization. Through my illustrations, I aim to bridge nations and transform traditional aesthetics for modern readers. My focus is primarily on illustrating classic and contemporary fairy tales for children, creating detailed and immersive two-dimensional worlds. My attention to detail has drawn comparisons to the works of Albrecht Durer and Hieronymus Bosch. Within my illustrations, I hide little treasures, like ladybugs and snails, to engage careful viewers. Each image is meticulously researched and sketched. While my target audience is young children, I also consider the parents who make the purchasing decisions. I feel a great responsibility to share stories and images that cultivate curiosity, creativity, and kindness in children. Recently, my solo exhibition in Ukraine received national recognition and one of my pieces is being exhibited at the Ukrainian Institute of America in NYC.

Valerie has worked for many publishers including:

  • ISeeMe!

  • Compass Media

  • Carus Publishing

  • Zondervan

  • Sterling Publishers

  • Oxford University Press

  • Focus on the Family

  • Highlights Magazine

  • Abaabgalymaga (Ukraine)

  • Golden Books

  • Disney

  • McGraw Hill

  • Simon & Schuster

  • Random House

  • Scholastic

  • Standard Publishing

  • Time Magazine for Kids

 

Recent Awards:

2020 Winner, International Best Illustration Award “The Golden Rose,” Kiev’s House of Books Publishing, Ukraine 

2020 Winner, International Literature Award “The Golden Rose,” Kiev’s House of Books Publishing, Ukraine 

2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Award: Best Cover Design (Honorable Mention), USA

2018 Winner of International Literature Award“The Golden Rose,” Kiev’s House of Books Publishing House, Kiev, Ukraine

Winner of International Biennale of Illustration, the Golden Feather of Belgrade, Serbia 2017 

2017 Bridgeman Studio Award

2017 3x3 Magazine Illustration merit Award  

Valerie was awarded "Golden Feather" Best Children's Illustrator of the Year 2013.

"Bella Basset Ballerina," illustrated by Valerie, received an Honorable Mention for the Children's Books category at the London Book Festival 2010!

"Bella Basset Ballerina" also won Runner-up in the Children's Book category at the Hollywood Book Festival 2010.

"My Royal Birthday Adventure" published by I See Me!, Inc. illustrated by Valerie Sokolova won the following awards:

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