My aim is to bring the![]()
to children – to enable them to develop a relationship with it. I am trying to capture the ![]()
of things; so that kids start to appreciate that they are part of something greater. In turn I hope to instil a![]()
through the books I illustrate.
ABOUT EMMA
Emma van Zeller is an illustrator whose works include The Spitting Toads, created for The Newt in Somerset, one of the world’s ‘ultimate hotels’. The title is a Newt bestseller, and has been developed into a colouring book. The Spitting Toads inspired the 2025 Summer Trail in the hotel’s grounds.
Emma’s areas of interest are nature restoration, sustainability, art and design. Emma is a believer in the power of the imagination, and giving children the tools to explore their own creativity. Her illustrations are rich in whimsical detail, to enable non-readers to interpret the story on their terms, and in their own time.
Emma regularly leads art workshops for kids, in venues including the Ned, The Newt in Somerset, Glebe House, and Mylo Art, as well as in schools. She has a PGCE in Secondary Art & Design, and a background in teaching Art.
She lives in Somerset with her husband and two sons.
WORK & COMMISSIONS
Emma is increasingly ensconced in the creation of Picture books, and 2026 is no exception, with an awesome project in the works; publication set for Spring 2027..
Previous clients include Charles Dowding, The Newt in Somerset, Skool Beanz, Horrell & Horrell, Country Life Magazine.
