Bestselling author and illustrator, Chris Saunders, originated from the North-East of the UK. After graduating with first class honours from The University of Northampton, he became a lecturer of Illustration at The Northern School of Art.

Chris predominantly works in children’s publishing, having written and illustrated several internationally successful picture books including ‘Believe’, published in over 20 languages. His debut picture book ‘Wish’ was published in 2019 by Quarto Publishing and was sold in Waterstones. Chris’s notable works include the widely popular and well received titles ‘Nowhere’, shortlisted for the Bertrand Book of the Year Award, and ‘Together’, Bertrand Children’s Book of the Year Award finalist – booksellers choice.

Chris regularly works on book covers, education, licencing and creative development for clients such as Scholastic, Quarto Publishing Plc, Hachette, Cambridge University Press, Jellycat Ltd and Flowerpot Press among many others. And has notably worked with five-time Grammy Award winning American blues musician Keb’ Mo’.

Chris is a storyteller, describing his process as being driven by curiosity and imagination; supported and informed by a deeply rooted passion and respect for illustration. Chris’ creative practice combines both digital and analogue techniques, to produce detailed digital paintings that are developed from initial hand-rendered sketches and observations. His work is driven by narrative; translating an honest interpretation of his personal experiences, an expression of the world around us.