New York Times Best Illustrated: Where Butterflies Fill the Sky

Bright artist Zahra Marwan has her debut picture book Where Butterflies Fill the Sky listed in the 2022 New York Times/New York Public Library’s Best Illustrated Children’s Books. In this beautifully illustrated picture book published by Bloomsbury Books, Marwan recollects her families immigration from Kuwait to New Mexico. Experiencing displacement at such a young age, Marwan’s “dreamlike” illustrations feel like a memory, done in her signature ink and watercolor style.

This is not the first award for Marwan, as her book has recieved a lot of praise since its initial release. In early November, Marwan accepted an award presented to her by the U.N.’s Humanitarian Rights Council, given to minority artists that have explored statelessness in their artwork. Marwan was also awarded the Dylis Evans Founders award at the Society of Illustrators 2022 Original Art Show. Photo by The Society of Illustrators

Zahra is represented by Anne Moore Armstrong.

To view the article and the other best illustrated childrens books from 2022, click here.

To view Zahra’s portfolio, click here.

Click here to be directed to Zahra’s instagram, to view her recieving her award.