Storytime Publishers has seen a notable rise in enquiries for professionally illustrated children’s books, reflecting increased attention on the value of human-created artwork. The company attributes this growth to heightened concerns about the suitability of AI-generated illustrations within children’s publishing.
According to the publisher, demand for custom illustration and end-to-end picture book production has built steadily throughout 2025, with a marked increase during the latter part of the year. Many of these enquiries are coming from new authors seeking illustrations that are both visually consistent and closely aligned with the narrative tone of their stories.
“Clients are prioritizing artwork with personality, emotional nuance, and consistency,” said a senior illustration coordinator at Storytime Publishers. “Our teams are responding to these requests with expanded illustration services and enhanced author-illustrator collaboration.”
The company reports that while some authors initially tested AI-generated imagery, many later returned to professional illustration services after finding it difficult to achieve cohesive, story-driven visuals. Storytime Publishers addresses these challenges through a comprehensive illustration process that includes concept development, character sketches, colour planning and page-by-page composition.
Expansion of Illustration Services
In response to the increased demand, Storytime Publishers has strengthened its illustration department. New illustrators have been added to the team, additional art-direction checkpoints implemented, and communication processes between authors and illustrators enhanced. These initiatives aim to support authors in producing visually consistent and compelling children’s books suitable for retail, schools, and libraries.
Market Implications
The trend toward professional illustration also reflects broader concerns in the children’s book industry. Educators and librarians increasingly review illustration sources to ensure quality, cultural sensitivity, and age-appropriate content. Storytime Publishers reports a growing number of requests from authors intending to submit books for school and library distribution.
Looking Ahead
Storytime Publishers expects demand for human-created illustrations to continue rising in 2026. The company plans to maintain and expand its illustration services to accommodate the evolving market while supporting authors in delivering visually cohesive and engaging children’s literature.
