Jessica Souhami author page

Jessica Souhami biography

Jessica Souhami is a British author and illustrator known for her retellings of traditional tales for children. She began her career as a puppeteer, creating shadow puppet shows based on folk stories from around the world. This background influenced her later work in picture books, where she often draws on folklore and myth.

Souhami’s first picture book, The Leopard’s Drum, was published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books in 1995. The book is based on a West African tale and features her distinctive collage artwork. She has since written and illustrated several other books, including No Dinner!, Rama and the Demon King, and Sausages. Her stories frequently adapt traditional narratives from a range of cultures, presenting them in a style accessible to young readers.

Jessica Souhami’s books are published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books. Her work is recognised for its bold illustrations and clear storytelling, making traditional tales engaging for contemporary audiences. In 2012, she published Foxy! with Frances Lincoln Children’s Books.