ABOUT THE ARTIST

Bianca Hilder—or Bee Naree, if you're feeling fancy—is an emerging children’s author, illustrator, and sentimental paint-slinger based in Devonport, Lutruwita/Tasmania. She’s a big believer in the magic of being different, and most of her work begins with a feeling, a brush, and probably a cup of cold coffee she meant to finish three hours ago.

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Bee is gently shifting from commissions into the wild and wonderful world of full-time picture book-making. Her stories explore emotional resilience, self-expression, and the sometimes wobbly but beautiful journey of figuring out where you belong. She paints everything by hand using watercolour and gouache—because they're soft, unpredictable, and excellent at holding light and feelings (and because digital layers make her cry).

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You might’ve seen her illustrations in The Toad from Poad Road series by Ash Lee, or The Whale and the Astronaut by Alaynah Hensen (Pegasus Publishing). But these days, she’s deep in two original stories of her own—full of heart, humour, sea creatures, and a few stubborn characters who refuse to behave.

Although Bee still paints the occasional pet portrait (especially if the pet is weird-looking, wrinkly and naked), her real love is telling stories that help kids feel seen—and maybe a little braver. She's particularly fond of characters who are too sensitive, too curious, or just a little too much, because... same.

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When she’s not writing or painting, Bee is busy wrangling her five kids, folding endless baskets of washing, or asking her sphynx cats—politely—to stop sitting on her laptop and illustrations. She’s also a qualified family day care educator, which means she knows kids are the most honest (and hilarious) critics—and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Bee makes art to help people slow down, look closer, and feel something true. And if it makes them laugh—or cry, just a little—that’s even better.