Hello!

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My name is Reshu Lakra and I am a children's book illustrator and storyteller based in Delhi, India. I never knew how to draw until one day in second grade my father held my hand and together, we drew a mountainscape with a river and a cottage. Ever since I used to be excited about art classes and sketching. As I grew up, I pursued master's degree in mathematics. But when Covid-19 happened, I had an epiphany. I wanted to work on something I was truly passionate about. I wanted to go to my work every morning with a smile on my face. I wanted to feel excited when I told someone about my work. This lightbulb moment changed the course of my life, and I am glad I took a chance on myself. I have never regretted choosing art as my career.

 

It was scary and exciting at the same time. I took a few online courses and started experimenting and messing around with art materials and storytelling. I started observing everything closely- be it how the paint moves on paper, how the leaves dance when the wind blows or how kids react to different situations.

 

I work traditionally exploring full- of life characters. As much as I love fun and silly stories, I love to capture emotions and heart in my work. I am on a mission of creating stories for kids where they feel seen. When not drawing, you could find me browsing art supply stores, trying new recipes, crocheting, going out around the city for inspiration and scribbling in my sketchbook while sipping chai.​

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Thank you for your time and interest in my work. Hope to work with you in the near future!

 

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I am open to picture books, chapter books, board books and book covers. For queries, kindly reach out to me via my email at dibba.rangeen@gmail.com 

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I am currently also seeking representation for my Children's Book Illustration work.

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Published Books

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Crocodile Christmas , written by J.D. Forester, illustrated by Reshu Lakra, published by Penguin Random House; published on 21 October, 2025​​

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Praise “Cheerful, expressive illustrations add warmth and wonder, perfectly capturing the magic of the season for tiny hands and bright eyes. Freshen up holiday board book collections with this joyful read aloud that encourages families to read, sing, talk, write, and play together—the best kind of holiday magic.”—School Library Journal

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Honors| Scholarships

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'Cucu and The Huge Birthday Gift' (my first picture book dummy as an author-illustrator) Longlisted for The Unpublished Picturebook Showcase 7 by dPICTUS, 2026

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We Need Diverse Books Illustration Mentee, 2026

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Honorable Mention, 2025 PB Rising Stars for my first picture book dummy.

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