Jacqueline Alcántara

Jacqueline Alcántara is an author, illustrator and educator living in Chicago. She has illustrated 10 children’s books which have been New York Times Bestsellers, Kirkus Prize finalists and named best books of the year in School Library Journal, Shelf Awareness, The Horn Book, Kirkus, among others. Her books have received awards, over 20 starred reviews. Her forthcoming book WIFREDO’S JUNGLE was written by Newbery Honor Winner Margarita Engle and is a Jr. Library Guild Gold Standard Title. Jacqueline’s author debut was titled TÍOS AND PRIMOS which published simultaneously in Spanish and English and received 2 starred reviews. Her other books include, JUST SHINE written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, FREEDOM SOUP by NYT Bestselling author Tami Charles, JUMP AT THE SUN written by Newbery Honor winner Alicia D Williams, THE FIELD and its companion CLIMB ON! written by Baptiste Paul, JAM, TOO? written by JaNay Brown Wood, ORDINARY DAYS Angela Joy, and YOUR MAMA by NoNieqa Ramos.

Beyond publishing, Jcqueline is a freelance illustration for editorial, fashion, branding and lifestyle markets and has worked with the Obama Foundation, Elle Magazine, Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU, Habitat for Humanity, Chicago Women’s Foundation and more.

Jacqueline holds a teaching degree for K-12 and is a current Adjunct Professor at Columbia College Chicago teaching in the illustration department. She loves opportunities to get back into schools to read, draw and be inspired by kids and their communities.

A few of Jacqueline’s books