Cleonardo, the Little Inventor
This is GrandPré's sole-authored and self-illustrated picture book, making it the clearest introduction to her writing as well as her art.
Author guide
Mary GrandPré Books in Order
Mary GrandPré is an American illustrator, painter, and children's-book author. She is best known for creating the cover and chapter illustrations for the original U.S. editions of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels. Her authored books include the co-written picture book Henry and Pawl and the Round Yellow Ball and the self-authored and self-illustrated Cleonardo, the Little Inventor.
Children's literaturePicture booksIllustration
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Children's books (2)
- Henry and Pawl and the Round Yellow Ball
picture_book · 2005
- Cleonardo, the Little Inventor
picture_book · 2016
Frequently asked questions about Mary GrandPré
Who is Mary GrandPré?
Mary GrandPré is an illustrator and children's-book author best known for creating the artwork for the original U.S. editions of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels. She is also a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator.
Sources: us.macmillan.com (opens in a new tab)ala.org (opens in a new tab)
Where did Mary GrandPré study, and how did her art career begin?
She studied at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and began her professional career as a conceptual illustrator for local editorial clients.
How did Mary GrandPré get the Harry Potter illustration assignment?
Scholastic contacted her about illustrating a cover, but she initially said she was too busy. After David Saylor sent her the story, she read it, liked it, and made room in her schedule.
Source: time.com (opens in a new tab)
What influenced Mary GrandPré's Harry Potter illustrations?
She drew primarily from Rowling's vivid descriptions, atmosphere, and settings. For Harry's first close-up portrait, she also adapted some of her own facial features as a starting point.
Sources: teacher.scholastic.com (opens in a new tab)time.com (opens in a new tab)
What awards and lasting recognition has Mary GrandPré received?
She received a 2015 Caldecott Honor for illustrating The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky's Abstract Art. Her Harry Potter artwork was also featured on a TIME cover and helped shape many readers' visual image of Harry.
Sources: ala.org (opens in a new tab)time.com (opens in a new tab)