Contact: sheli@spetersen-art.com

      On getting a dinosaur book for my fifth birthday, I wrote an illustrated story about a diplodocus family who spent Sunday afternoons at the bowling alley. When our kindergarten teacher insisted that I share my little book with the second-graders and explain how it was crafted, I had my first exciting experience as an author-illustrator and educator.
      Since that time, the wildlife and landscapes I observe on my daily walks, have strengthened my visual storytelling to spark curiosity and inspiration for kids-book lovers of all ages. I combine the extensive research and detailed accuracy of scientific illustration, which I teach at the college level, with my love of world-building, character design, lively interaction, and a whimsical humor that engages young readers.
      I exhibit my award-winning work at international, national, and regional venues and have six published picture books. I'm a proud and active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, providing leadership for their Nebraska chapter as Webinar Coordinator. In my commitment to education, I teach graphic design and illustration at Texas Woman’s University, where I love sharing my knowledge and expertise in visual storytelling with students.
     Please reach out—I would love to hear from you!

•Authoring & co-authoring my own illustrated picture book stories
•Illustrating other authors’ picture book & middle grade works
•Contemporary & historical fiction, nonfiction, & creative nonfiction
•Maps & hand-lettering for picture book, middle grade, & YA

•Humans’ relationships with animals & the natural world
•Wildlife
•History, historical fiction, & mythology
•Art history & visual culture
•Contemporary & historical fashion
•Scientific illustration

•Rascally Ravens of Greystone Farm
    —Picture book published by Chimney Swift Press.
•SCBWI Marvelous Midwest Conference promotional graphic.
    —Invited by SCBWI-MM Conference Committee.
•Magazine illustrations for Highlights & Cricket Media.
•5 picture books published by McGraw-Hill, McGraw-Hill Interamericana, & Renaissance House.
•Designed SCBWI-Nebraska Chapter Logo
   —Invited by SCBWI-Nebraska Regional Advisor.
•Sowing the Seeds of Liberty. National Heritage Museum long-term exhibition.
    —Picture docent illustration series for grade school children.
•Created 2D game art & animation for Genre Jam, music tapping game for iPhone & iPad.
    —Collaboration with independent game developer Fussy Kid.

•Finalist. The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. 2026
•Distinguished Service to Student Life. Texas Woman's University. 2026
•Texas Woman's University Creative Arts & Humanities Grant. Funding for Rascally Ravens picture book exhibition. 2025
•SCBWI Featured Illustrator. July 2023
•Grand Prize. SCBWI - Nebraska Indie 500 Illustrators Contest. 2023
•Honorable Mention. SCBWI - North Texas Portfolio Showcase. 2022
•Greater Denton Arts Council Micro-Grant. Funding for Rascally Ravens picture book exhibition. 2022
•Watercolor USA. Bill Armstrong Memorial Award. 2021 
•Honorable Mention. SCBWI - New England Portfolio Showcase. 2019
•Bronze Award. SCBWI - North Texas Portfolio Showcase.2018
•Grand Prize. SCBWI - Iowa Illustrators Intensive. 2017