Darcy Day Zoells – illustratör

Gold Medal Winner of the 2022 Key Colors Competition, the biennial national contest for illustrators of children’s books."I loved the lyrical but simple language, which was well-matched to the elegant and representational line drawings, filled with watercolor. This was a delightful celebration of the power and wonder of bikes and the independence they bring, whether they’re used to run errands, meet new friends, deliver packages (here, an elephant!), or fulfill dreams."- Youth Services Book Review "As the world splinters and divides, perhaps we need to remember what we share, and that beauty brings us closer to the just—whether it be encountering a flower, a late Beethoven quartet, a Raga Darbari, or a children’s book. - Tanya Jayani Fernando; The Massachusetts Review"A delightful blend of whimsy and realism that captures the joy of new bikes, imagination—and where both can take you.” — Shelle Rosenfeld; Booklist"Beautiful illustrations pair perfectly with simple, succinct text."- Kirkus ReviewsMari lives in a very normal house in a very normal neighborhood. One day, she gets a new bicycle. It's bight, bold and brimming with possibilities! Mari sets off to see where her new bicycle will take her and her trip down the block becomes a fantastic adventure. During her journey, paving her own way, she meets new friends, transports precious cargo, and finds endless places to explore before returning home. An imaginative little road movie layered with meaning to ride along.

"A humorous, all-too-familiar portrayal of bedtime hijinks." - Kirkus ReviewsIncluded in CBC's April Hot Off the Press reading list 2025!My dog, Smithy, is the best playmate ever! We have so much fun together—whether he's winning at games, I'm coming out on top, or we’re both making a mess. But Mom doesn’t seem to mind. Or does she?This charming book, perfect for dog lovers, is a sweet and funny celebration of the bond between a child and their dog. With relatable scenarios of an exhausted, working mom and a playful child, it captures the joy and messiness of their adventures and bond that ties them all together.From the winner of Clavis’ 2022 US Key Colors Competition, Darcy Day Zoells, Smithy and Me features emotion-provoking illustrations that beautifully complement the story.A book full of imagination and fun, but also full of mess and mischief. For children ages 4 years and up.