Marissa Valdez

Marissa Valdez (she/her) (www.marissavaldez.com) is the #1 New York Times bestselling children’s book illustrator behind the Ambitious Girl series by Meena Harris and Hattie Harmony books by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett. A former preschool teacher and Minecraft summer camp counselor (yes, that’s right, Minecraft), Marissa adores all things silly and funny and endeavors to make kids laugh all across the globe with her art.

Her debut picture book, Hedgehogs Don’t Wear Underwear, was shortlisted for the Barnes and Noble Picture Book Award and named one of Barnes and Noble’s and Indigo’s Best Books of 2025. Her books have been Jane Addams Children’s Book Awards finalists, Older Reader Illustrated Golden Kite Honorees, Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award Nominees, plus more.

Marissa grew up on the South Texas border soaking up sun, eating her abuela’s chiles rellenos, and smelling old books in libraries. She now calls Birmingham, UK home with her husband and two American cats, where she spends her time smelling even older books and scarfing down fish and chips. She enjoys visiting friends and family in the USA and never misses a chance to wander through a new library on her trips.

Marissa is open to virtual and in-person events, which include story-building lessons, fast-paced French word games, and lots and LOTS of live drawing.

Books by Marissa Valdez