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Cate James Illustration
Book Illustrator, Designer and Artist
About Cate
Cate is an award-winning illustrator and printmaker from Sydney and Edinburgh. When she's not working in her Northern Beaches studio she will be most likely be in a print workshop, a school or a swimming pool.
Cate likes to stay artistically active and to encourage and inspire new generations of artists. She works as a mentor to emerging illustrators, a lecturer, a print technician and visits schools to talk about illustration.
Illustrator: Over 40 published picture books with Penguin Random House, Affirm Press, Walker Books, Scholastic and more.
To book a visit for your school or library please contact Booked Out Speakers Agency
University of New South Wales: Academic - teaching in the printmaking and screen printing workshops. 2023 to date
University of New South Wales: Technical Officer in printmaking and screen printing workshops. 2018 to date
Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity: Illustrator in Residence 2013-2017
Latest Book Releases
Dear Broccoli
Written by Jo Dabrowski
Affirm Press 2025
Dear Broccoli,
Last night at dinner you were on my plate. AGAIN. Please don't come back.
From,
Frank.
Dear Frank,
I am afraid I cannot grant your request. The matter is out of my florets.
Most respectful regards,
Broccoli
A deliciously funny picture book that is sure to make even the pickiest of eaters look at their dinner in a new light.
the susurrus
Written by Genevieve Young-Evans
Walker Books 2025
A clever and playful celebration of the things we can hear, can’t see, but can imagine!
‘Listen. Can you hear the susurrus?’ said Grandma.
‘What’s a susurrus?’ asked Frankie.
Frankie doesn’t know what a susurrus is. She knows it not it’s not a platypus, an octopus, or even a kind of saurus. So Frankie searches for the susurrus, while her friend Andy has suggestions as to what a susurrus might be.
Everyone has a go at guessing what a susurrus is.
But no one has ever seen one.
What is a susurrus?
Frankie now knows.
Do you?
We're Going To The Zoo
Taronga Conservation Society, Aus
Penguin Random House 2025
Through the gates there’s a chatter and a squeak! What amazing animals will you meet?
Join a fun family day out with this lusciously illustrated trip around one of Australia's most iconic places. From majestic giraffes to cheeky chimpanzees, discover the wonderful world of animals at Taronga.
Where Knowledge Meets Fun!
Discover animal facts with charming storytelling and gorgeous illustrations to pore over. These board books from Taronga will delight young readers again and again!
- Vocabulary Expansion: learn new words and sounds the fun way!
- Cognitive Development: discover pattern recognition and comparison skills, essential for early learning
- Cultural Enrichment: foster a connection to the environment and wildlife with amazing animal facts!
School Visits
Preschool to P6
With years of experience visiting schools, Cate loves speaking to primary students about picture books and illustration. Her sessions are very interactive and students will leave with a pile of new drawings and ideas.
Cate is usually very busy during Book Week so book early.
Whether you have one class or a whole school to work with, Cate is happy to tailor her visit to your requirements.
Adult workshops and events
Cate is always keen to speak to audiences of all kinds about her work as an illustrator, and to facilitate workshops of all sizes.
With a background in printmaking, teaching and lecturing, Cate can work with you to create a session of making and learning that fits your needs, on a wide range of topics.
Hospitals, libraries, art schools, universities, wherever you need an art facilitator, Cate can come and visit.