Serena is an international children’s book author and illustrator, and has illustrated over 70 books ranging from board books to picture books through to junior readers.
Serena is known for her highly successful middle grade series Lulu Bell, Mia Megastar and Pepper Creek Ponies and picture books We are Matildas, Hope is a Spark and Rosie & Rasmus. She has illustrated over seventy titles, and is currently writing and illustrating her first graphic novel as part of the Ella series, called Ella Forever, and illustrating an exciting new cricket series coming out in October 2024.
Growing up a reluctant reader, Serena found her brother’s comic collection the perfect escape and encourages reluctant readers to read through her illustrations and use of visual imagery. Serena also spent six years working as an artist for Walt Disney Studios, on sequels to the Lion King, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid and Jungle Book which has enabled her to capture emotion and movement with her characters.
In her spare time, she captures her life through sketches and comics, seeks out humour in her week and teaches illustration and mindfulness journaling. Serena works both digitally and traditionally teaching a variety of colourful classes in Sydney.
talks and workshops
Serena offers a variety of talks and workshops for students wanting to learn about the illustration process, where ideas come from and the stages of illustrating a children’s book. Her workshops are hands-on with exercises on creating cartoon characters that will result in a finished creation by the students.
K-1: Rosie and Rasmus – Storytime & Illustration
Reading from Serena’s picture book Rosie and Rasmus and reflecting on the characters and their story. This can either be a session where the students can follow Serena to draw a dragon, or she can do a live
illustration for the class. This picture will be given to the school. Please let her know prior to the session
for preparation purposes.
Years 1-3: We are Matildas – Writing and Drawing Characters
Reading from We are Matildas. This workshop will have the students developing characters from a
worksheet, basic story writing and learning how to draw characters in different forms.
Years 3-6: Stavros the Stallion – Comic Workshop
How does Stavros the Stallion’s food choices affect his performance when the Kingdom is under attack by
pestering dragons? Learn how to create your own comic by following five easy steps from story ideas and
script, to character designs and pacing of your story. This is a fun and interactive workshop suitable for all
skill levels!
Years 4-6: Story to Screen – The Lion King II
Spending six years working for Walt Disney Studios in Sydney, Serena worked as an artist on sequels to
the Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Jungle Book and many other Disney classics. Starting out as an
assistant artist, she moved into production giving her insight into the process of making an animated film.
Based on The Lion King and Simba’s Pride, this one-hour talk takes you through the early stages of story
and script to thumbnails, animation and special effects. This is an engaging and fun journey into the world
of traditional animation that will inspire all students.