Ryan O’Rourke is a freelance illustrator with over 25 years of experience creating work across a wide range of markets, including children’s publishing, editorial, advertising, and institutional projects. With both a BFA and MFA from the Hartford Art School, Ryan brings a strong academic foundation to his vibrant, narrative-driven illustrations.

In addition to his freelance career, Ryan is a Professor of Illustration, Graphic Design and Animation at The Institute of Art and Design at New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire.

Ryan’s client list includes major publishers and media outlets such as HarperCollins, Astra Publishing, Sterling Publishing, Charlesbridge Publishing, Clarion Books, Sleeping Bear Press, Magic Cat Publishing, The Boston Globe, TIME for Kids, LA Weekly, PBS, and Highlights Magazine, among many others.

His work has earned recognition from numerous organizations, including The International Reading Association, the Children's Book Council, American Illustration, the Society of Illustrators, SILA, 3x3 Magazine, and the Connecticut Art Directors Club.

Children’s Books

The Great Christmas Eve Caper, Self-published, 2025

Parker Panda’s Perfect Day, Eversana Intouch, 2024

Our Wish For You, Charlesbridge Publishing, 2023

Name That Thing, Magic Cat, 2023

Let’s Build a Little Train, Sleeping Bear Press, 2022

Night, Night Curiosity, Charlesbridge Publishing, 2020

Write! Write! Write!, Boyds Mills Press, 2020

Alphabet Boats, Charlesbridge Publishing, 2019

Mouseling’s Words, Clarion Books, 2018

Read! Read! Read!, Boyds Mills Press, 2017

Up! Up! Up! Skyscraper, Charlesbridge Publishing, 2017

Bella, Up ,Up and Away, HarperCollins Publishing, 2016

Alphabet Trains, Charlesbridge Publishing, 2016

Bella, Lost and Found, HarperCollins Publishing, 2014

Alphabet Trucks, Charlesbridge Publishing, 2013

Lisa Loeb’s Songs for Movin’ and Shakin: The Air Band Song,

and Other Toe-Tapping Tunes, Sterling Publishing, 2013

Eight Days Gone, Charlesbridge Publishing, 2012

Lisa Loeb’s Silly Sing-Along, The Disappointing

Pancake and Other Zany Songs, Sterling Publishing, 2011

One Big Rain, Charlesbridge Publishing, 2010