Kim Sponaugle — Book Illustration Consultant

For authors who need clarity, direction, or a second look

Get in Touch

Where are you starting from?

A bluebird standing over a nest holding a book labelled Your Story

For First-Time Authors

We begin with a focused review of your manuscript and visuals, identifying what’s working and where the story can be strengthened. You leave with clear direction, specific revisions to consider, and a stronger visual path forward.

A bluebird looking down into an empty nest

For Published Authors

Many authors have a strong story but aren’t sure how it’s landing visually. This process clarifies what’s working, what may be holding the book back, and how to strengthen its emotional and visual impact.

What we look at

  • Character clarity
  • Page turns & pacing
  • Emotional engagement
  • Market positioning
  • Illustration consistency

What you get

A focused, “forensic” review to identify what may be limiting your book’s impact—and how to strengthen its emotional and visual impact.

“Her cover illustration is absolutely stunning, and it is selling my book.”
— Donna McFarland, author of Duck and Friends: The Dinosaur Bones
Seventeen authors on working with Kim

Who you’re working with

Kim Sponaugle

Kim Sponaugle — a smiling woman with dark curly hair and black-framed glasses, wearing a green cardigan

Illustrator, book designer, and creative consultant for children’s authors. Kim has illustrated picture books, covers, and chapter books, and works with authors at every stage—from first ideas to finished books.

5.0 out of 5 · working with her
20 client reviews on Reedsy 4.7 out of 5 · her books
860 customer ratings on Amazon 4.57 out of 5 · her books
192 ratings on Goodreads

The books she has illustrated have won 28 awards across 16 titles—among them a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award silver medal, two Readers’ Favorite gold medals, and Mom’s Choice Awards on four books. The full list is on the about page, each line linked to the awarding body’s own record.

“It took me some time to find my amazingly talented illustrator, Kim Sponaugle. It was definitely worth the time and effort… Her illustrations were exactly what I was looking for.” — Mary West, author of Maggie and the Mysterious Noisy Bubbles
A small brown wren with its wings spread wide

Ready to get clarity on your book?

Tell me where your book is now and what feels unresolved—we’ll start there.

Tell Me About Your Book

I’d love to hear about your story.

A bespectacled hedgehog in a plaid vest calling across a flower meadow to a wren, with hand-lettered words between them reading: Something whispers in the wind, it's coming.