ABOUT EMMA:

Born in the island of Cebu in The Philippines, Emma moved to Paris as a baby. 

Her fondest childhood memories include perching on a trolley in the hypermarket bookshop, engrossed in the adventures of Asterix and Obelix with her brothers while her mother tackled the weekly family shop.

Driven by her love for illustration, Emma pursued studies at The Edinburgh College of Art and an erasmus at The École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs in Paris. After moving to London, she found herself drawn into the world of picture book design at Macmillan Children’s Books, where she worked over 16 years. When the pandemic hit, Emma decided to take the plunge and focus entirely on her passion for picture book illustration.

Emma's journey from a trolley-riding bookworm to an illustrator has led her to team up with author Charlie Castle to create their debut picture book, My Hair is as Long as a River, published in May 2024. My Hair is as Long as a River has been longlisted for the 2025 Klaus Flugge Award celebrating the most exciting newcomers to picture book illustration.

She’s currently working on exciting children’s book projects with Rocket Bird Books, Simon & Schuster and Walker Books and while also exploring her newfound interest in Riso printing. Lots of creative projects are underway!

SELECTED CLIENTS:

BMAG Birmingham Museum, The Ellen Shop by Ellen Degeneres, The Experiment Publishing, The Goodlife Experience Festival, Harper Collins, Jolly Foresters Urban Forest Club, Macmillan Children’s Books, Okido Magazine, Pan Macmillan, Rocket Bird Books, Simon & Schuster, The Simple Things, Taylor-West & Co Opticians, V&A Publishing and Walker Books

say hello:

For literary enquiries, Emma is represented by Rachel Petty at The Blair Partnership
Otherwise, come say hi @emmafarrarons on Instagram.