This year's illustrator is Ashley Spires.

Ashley was born and raised in British Columbia where she resides still with her cats Gracie and Charlotte.

She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and a Graduate Diploma in Illustration from Sheridan College.

Ashley's book A Bloom of Friendship - written by Anne Renaud, Lobster Press - was nominated for the Silver Birch Award and the Red Cedar Book Award.

Other books illustrated by Ashley are:
Our Song - written by Peter Kuitenbrouwer, Lobster Press
My Mom Loves Me More Than Sushi - written by Filomena Gomes, Second Story Press