Born in 1970 to an English father and a Swedish mother, Kitty Crowther grew up in Brussels. Despite being hearing impaired from birth, she was able to establish a unique path in children’s literature through writing and drawing. Passionate about the art of storytelling and also the creative process: its lines, its layouts, its very particular range of colours to arouse the feelings of readers throughout the pages. She often tackles so-called “difficult” themes.
To date, Kitty has produced over forty books, translated into around thirty languages. She travels the world to give conferences, workshops for adults, for exhibitions, residencies, and to share her art through stage performances.
Most of Kitty’s books are originally published in Belgium by Pastel, an imprint of l’école des loisirs, and in recent years by Swedish publisher Lilla Piratförlaget. Her work, noticed early on by critics, has been rewarded with important distinctions such as the Baobab Prize, the Libbylit Prize, and the Triennial Grand Prix for Youth Literature.
In 2010, Kitty received the world’s most prestigious prize for children’s literature: the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA). About Kitty’s work, the ALMA jury said: “Kitty Crowther is the master of line but also of atmosphere. She maintains the tradition of the picture book while transforming and renewing it. In her world, the door between imagination and reality is wide open. She addresses the reader gently and personally, but with profound effect. In her deeply felt empathy with people in difficulty, she shows ways in which weakness can be turned into strength. Humanism and sympathy permeate and unify her artistry.”
Read the full text from the ALMA jury
Photo by Lydie Nesvadba
Bibliography
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR
Face The Day – Fotokino, France, 2023.
Je veux un chien et peu importe lequel – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2021.
Sagor om Natten – Lilla Piratförlaget, Sweden, 2017.
Jan Toorop Het lied van de tijd – Leopold / Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, The Netherlands, 2016.
Poka & Mine: Un cadeau pour grand-Mère – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2016.
Mère Méduse – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2014.
Le petit homme et Dieu – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2010.
Annie du lac – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2009.
Poka & Mine: Au fond du jardin – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2007
Poka & Mine: Au cinéma – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2006..
Poka & Mine: Au musée – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2006.
Alors? – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2006.
Le Grand Désordre – Éditions du Seuil, France, 2005.
Poka & Mine: Les nouvelles ailes – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2005.
Poka & Mine: Le Réveil – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2005.
Petits meurtres et autres tendresses – Éditions du Seuil, France, 2004.
La Visite de la Petite Mort – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2004.
L'Enfant racine – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2003.
Scritch Scratch Dip Clapote! – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2002.
Le Bain d’Elias – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2001.
Moi et rien – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2000.
Trois histoires folles de Monsieur Pol – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 1999.
Lily au royaume des nuages – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 1997.
Mon ami Jim – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 1996.
Va faire un tour – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 1995.
Mon Royaume – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 1994.
ILLUSTRATOR
Quelqu'un à qui parler – short stories written by Belgian writers – Télé-Accueil / Esperluète éditions, Belgium, 2024.
Nous, les enfants de l’archipel – novel written by Astrid Lindgren – Translated into French by Alain Gnaedig – L’école des loisirs, France, 2022.
Rymlingarna – novel written by Ulf Stark – Lilla Piratförlaget, Sweden, 2018.
Farwest – written by Peter Elliot – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2021.
Lutin Veille – written by Astrid Lindgren – Rabén & Sjörgen, Sweden, 2012.
Petit poème pour passer le temps – written by Carl Norac – Didier Jeunesse, France, 2009.
Dans moi – written by Alex Cousseau – Éditions MeMo, France, 2007.
Un nuage dans le ventre – novel written by Gilles Abier – Actes Sud Junior, France, 2007.
Les Contes du magasin – novel written by Alix Mosonyi – L’école des loisirs, France, 2006.
Les Contes de l'armoire – novel written by Alix Mosonyi – L’école des loisirs, France, 2006.
Spinoza et moi – novel written by Sylvaine Jaoui – Casterman, 2005.
Vingt-neuf moutons – novel written by Christian Oster – L’école des loisirs, France, 2004.
La Princesse qui n'existait pas – novel written by Christian Oster – L’école des loisirs, France, 2003.
Teri-Hate-Tua, l'épouvantable tortue rouge– novel written by Jean-François Chabas – Casterman, 2002.
L’Anniversaire de l'écureuil – written by Toon Tellegen – Albin Michel Jeunesse, France, 2002.
Le Père Noël m'a écrit – written by Carl Norac – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2001.
Tout va très bien, Madame la marquise – Written by Paul Misraki, Henri Allum and Charles Pasquier – Didier jeunesse, France, 2001.
Pour sa naissance – Albin Michel Jeunesse, France, 2000.
365 histoires, comptines et chansons – written by Marie Delafon – Albin Michel Jeunesse, France, 2000
La Grande Ourse – written by Carl Norac – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 1999.
Les Animaux et leurs poètes – written by Jean-Hugues Malineau – Albin Michel Jeunesse, France, 1998.
Copain des peintres – written by Geneviève Casterman – Editions Milan, France, 1997.
Chat – written by Florence Dutruc-Rosset – Syros jeunesse, France, 1994.
REFERENCE BOOKS
Oblo N°5 – Hamelin, Italy, 2021.
La revue pour les livres pour enfant: Numéro 314 – Gallimard Jeunesse, France, 2020.
Conversation avec Kitty Crowther – text by Véronique Andersen – édition Pyramyd, France, 2016.
Le Monde de Kitty Crowther – text by Lucie Cauwe – Pastel – l’école des loisirs, Belgium, 2007.
Education
Evening classes in etching at the Ixelles Academy (Brussels) with Anne Kellens: 1991–1995.
Les Écoles supérieures des arts Saint-Luc Bruxelles: 1991–1993.
Une année à la Cambre Bruxelles (drawing): 1990–1991.
Humanité artistique l’académie Royale des beaux arts à Bruxelles: 1986–1990.
Exhibitions
Pas de livres pour enfants. Enfantillages – Collective exhibition curated by Anna Sailer: Tomi Ungerer, Beatrice Alemagna, Pauline Barsilaï, Blexbolex, Serge Bloch, Lisa Blumen, Guillaume Chauchat, Mathilde Chèvre, Kitty Crowther, Dominique Goblet, Marie Migraine, Seamen Parc, Matthias Picard, Mathier Sapin, Léo Timmers, Musée Tomi Ungerer – Centre international de l'Illustration. Strasbourg, France 2024–2025.
Kitty Crowther – Solo exhibition curated by Michèle Barbenègre, Galerie Serpent Vert, Paris, France, 2024.
Le grand salon – Curated by Vincent Tuset-Anres and Karen Louÿs. Collective exhibition curated by Fotokino: Géraldine Alibeu, Sophie Couderc, Jérémie Fischer, Benoît Guillaume, Bettina Henni, Kitty Crowther, Adrien Herda, Amélie Jackowski, Roméo Julien, Gala Vanson, Studio Fotokino, Marseille, France, 2023.
L’autre côté est tout près – Solo exhibition curated by Marie Roduit and Nicole Kunz, Villa Bernasconi, Lancy, Switzerland, 2023.
Extrapoler une forme – Festival Inciso Nellaterradeisegni. Curated by Elena Turetti. Collective exhibitions and events: Simone Beneventi, Paolo Maria, Clemente and Lupo Contadino, Caterina Gobbi, Stefano Boni, Andrea Staid, Massimo Zamboni, Andrea Moro and Giuseppina Ruggiero, Isidro Ferrer, Kitty Crowther. Centro Ca’Mon, Monno, Italy, 2023.
On bulle pas! – Collective exhibition curated by Sébastien Esteban Desplat: Nicolas De Crecy, Fanny Michaëlis, Yann Kebbi, Ludovic Debeurme, Roxane Lumeret, Clément Vuillier, Jochen Gerner, Julie Safirstein, Kitty Crowther, La Métairie Bruyère, Parly, France, 2022.
Astrid Lindgren Weekend with Kitty Crowther – Solo exhibition curated by Aino Höglund, Institut Suédois, Paris, France, 2022.
L’ora Magica – Solo exhibition curated by Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin Associazione Culturale, Bologna, Italy, 2022.
I see you – Curated by Karen Louÿs. Laterna Magica, Fotokino, L’autoportrait, Marseille, France, 2022.
En fluo – Solo exhibition curated by Gilles Dewalque, Liège au centre culturel de Chiroux, Belgium, 2022.
A quatre pieds – Collaboration with Vincent Glowinski, curated by Adrien Grimmeau, Triennal d’art contemporain Magma, Ottignies, Belgium, 2021.
Facewall - Curated by Adrien Grimmeau. Triennal d’art contemporain Magma, Ottignies, Belgium, 2021.
Picture Festival – Solo exhibition curated by Carole Saturno, Canine, Brussels, Belgium, 2021.
Grafixx Festival – Curated by Ephameron. Antwerp, Belgium, 2019.
Picture Festival – Curated by Carole Saturno. Installation by Kitty Crowther and Gerda Dendooven: “Hangman’s Ball”, Magritte Museum, Brussels, Belgium, 2019.
Hälsinglands Museum – Curated by Carl Anders. Solo exhibition, Hudiksvall, Sweden, 2019.
Bror Hjorths Hus Museum – Curated by Maria Malmberg Wallin. Solo exhibition, Uppsala, Sweden, 2019.
Laterna Magica – Curated by Karen Louÿs. Petites histoires de nuits, exposition de Kitty Crowther. Le Musée de poche, Paris, France, 2018.
Chemin Papier – Curated by Vincent Tuset-Anres. Collective exhibition: Philippe Weisbecker , Simon Roussin, Yann Kebbi , Blexbolex , Bonnefrite , Jockum Nordstrom, Kitty Crowther, Centre national du graphisme, Chaumont, France, 2018.
Gemeente Museum Den Haag – Curated by Jet Van Overeem. During an exhibition of the painter Jan Toorop, there was a simultaneous exhibition in the children's gallery of the museum featuring the originals from Kitty Crowther’s picturebook Jan Toorop: Le chant du temps, The Netherlands, 2016.
Les p’tites nuits d’encre – Curated by Vincent Geens. Ottignies, Belgium, 2016.
A l’intérieur, carte blanche – Curated by Karel Ménine. Ville Culturel, Mons, Belgium, 2015.
Fourth upon a time: Harriët, Eva, Kitty, Nadja – Curated by Kristian Berglund. Four artists and picturebook creators, Harriët Van Reek, Eva Lindström, Nadja and Kitty Crowther at the Nordiska Akvarellmuseet (Nordic Watercolour Museum), Skärhamn, Sweden, 2015.
Lueurs du nord (Northern Lights) – Curated by Karen Louÿs. Collective exhibition: Kitty Crowther, Marcel Dzama, Joanna Hellgren, Jockum Nordström and Hannah Waldron, Fotokino, Marseille, 2014.
La cour des miracles – Curated by Nathalie Guimard. Laterna Magica, Fotokino, Marseille, 2013.
Hell’o Kitty – Curated by Benjamin Demeyere. Bries Space, Antwerp, Belgium, 2013.
Bologna a testa in su – Curated by Ilaria Tontardini. With Bernardo Carvalho at Hamelin Associazione Culturale (non-profit organisation). Exhibition and creation of a colouring book based on the city of Bologna, 2012.
Tout va très bien – Curated by Emmanuelle Martinat-Dupré. Centre de l'illustration, Moulins, France, 2012.
Expo Play – Collective exhibition curated by Olivier Douzou: Christian Voltz, José Parrondo, Jochen Gerner, Natali Fortier, Anouk Ricard, Fréderic Bertrand, Montreuil, France, 2007.
Foire de livre, Bruxelles – Curated by Muriel Limbosh, Belgium, 2006.
Petites personnes – Médiathéque de Troyes, France, 2005.
Residencies
Czech Literary Centre & UMPRUM Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design, Prague, Czech Republic, 2024.
El lirón Gris, Olarte, Orozko, Spain, 2024.
Valcamonica, Centro Ca’Mon, Monno, Italy, 2023.
Fotokino, Marseille, France, 2023.
La Métairie Bruyère, Parly, France, 2022.
Baraque / Magma, Ottignies, Belgium, 2021.
Carunusca, Narrowboat residency between Belgium and France, 2018.
Nordiska akvarellmuseet (Nordic Watercolour Museum), Skarhamn, Sweden, 2015.
Berlin Federation Wallonie Bruxelles, Berlin, Germany, 2009.
Children’s Theatre
Moi et rien, Italy, 2018 – Theatre company: Teatro Gioco Vita. Directed by Fabrizio Montecchi, assisted by Vera Di Marco. Story by Kitty Crowther. Acted by Letizia Bravi, Valeria Barreca and Tiziano Ferrari. Translated by Isabelle Detrez. Silhouettes by Nicoletta Garioni and Federica Ferrari based on drawings by Kitty Crowther. Lighting by Davide Rigodanza. Music by Paolo Codognola. Costumes by Tania Fedeli. Sound management by Alberto Marvisi. Stage design by Sergio Bernasani. Co-produced by Teatro Gioco Vitak, Segni New Generations Festival.
L’enfant racine, Belgium, 2016 – Theatre company: La bulle à sons. Performed by Fabienne Van den Driessche. Directed by Martin Staes-Polet. Sound and lighting by Gaëtan van den Berg. Scenography by Véronique Nicaise Music compositions by Fabienne Van den Driessche and Benjamin Eeppe (Waltz of the Fairies).
Alors?, France, 2016 – Theatre company: Compagnie en attendant. Directed by Jean-Philippe Naas. Story by Kitty Crowther. Acted by Maëlenn Dano, musican, and Baptiste Nénert, comedian. Lighting by Nathalie Perrier. Puppets by Julia Morlot. Produced by Audrey Roger.
Ô, France, 2015 – Theatre company: Compagnie en attendant. Audience from 3 years old. Directed by Jean-Philippe Naas, assisted by Michel Liégeois. Story and illustrations by Kitty Crowthe. Acted by Maëlenn Dano and Arthur Dumas. Scenography and costumes by Mathias Baudry. Lighting by Nathalie Perrier Sons, Pierre-Mathieu Hébert and Jérôme Laferrière. Management by Julien Poupon. Produced by Cécile Henny.
Ce soir-là au fond des bois, Belgium, 2011 (reprised in 2016) – Theatre company: Théâtre du Tilleul. Directed by Carine Ermans and Mark Elst. Drawings by Kitty Crowther. Concept and story by Carine Ermans. Stage design Mark Elst. Dramaturgy music by Sylvain Geoffray and Carine Ermans. Silhouettes and paper drawings by Carine Ermans, Nicolas Bovesse, Christophe Morisset, Julie Michaud, Sylvain Geoffray, Benjamin van Thiel and Christian Baggen. With the Orchestre National de Belgique, directed by Koen Kessels (2011) and Damian Iorio (2016). Children’s choir by Vlaaamse opera directed by Hendrik Derolez. Live drawing by Kitty Crowther. Co-Produced by ONB and Bozar.
Là où souffle le vent, France, 2005 – Theatre company: Compagnie en attendant. Audience from 5 years old. Directed by Jean-Philippe Naas, assisted by Michel Liégeois. Story and puppets by Kitty Crowther. Acted by Aude de Rouffignac and Hervé Walbecq. Sound design by Joktavius. Lighting by Vincent Gredin. Management by Julien Poupon. Costume creation by Juliette Barbier. Set construction by Arnaud Liégeo. Produced by Christophe Drouhin. Distributed by Cécile Henny.
L’ombre d’Emma, France, 2004 – Theatre company: Compagnie en attendant. Directed by Jean-Philippe Naas, assisted by Michel Liégeois. Story and illustrations by Kitty Crowther. Acted by Vincent Gredin and Emmanuelle Vein and Aude de Rouffignac. Produced by Laure Felix.
Posters (selection)
ANIMA, Belgium, 2022.
Petites fabriques de nuit, France, 2018.
CNL Partir en livre, France, 2018.
Momix, France, 2015.
Le Lieu Unique, France, 2013.
L’école des loisirs / Pastel, Belgium, 2009.
Le Prix Bernard Versele, Belgium, 2008.
Other work
Node – Design of a fair trade rug (initiated by Chris Haughton), 2012.
Le Banc – Production of a short animated film with Bruno Salamone, 2009.
Awards and Recognition
Pôle d’or de la ville d’Ottignies Belgique pour l’ensemble de son oeuvre – Belgium, 2019.
Nati Per Leggere – Italy, 2018.
LIBBYLIT Prize – For the best Belgian picturebook for Jan Toorop le chant du temps, Belgium, 2016.
Lauréate d'une Bourse de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles – Sabbatical, Belgium, 2016.
Boekenpauw – For Mère Méduse, Belgium, 2016.
Palette d’or – For Le petit homme et Dieu, The Netherlands, 2012.
Lauréate d'une Bourse de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles – Residence, Belgium, 2010.
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) – Literature prize in memory of Astrid Lindgren which rewards the recipient’s body of work and contribution to children’s and young adult literature. The 12 members of the jury include authors, literary critics and scholars, illustrators and librarians. One member represents Astrid Lindgren's family. Stockholm, Sweden, 2010.
Grand Prix SGDL du livre jeunesse – For Petits poèmes pour passer le temps, written by Carl Norac, France, 2009.
Baobab Prize – Winner at the Seine-Saint-Denis Book Fair, for Annie du Lac, Montreuil, France, 2009.
CJ Picture Book Award – Korea, 2008.
Du prix de l’illustration jeunesse du Centre de l’illustration de Moulins – France, 2008.
Baobab Prize – Finalist at the Seine-Saint-Denis Book Fair, Montreuil, France, 2007.
Le Grand prix triennal de la communauté française de Belgique – Awarded in recognition of the body of work, Belgium, 2006.
LIBBYLIT Prize – For the best Belgian picturebook for Alors?, Belgium, 2006.
Prix Escapages (prix littéraire des jeunes de l’Indre) – “10+ years category” for the novel Spinoza et moi written by Sylvaine Jaoui, France, 2006–2007.
Prix Chronos de littérature de jeunesse – Children's jury, CM1CM2, for the novel Spinoza et moi written by Sylvaine Jaoui, France, 2006.
Pinceau d’argent – For La Visite de Petite mort, The Netherlands, 2004.
Pinceau d’argent – For Scritch scratch dip clapote, The Netherlands, 2002.
Prix Vlag en Wimpel – For Mon ami Jim, The Netherlands, 1996.
Unesco Prize for Literature for Children and Adolescents in the Service of Tolerance – Honourable Mention in the “under 13 years” category for Mon ami Jim, France, 1996.
Octogone de fonte – Graphic prize for international artist (International Centre for Studies in Youth Literature, CLIEJ, Charleville-Mézières) for Va faire un tour, France, 1995.
Prix Coran Junior – For entire body of work + Children's Book Critics Prize from the French Community of Belgium for Un jour mon prince viendra, Belgium, 1995.
Prix Figures Future: Jeunes illustrateurs pour demain – Montreuil, France, 1992.