About

Hilary Jean Tapper is an award-winning illustrator based in New Zealand. She creates picture books, and works as a lecturer and researcher. Her awards include the ABIA Children’s Picture Book of the Year, Storylines Noteable Award, and Forevablility Book Award.

Hilary illustrates for picture books with Hachette, Allen & Unwin, Affirm Publishing, and Gecko Press. She uses ink, watercolour and pencil.

Her picture books include Baby and Me (2025, written by Angela Casabene), Over or Under? (2024, written by Pip Harry), At The Bach (2023, written by Joy Cowley), What To Do (2023, written by Davina Bell), The Day You Were Born (2023, written by Emma Bowd), The Fairies' Easter Egg Surprise (2023, written by Sarina Dickson), What To Say, (2022, written by Davina Bell), A Stick and A Stone (2021, written by Sarina Dickson), and Freddy the Not-Teddy (2021, written by Kristen Schroeder).