ABOUT LEO
Leo Espinosa is an award-winning illustrator and artist originally from Colombia. His vibrant, dynamic art and design aesthetics can be found in picture books, products, magazines, animated series, and galleries around the world. You may have seen his work on the pages of The New Yorker or in local bookstores and school libraries with titles from Penguin Random House, Candlewick Press, and Chronicle Books.
Leo’s passion for storytelling shines through in his collaborations with celebrated authors. With Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz, Islandborn earned a Pura Belpré Honor for illustration, 2019. With Newbery Medalist Jacqueline Woodson, The World Belonged to Us was awarded a Gold Medal at the Society of Illustrators’ Original Art Show, 2022 and was featured in The Atlantic’s 65 Essential Children's Books, 2025.
Leo’s debut book as author and illustrator, titled My Papa Has a Red Mustache, releases June, 2026.
When he’s not at his drawing table bringing stories to life, you’ll find Leo on his bike, riding in the mountains near his home in Salt Lake City, where he lives with his wife, Laura, and their dog, Peaches.
AWARDS
Society of Illustrators - Stevan Dohanos Award (2012), Gold Medal (2012), and Silver Medals (2009, 2010,2013)
3x3 Pro Show (2013) - Gold Medal in Editorial & Conceptual Art
Society of Illustrators Original Art Show 2015 - Dilys Evans Founder's Award
American Library Association (2019 )- Pura Belpré Honor Book for Illustration for "Islandborn" by Junot Diaz
Society of Illustrators Original Art Show (2022) - Gold Medal for "The World Belonged to Us" by Jacqueline Woodson
Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year (2023)- Irma Black Award Silver Medal for “The World Belonged to Us” by Jacqueline Woodson
Junior Library Guild Awards - “Islandborn”, “The World Belonged to Us”, “Jackrabbit McCabe”, “Major Taylor”, “Subway Baby” and “Goldfish on Vacation”
Bank Street (2024) - Best Children’s Book of the Year for “No Is All I Know” by Chris Grabenstein
Communication Arts - Illustration, Design, and Typography Annuals
CLIENTS
