Sarah Kurpiel author page

Sarah Kurpiel biography

Sarah Kurpiel is a librarian, self-taught artist and picture-book author-illustrator. Her work is inspired by animals, nature and everyday life, and her books are written and illustrated for young children. She uses a power wheelchair and considers her disability an important part of her identity.

Lone Wolf was Kurpiel’s debut picture book, written and illustrated by her, with a release date of 12 May 2020. The story follows Maple, a husky who is repeatedly mistaken for a wolf and questions where she belongs.

Original Cat, Copy Cat was published by HarperCollins on 3 August 2021. Kurpiel wrote and illustrated the 40-page picture book, which centres on Pineapple, an only cat whose routine changes when a new kitten, Kiwi, arrives.

A Little Like Magic was published by Rocky Pond Books on 15 October 2024. Kurpiel wrote and illustrated the 40-page picture book for readers aged 4 to 8, about a child visiting an ice festival and discovering the lasting effect of the ice art she sees there.

A Little Like Magic won the Schneider Family Book Award for Best Younger Children’s Book in 2025.