Raquel Costa
@littleblackspot.bsky.social
Award-winning Author, Illustrator & Maker • Co-founder of Little Black Spot Creative Studio
“MISS WHISTLE” is a new chapter book collection, written by @izambujal, illustrated by me, and published by @livroshorizonte. Our protagonist, Irene, is a teenage girl who becomes the world's most applauded soccer referee.
In this first book, we learn about her lovely origin story. ✨
#kidlitart
In this first book, we learn about her lovely origin story. ✨
#kidlitart
October 2, 2025 at 8:52 PM
“MISS WHISTLE” is a new chapter book collection, written by @izambujal, illustrated by me, and published by @livroshorizonte. Our protagonist, Irene, is a teenage girl who becomes the world's most applauded soccer referee.
In this first book, we learn about her lovely origin story. ✨
#kidlitart
In this first book, we learn about her lovely origin story. ✨
#kidlitart
FESTA DOS PEQUENOS LEITORES 2025 ✨ Excited to share the poster illustration I created for the Young Readers Festival, commissioned by the Portuguese National Library! This year’s festival theme is “The Voyage” (1/4)
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #illustration #bookfestival
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #illustration #bookfestival
September 14, 2025 at 8:48 PM
FESTA DOS PEQUENOS LEITORES 2025 ✨ Excited to share the poster illustration I created for the Young Readers Festival, commissioned by the Portuguese National Library! This year’s festival theme is “The Voyage” (1/4)
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #illustration #bookfestival
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #illustration #bookfestival
The book was written by Chris Vanderkooy and is published in Canada by Reasons to Live and in Portugal by The Poets and Dragons Society!
July 15, 2025 at 8:39 PM
The book was written by Chris Vanderkooy and is published in Canada by Reasons to Live and in Portugal by The Poets and Dragons Society!
So happy to announce that “Thanks Blanket” was shortlisted to the World Illustration Awarfs in Children’s Publishing category.
Thank you very much The AOI and the members of the jury. ❤️
Congratulations to all the other shortlisted illustrators! ✨
Thank you very much The AOI and the members of the jury. ❤️
Congratulations to all the other shortlisted illustrators! ✨
July 15, 2025 at 8:39 PM
So happy to announce that “Thanks Blanket” was shortlisted to the World Illustration Awarfs in Children’s Publishing category.
Thank you very much The AOI and the members of the jury. ❤️
Congratulations to all the other shortlisted illustrators! ✨
Thank you very much The AOI and the members of the jury. ❤️
Congratulations to all the other shortlisted illustrators! ✨
Very happy and proud to share that my book, “25 Women” has been selected for the Portuguese National Reading Plan - a list of school reading suggestions, curated by a panel of kidlit specialists and academics. To read my lengthy reflection on this journey, head over to my IG profile! 😊❤️
July 4, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Very happy and proud to share that my book, “25 Women” has been selected for the Portuguese National Reading Plan - a list of school reading suggestions, curated by a panel of kidlit specialists and academics. To read my lengthy reflection on this journey, head over to my IG profile! 😊❤️
🧵 Distinguished Book Seal Award for “25 WOMEN” ✨ SELOS CAMINHOS DE LEITURA, presented by the Reading Observatory of Pombal (Portugal) at Lisbon Book Fair!
“25 Women” won the SELO DISTINÇÃO (Distinguished Book Seal), awarded by a jury of experts and academics on children’s books studies.
“25 Women” won the SELO DISTINÇÃO (Distinguished Book Seal), awarded by a jury of experts and academics on children’s books studies.
June 6, 2025 at 8:43 PM
🧵 Distinguished Book Seal Award for “25 WOMEN” ✨ SELOS CAMINHOS DE LEITURA, presented by the Reading Observatory of Pombal (Portugal) at Lisbon Book Fair!
“25 Women” won the SELO DISTINÇÃO (Distinguished Book Seal), awarded by a jury of experts and academics on children’s books studies.
“25 Women” won the SELO DISTINÇÃO (Distinguished Book Seal), awarded by a jury of experts and academics on children’s books studies.
Tomorrow, my home city of Braga will host the initiative “A Day for Camões” – a celebration of the Portuguese Language, part of the Commemorations of the 5th Centenary of the Birth of Luís de Camões, paying homage to the poet’s unique work.
#EditorialIllustration #Camões #PosterDesign
#EditorialIllustration #Camões #PosterDesign
May 4, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Tomorrow, my home city of Braga will host the initiative “A Day for Camões” – a celebration of the Portuguese Language, part of the Commemorations of the 5th Centenary of the Birth of Luís de Camões, paying homage to the poet’s unique work.
#EditorialIllustration #Camões #PosterDesign
#EditorialIllustration #Camões #PosterDesign
✨ “25 Women” won the SELO DISTINÇÃO (Distinguished Book Seal) at the prestigious CAMINHOS DE LEITURA AWARDS, presented by the Reading Observatory of Pombal (Portugal)! ✨
#KidLit #KidLitArt #picturebooks #childrensbooks #WorldBookDay
#KidLit #KidLitArt #picturebooks #childrensbooks #WorldBookDay
April 23, 2025 at 8:14 PM
✨ “25 Women” won the SELO DISTINÇÃO (Distinguished Book Seal) at the prestigious CAMINHOS DE LEITURA AWARDS, presented by the Reading Observatory of Pombal (Portugal)! ✨
#KidLit #KidLitArt #picturebooks #childrensbooks #WorldBookDay
#KidLit #KidLitArt #picturebooks #childrensbooks #WorldBookDay
Today we celebrate Father’s Day here in Portugal. This one goes out to all loving dads out there. And, of course, to the most special one of them all: mine. ☺️
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #fathersday
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #fathersday
March 19, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Today we celebrate Father’s Day here in Portugal. This one goes out to all loving dads out there. And, of course, to the most special one of them all: mine. ☺️
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #fathersday
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #fathersday
“NOA” published in Türkiye 💛 I am tremendously happy with the news that "Noa", brilliantly written by Susana Cardoso Ferreira and illustrated by me was translated into Turkish and is already on sale in Türkiye!
#kidlit #kidlitart #KidLitArtPostcard #childrensbooks
#kidlit #kidlitart #KidLitArtPostcard #childrensbooks
February 6, 2025 at 9:16 PM
“NOA” published in Türkiye 💛 I am tremendously happy with the news that "Noa", brilliantly written by Susana Cardoso Ferreira and illustrated by me was translated into Turkish and is already on sale in Türkiye!
#kidlit #kidlitart #KidLitArtPostcard #childrensbooks
#kidlit #kidlitart #KidLitArtPostcard #childrensbooks
Maria Teresa Horta: an unspeakable loss, of a woman of poetic flair and unwavering courage. What can we give back to one who has given us so much, while shaking the world forward? 1/2
#womenartists #womensrights #illustration #kidlitart #mariateresahorta #trêsmarias
#womenartists #womensrights #illustration #kidlitart #mariateresahorta #trêsmarias
February 4, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Maria Teresa Horta: an unspeakable loss, of a woman of poetic flair and unwavering courage. What can we give back to one who has given us so much, while shaking the world forward? 1/2
#womenartists #womensrights #illustration #kidlitart #mariateresahorta #trêsmarias
#womenartists #womensrights #illustration #kidlitart #mariateresahorta #trêsmarias
Incredibly happy that my illustrations for “25 Mulheres” were shortlisted for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2025 Illustrators Exhibition! ✨
It’s an honour to be among the finalists in this prestigious event, alongside fellow portuguese illustrator Mariana Rio! ✨
#childrensbooks #kidlitart
It’s an honour to be among the finalists in this prestigious event, alongside fellow portuguese illustrator Mariana Rio! ✨
#childrensbooks #kidlitart
January 23, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Incredibly happy that my illustrations for “25 Mulheres” were shortlisted for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2025 Illustrators Exhibition! ✨
It’s an honour to be among the finalists in this prestigious event, alongside fellow portuguese illustrator Mariana Rio! ✨
#childrensbooks #kidlitart
It’s an honour to be among the finalists in this prestigious event, alongside fellow portuguese illustrator Mariana Rio! ✨
#childrensbooks #kidlitart
Thinking about all the things that keep us warm when life gets a little chilly, this came to mind: friendship is the warmest blanket, wouldn’t you say? 💛
One more process video from my newest picture book, “Thanks, Blanket”, released in December 2024, both in Canada and in Portugal.
#kidlitart
One more process video from my newest picture book, “Thanks, Blanket”, released in December 2024, both in Canada and in Portugal.
#kidlitart
January 17, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Thinking about all the things that keep us warm when life gets a little chilly, this came to mind: friendship is the warmest blanket, wouldn’t you say? 💛
One more process video from my newest picture book, “Thanks, Blanket”, released in December 2024, both in Canada and in Portugal.
#kidlitart
One more process video from my newest picture book, “Thanks, Blanket”, released in December 2024, both in Canada and in Portugal.
#kidlitart
Hey, guys! Hope you’re having a wonderful start of the new year! ✨These early days of January have been grey, stormy and chilly around here, not a great time to be outdoors.
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #thanksblanket
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #thanksblanket
January 10, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Hey, guys! Hope you’re having a wonderful start of the new year! ✨These early days of January have been grey, stormy and chilly around here, not a great time to be outdoors.
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #thanksblanket
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #thanksblanket
HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE! ⭐️🎄⭐️ I’m so grateful for all your kindness, friendship and support! Thank you so much for sticking by me throughout the years! ♥️
Whatever traditions you embrace, whether you’re celebrating the holidays or not, I’m wishing you a joyful season!
#happyholidays #merryxmas
Whatever traditions you embrace, whether you’re celebrating the holidays or not, I’m wishing you a joyful season!
#happyholidays #merryxmas
December 24, 2024 at 6:40 PM
HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE! ⭐️🎄⭐️ I’m so grateful for all your kindness, friendship and support! Thank you so much for sticking by me throughout the years! ♥️
Whatever traditions you embrace, whether you’re celebrating the holidays or not, I’m wishing you a joyful season!
#happyholidays #merryxmas
Whatever traditions you embrace, whether you’re celebrating the holidays or not, I’m wishing you a joyful season!
#happyholidays #merryxmas
The sexiest! 😁
December 22, 2024 at 1:34 PM
The sexiest! 😁
“THANKS, BLANKET!” ALREADY AVAILABLE! 💛 You won’t find a warmest, more snuggliest, book this Christmas: “Thanks, Blanket!”, written by Chris Vanderkooy eand illustrated by me, is now available in a brand new edition by The Poets and Dragons Society!
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks
December 18, 2024 at 9:21 PM
“THANKS, BLANKET!” ALREADY AVAILABLE! 💛 You won’t find a warmest, more snuggliest, book this Christmas: “Thanks, Blanket!”, written by Chris Vanderkooy eand illustrated by me, is now available in a brand new edition by The Poets and Dragons Society!
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks
So happy to share that my illustrations for “25 Mulheres” have won a Merit Award in the 11th Edition of Hiii Illustration International Competition! ✨
Truly honoured by this distinction, my deepest thanks to the jury, chaired by Martin Salisbury! ❤️
Congratulations to all my fellow illustrators!
Truly honoured by this distinction, my deepest thanks to the jury, chaired by Martin Salisbury! ❤️
Congratulations to all my fellow illustrators!
December 16, 2024 at 9:43 PM
So happy to share that my illustrations for “25 Mulheres” have won a Merit Award in the 11th Edition of Hiii Illustration International Competition! ✨
Truly honoured by this distinction, my deepest thanks to the jury, chaired by Martin Salisbury! ❤️
Congratulations to all my fellow illustrators!
Truly honoured by this distinction, my deepest thanks to the jury, chaired by Martin Salisbury! ❤️
Congratulations to all my fellow illustrators!
Truly honoured that my illustrations for “25 Mulheres” have been juried into the Society Of Illustrators 67th Annual exhibit and book! ✨
My deepest thanks to the @soi128.bsky.social and the jury!
Special shout out to my editor Ana Maduro, at Oficina do Livro/LEYA, for believing in this book! ❤️
My deepest thanks to the @soi128.bsky.social and the jury!
Special shout out to my editor Ana Maduro, at Oficina do Livro/LEYA, for believing in this book! ❤️
December 12, 2024 at 9:29 PM
Truly honoured that my illustrations for “25 Mulheres” have been juried into the Society Of Illustrators 67th Annual exhibit and book! ✨
My deepest thanks to the @soi128.bsky.social and the jury!
Special shout out to my editor Ana Maduro, at Oficina do Livro/LEYA, for believing in this book! ❤️
My deepest thanks to the @soi128.bsky.social and the jury!
Special shout out to my editor Ana Maduro, at Oficina do Livro/LEYA, for believing in this book! ❤️
All beginnings beget an end, and our story is no different. Let’s jump back in, fast forwarding right into its final chapters. We spin the final yarn of the tale of wonder and woe known as “Thanks, Blanket!” 😊 1/7
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #thanksblanket
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #thanksblanket
November 28, 2024 at 10:12 PM
All beginnings beget an end, and our story is no different. Let’s jump back in, fast forwarding right into its final chapters. We spin the final yarn of the tale of wonder and woe known as “Thanks, Blanket!” 😊 1/7
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #thanksblanket
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #thanksblanket
Gather ye ‘round, fair folk! - for tonight we continue the tale of “Thanks, Blanket!”. The picture book seven years in the making! 😊
Following the first stages of visual development, back in 2017, I didn’t hear from Chris or Lindsay for quite a while. 1/7
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks
Following the first stages of visual development, back in 2017, I didn’t hear from Chris or Lindsay for quite a while. 1/7
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks
November 27, 2024 at 10:12 PM
Gather ye ‘round, fair folk! - for tonight we continue the tale of “Thanks, Blanket!”. The picture book seven years in the making! 😊
Following the first stages of visual development, back in 2017, I didn’t hear from Chris or Lindsay for quite a while. 1/7
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks
Following the first stages of visual development, back in 2017, I didn’t hear from Chris or Lindsay for quite a while. 1/7
#kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks
I’d like to tell you a story about a new picture book that’s been long in the making. Seven years, to be precise. It’s kind of a long story, but I promise it’ll be worth it! 💛
The book will be available very soon, and I’ll be sharing all the details in the coming days. 1/6
#kidlit #kidlitart
The book will be available very soon, and I’ll be sharing all the details in the coming days. 1/6
#kidlit #kidlitart
November 26, 2024 at 10:30 PM
I’d like to tell you a story about a new picture book that’s been long in the making. Seven years, to be precise. It’s kind of a long story, but I promise it’ll be worth it! 💛
The book will be available very soon, and I’ll be sharing all the details in the coming days. 1/6
#kidlit #kidlitart
The book will be available very soon, and I’ll be sharing all the details in the coming days. 1/6
#kidlit #kidlitart
Little boxes, big boxes, tiny boxes… When you’re a cat, “If I fits, I sits” is your motto! 😸
Couple more sneak peeks into the illustrations I created for the book “Sofia e o Dia da Fotografia”, written by Sofia Vieira and published by The Poets & Dragons Society.
#kidlit #kidlitart #childrensbooks
Couple more sneak peeks into the illustrations I created for the book “Sofia e o Dia da Fotografia”, written by Sofia Vieira and published by The Poets & Dragons Society.
#kidlit #kidlitart #childrensbooks
November 24, 2024 at 9:24 PM
Little boxes, big boxes, tiny boxes… When you’re a cat, “If I fits, I sits” is your motto! 😸
Couple more sneak peeks into the illustrations I created for the book “Sofia e o Dia da Fotografia”, written by Sofia Vieira and published by The Poets & Dragons Society.
#kidlit #kidlitart #childrensbooks
Couple more sneak peeks into the illustrations I created for the book “Sofia e o Dia da Fotografia”, written by Sofia Vieira and published by The Poets & Dragons Society.
#kidlit #kidlitart #childrensbooks
November 23, 2024 at 9:16 PM