Marie-Laure Couët
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Marie-Laure Couët
@marielaurecouet.bsky.social
1K followers 1.3K following 250 posts
Illustrator & designer 🌈 she/elle
Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI Canada East
Représentante comité des régions Illustration Québec
BUTTERFLY SEA, Tielmour Press 2025
https://MarieLaureCouet.myportfolio.com

#kidlit #kidlitart #illustration #NoAI
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Butterfly Sea earned Kirkus Review 'Get It' accolade! "Couët's watercolor-style illustrations drive the story, offering beautiful, sweeping landscapes of butterflies flying over a body of water and endearing close-ups of the children examining insects. A sweet tale of childhood with lovely images."
Screenshot of Kirkus Review page for Butterfly Sea picture book by Cynthia Mackey and Marie-Laure Couët. Image includes a thumbnail of cover, featuring the two main characters resting in the grass on a windy day with butterflies and the sea in the background. Image is mostly text of the review: BUTTERFLY SEA BY CYNTHIA MACKEY ILLUSTRATED BY MARIE-LAURE COUËT RELEASE DATE: DEC. 15, 2025 A sweet tale of childhood with lovely images. A pair of kids go on a hunt for butterflies in Mackey's picture book. An unnamed protagonist dons a special khaki vest and borrows Grandma's camera before heading out of a house to look for butterflies. They're pursued by a much younger child, and the second-person narration recommends that "if trouble follows you, embrace it." (Both characters are portrayed with pale skin.) As the older child continues to look for butterflies, the toddler pretends to be a mermaid, a pirate, and a shark. Each time, the protagonist keeps the younger one entertained: offering the shark Goldfish crackers, for example, and telling the pirate where to find secret treasure. The pair hide out in lilac bushes but only find snails and caterpillars, until finally "one butterfly, two butterflies, more butterflies flutter up, up, up into the sea-blue sky" as they look on. Mackey's text is engaging yet sparse, offering tantalizingly few details about the kids, which effectively invites the reader to ask questions about their backstory: What are their names? Are they siblings? Where are the grown-ups? Couët's watercolor-style illustrations drive the story, offering beautiful, sweeping landscapes of butterflies flying over a body of water and endearing close-ups of the children examining insects. A sweet tale of childhood with lovely images. Page Count: 42 Publisher: Tielmour Press Review posted online: Nov 4 2025 Kirkus Review Issue: Jan. 1, 2026 Review Program: KIRKUS INDIE Categories: CHILDREN'S ACTION & ADVENTURE FICTION | CHILDREN'S HEALTH DAILY LIVING
November 17, 2025 at 6:47 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Oh, man. No bats over here, but I do have a kaleidoscope of butterflies. And expressive, human characters.

Thanks for making the call!
November 6, 2025 at 4:11 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! Before getting into illustration and design I was a cheesemaker. I never got tired of witnessing the magic of seeing liquid milk flocculate and coagulate into silk. While I miss having excellent cheese on hand, I'm so happy to have moved into visual art. #kidlit
#kidlitartpostcard illustration of Marie-Laure in a hairnet and apron, leaning over a vat of coagulated milk and holding a curd ladle. However, the illustration, made in digital watercolor and collage, uses a photograph of a bright blue, sunny sky with fluffy white clouds in place of a stainless steel cheese vat and cheese curds. Marie-Laure appears to be leaning into the sky. Her t-shirt was created using a photograph of an old map of Europe, illustrated in blues, greens, and yellows, with Latin names of locations. The background of the illustration has a very reduced opacity for a watermark effect and uses photographs of the front and back of a postcard from Corsica, as well as a closeup of the postcard's stamp. In the middleground in two blues that match the sky of the cheese vat, we find the stylized name of the illustrator: a jumble of letters forming "Marie-Laure" as well as "ml.couet@gmail.com" on the vertical and a stacked "Picture Book Illustrator" right below the name.
November 6, 2025 at 2:41 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Yeeeessss. I'm here for this! marielaurecouet.myportfolio.com Thanks for putting out the call, Brian.
September 15, 2025 at 4:39 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
On time for #kidlitartpostcard day! I work both digitally and traditionally and I was recently told my style resembles Chagall and Kandinsky. I'll take it! Do you have a story you want to tell with wild emotion? If you're looking to bounce ideas around, I'm available for a chat.
September 2025 postcard for #kidlitartpostcard day. The illustration is painted in gouache in muted reds and greens of a scene by the bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada. There are two kids on the edge of the water looking out to sea. In the foreground there are boulders and rocks and seaweed and sand.
September 4, 2025 at 1:18 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Wild type treatment in the wild. Had to grab a shot of this one at our home exchange this weekend. Took a moment to read it correctly. This is what I mean when I say I like when designers make me work for it. What do you think? Annoying or great?

#typography #design #graphicdesign #designer
A photo of a picture frame and baby hands next to it. In the frame is a type design of the words Oh my gosh! in fat bubble letters, bubblegum pink face, red extrusion, on flat grassy green background. The letters are a bit jumbled and distorted.
August 30, 2025 at 8:28 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
I had a blast both illustrating and designing this book cover. I love how it turned out and I wanted to share! Based on a couple of live pencil sketching sessions on the shores of the Bay of Fundy.

#kidlit #kidlitart #kidlitillustration #illustration #design #booksky
Book mockup image for a gouache painting of two children looking out on the Bay of Fundy. The title is in cursive and reads 'Fundy.' The author name is Marie-Laure Couët. The illustration is in shades of brownish-red and green. Book spine image of a gouache painting of the Bay of Fundy and an island on the horizon. The title is in cursive and reads 'Fundy.' The author name is Marie-Laure Couët. The illustration is in shades of brownish-red and green. Book cover image for a gouache painting of two children looking out on the Bay of Fundy. The title is in cursive and reads 'Fundy.' The author name is Marie-Laure Couët. The illustration is in shades of brownish-red and green. Sketchy gouache painting of two children looking out on the Bay of Fundy. The illustration is in shades of brownish-red and green. The paper undulates due to the wetness of the gouache.
August 19, 2025 at 8:05 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
I definitely missed last week's #KidLitArtPostcard, mais c'est la vie! I took the opportunity to get out my pencils, gouache, and ink on our trip to the Maritimes. Important: baby butts are the best and I fully support them in #kidlit

#cankidlit #kidlitart #kidlitillustration #illustration
Marie-Laure Couët's kid lit art postcard for the month of August featuring a naked toddler, seen from behind, walking on the beach toward the water. The toddler is wearing a hat and leaving behind in the foreground a dump truck and a shovel in the sand. In the background we see a forested landscape. The sun is shining. The art is made using gouache in orange and green. On the postcard we read, "Marie-Laure Couët, picture book illustrator, ml.couet@gmail.com, 581-849-2881, marielaurecouet.myportfolio.com"
August 12, 2025 at 12:19 AM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Hey #KidLitArtPostcard !

I'm Marie-Laure from Québec City. I just finished my debut picture book last month and I'm open to new projects and representation.

Je suis Marie-Laure de Québec. Je viens de terminer mon premier album jeunesse et je cherche un agent et mon prochain projet. Au plaisir!
Kid Lit Art Postcard of Marie-Laure Couët's watercolor illustration. It's a closeup of a girl's face, brown hair and shoulder. She's sitting under a lilac bush, among milkweed and other flowers, near the sea. She's looking toward the see as the breeze picks up. She's looking peaceful but something's about to happen. Written information is: Picture Book Illustrator, Marie-Laure Couët, ml.couet@gmail.com, 581-849-2881, marielaurecouet.myportfolio.com
July 3, 2025 at 3:27 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I just completed my first traditionally published picture book last week and I am seeking my next project. I specialize in nature and texture, and since I've been a dancer all of my life, I love to make my characters move. Open to representation!

#kidlit #kidlitart
Virtual children's literature postcard drawn by Marie-Laure Couët of two panels. The first is two young siblings hugging. The second is the older sister smiling and shushing the younger sister and the younger sister is holding her blue blanket excitedly to her face. The older sister is holding a photograph. There is also an orange and white butterfly and a bag of goldfish crackers on the ground in the first panel. At the bottom of the postcard is written: "Picture Book Illustrator, Marie-Laure Couët, ml.couet@gmail.com, 581-849-2881, marielaurecouet.myportfolio.com."
June 5, 2025 at 2:24 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
I just finished the illustrations for my first picture book!! It's written by @booksbycindy.bsky.social and it's coming out with @tielmourpress.bsky.social. And I did this while completing my RISD CE program in graphic design!! I feel like a ROCKSTAR!

#kidlit #kidlitart #illustrator #designer
Selfie of Marie-Laure in her studio the last week of both her four-year design program, and her kidlit picture book illustration deadline. Crabapple blossom close-up photo Apple blossom close-up photo Lilac blossom close-up photo
May 31, 2025 at 6:44 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Working through the weekend to meet my #kidlit deadline. 💙🧡💛

#illustration #kidlitart #butterfly
Selfie of Marie-Laure at her drafting table in her messy studio. She is working on her tablet. Illustration of butterflies is visible.
May 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Enjoying this season!
Amelanchier blossom close-up photo Outdoor succulent blossoms close-up photo
May 16, 2025 at 2:13 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Hey #kidlit illustrators! What should be our theme for next month's Illustrator Shop Talk with @scbwicanadaeast.bsky.social? What questions do you have about the industry, illustration, life, the universe, and everything? Tell me what's on your mind. Yes, you!

#kidlitart #illustration
Close-up photo of a gray and white willow blossom fuzzy in April Close-up photo of a yellow willow blossom fuzzy in bloom
May 7, 2025 at 3:17 AM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Our skills and experience and process are our SUPER POWER. Don’t show me your ay eye poo. Grab a pencil and make it yourself!

#kidlit #kidlitart #kidlitillustration #noai #actionfigure #illustratrice #illustrator #design #designer
Illustration of a Marie-Laure Couët action figure with accessories.
April 13, 2025 at 12:22 AM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Hi friends. I wish I could share more of my current works but right now I'll have to be satisfied showing you bits and pieces. Happy #kidlitartpostcard day!

#kidlit #kidlitart #kidlitillustration #illustration #cankidlit #illustratrice #design
Kid lit art postcard of a house by the beach in the early morning on a gray day. The two windows upstairs shine with a yellow glow. Written on postcard is "picture book illustrator, Marie-Laure Couët, marielaurecouet.myportfolio.com."
April 3, 2025 at 12:58 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Something I'm learning: my book illustration process involves a lot of trial and error. I'm really enjoying digging through to find the story's visual language.

#kidlit #kidlitart #kidlitillustration #illustration #design @booksbycindy.bsky.social @tielmourpress.bsky.social
Illustration of a house by the ocean in the early morning. Someone is awake upstairs. The light from the windows spills onto the porch facing the water.
April 1, 2025 at 1:08 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Hi Heather. Thanks for making the call for an illustrator here on Bluesky. My portfolio is here: marielaurecouet.myportfolio.com and the image I've included in this post is the closest to what you're looking for. All the best in your search!
Pen and ink line drawing of farmhouse kitchen featuring two windows, a door, plants in the background. Two chairs and a counter in the foreground.
March 18, 2025 at 6:50 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Hey #kidlitartpostcard peeps. Here's a sneak peek at one of my character sketches for a book I'm currently illustrating. With a background in environmental studies and a past life as a cheesemaker, my illustrative work focuses on nature, texture, and the happy accidents when we let go. #kidlit
Kid Lit Art Postcard of a child in their underwear and a blanket, swinging a stick and wearing a newspaper hat, pretending to be a pirate. Next to character are the words, "picture book illustrator, Marie-Laure Couët, marielaurecouet.myportfolio.com."
March 6, 2025 at 4:53 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Sketching sketching sketching. So far, there is no part of illustrating a picture book that is easy.

#kidlit #kidlitart #kidlitillustration #cankidlit #illustration #illustratrice
Pencil sketch of a hand holding a snail
February 18, 2025 at 6:42 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Ce soir ! Membres et non-membres d'Illustration Québec, venez rencontrer vos paires dans une ambiance décontractée.

Mercredi 12 février 2025
à partir de 17h30
Les salons d'Edgar, 263 Rue Saint-Vallier E, Québec, QC G1K 3P4

Illustration: Alex Davro

#kidlit #cankidlit #kidlitart #illustration
Annonce événement Chillustration à Québec. Illustration de trois personnes multicolores marchant ensemble avec un énorme crayon sous les bras.
February 12, 2025 at 2:25 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Thanks Debbie! It was great to finally meet you in person last weekend ❤️ Here’s my #kidlitart I’m a picture book Illustrator looking for a lovely agent who’s totally into what I do here: marielaurecouet.myportfolio.com
Illustration of little rock reading a big book propped against a big rock looking annoyed.
February 9, 2025 at 7:28 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
I'm just so in love with all of the children's book people I've met at the #scbwiNY25 conference. It is a privilege to work with such dedicated and inspiring professionals.

@scbwi.bsky.social #kidlit #kidlitart #kidlitillustration #illustration #cankidlit
Selfie of Marie-Laure in front of the Portfolio Showcase right before getting overwhelmed with emotion at the beauty and talent all around Laurent Linn speaking to SCBWI group at Society of Illustrators Original Art Show Catia Chien teaching values class, 'Dreaming in Black and White' A small part of the Canadian contingency attending #scbwiNY25, smiling in a sparkly part of NYC midtown at night
February 2, 2025 at 11:34 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
I played with charcoal in the airport and made a friend in the first five blocks walking NYC.

#scbwiNY25 #kidlit #kidlitart #kidlitillustration #cankidlit
Sketch in charcoal of Québec City airport forms View from ascending plane of the frozen Saint Lawrence River Worm's eye view of colorful New York City skyscrapers The very photogenic actor, Chris Fraley, suggested I take a photo of him when I accidentally bumped his arm in my attempt at photographic delicious bread.
January 30, 2025 at 10:46 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Still need to pack but you'll see me there, portfolio under arm for the showcase!

#kidlit #kidlitart #kidlitillustration #illustration #cankidlit
Social media badge saying Marie-Laure is attending the SCBWI winter conference in NYC. Illustration features a girl in a red coat and a purple dress reading a green book as big as her.
January 29, 2025 at 4:31 PM