Milanka Reardon is a graduate of the Children’s Book Illustration and the Natural Science Illustration Certificate programs at the Rhode Island School of Design. Her illustration of "A Beary Special Friend" won the R Michelson Galleries Emerging Artist Award at the NESCBWI 2016 conference. Milanka's artwork has  been displayed at the Wedeman Gallery's "Picture a Story" NESCBWI exhibit at LaSell University, Newton, MA, the Warwick Museum of Art’s “Tell Me a Story” exhibit, Warwick, RI, at the Spring Bull Gallery in Newport, RI and at the R Michelson Galleries in Northampton, MA. Milanka was co-Illustrator Coordinator for the New England Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators from 2015 through 2021.. She lives with her family in Webster, Massachusetts.
Paintings rendered in oil, watercolor, pen and ink, colored pencil and digital media.
Member of SCBWI




BOOKS ILLUSTRATED:

PARTY AT ARNIE'S
Written by Fynisa Engler, Lawley Publishing, 2024

GNOMES AND UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures
The Writers' Loft Anthology, 2023

HARRY CAN HEAR
Written by Fynisa Engler, Lawley Publishing, 2023.

CHILD OF THE SEA
Written by Maxine Rose Schur, Lawley Publishing, 2022.
    Reviews: Maria Marshall’s “The Picture Book Buzz”

AN OLD MAN AND HIS PENGUIN
Written by Alayne Kay Christian, Blue Whale Press, 2020.
    Certificate of Excellence in Literature Contest Winner (Picture Books, Non-fiction division) from Story Monsters.
    Kirkus Review: “Reardon… deftly captures the story’s charm and expressiveness.”
    Other Reviews: ‘A is for Aging, B is for Books’ Review; Helen Ishmurzin Blog Review; Humor Me Blog Review

WHO WILL? WILL YOU?
Written by Sarah Hoppe, Blue Whale Press, 2019.
   Kirkus Review: “A beautifully illustrated tale that’s sure to appeal to animal lovers and budding environmentalists.”
   Other Reviews: Readers Favorite

NOODLES' AND ALBIE'S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE
Written by Eric Bennett, Penguin Place, 2016.
   Mom’s Choice Gold Award Recipient, 2018.
   Kirkus Review: “Reardon’s soft pastel illustrations are charming, capturing the playful, dynamic spirit of the characters.”
   Other reviews: Publisher’s Weekly; Unleashing Readers

AWARDS:
2022. PBParty Finalist, one of 50 manuscripts chosen from 1000 entries featured on PBParty 2022.
2016. R Michelson Galleries NESCBWI Emerging Artist Award for ‘Beary Special Friends’ (pastel). R. Michelson Galleries,    132 Maine Street, Northampton, MA.
2012. First Place Award (unpublished category) for ‘Dragon Bridge’ (scratchboard). New England SCBWI Conference.
2010. New England Traditions Art Show, First Place & People’s Choice Award for ‘Girl with Daisy’ (oil).


SELECTED PRESS/INTERVIEWS:   
2022. Will Write and Illustrate for Cookies Spotlight with Vivian Kirkfield.
2022. ‘The Picture Book Buzz’ feature with Maria Marshall for work on Child of the Sea.
2020. ‘Illustrator Saturday’ feature with Kathy Temean for work on An Old Man and His Penguin.
2019. ‘On the Scene in 19’ feature with Sarah Hoppe for work on Who Will? Will You?
2019  Who Will? Will You? book give away blog with Kathy Temean
2017. 24 Carot Writing Interview.

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