Cynthia Alonso is an illustrator and picture book author from Buenos Aires, based in Berlin. Her work reflects a love for visual storytelling and strong narration, blending tenderness, nostalgia, curiosity, and the mix of cultures she experiences. Her bookcase—filled with Latin American songs and old German tales—mirrors the way these influences flow into her work. Her stories explore emotional depth and resonate across ages.
She has published over a dozen books. Her work has been recognized and awarded by the Society of Illustrators, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, American Illustration, Nami Concours, and others.
Cynthia lives in Berlin most of the year but escapes every winter to spend the summer with her family and niece in Argentina.
CONTACT
Inquiries regarding illustration for books please contact Erica Rand Silverman at erica@stimolaliterarystudio.com
★ "Alonso's saturated, textured artwork brims with emotion" - Kirkus starred review for The Yellow Handkerchief by Donna Barba Higuera
★ "Alsonso uses every aspect of the book to great effect . . . [she is] an artist to watch." - SLJ starred review for her debut Aquarium
She has published over a dozen books. Her work has been recognized and awarded by the Society of Illustrators, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, American Illustration, Nami Concours, and others.
Cynthia lives in Berlin most of the year but escapes every winter to spend the summer with her family and niece in Argentina.
CONTACT
Inquiries regarding illustration for books please contact Erica Rand Silverman at erica@stimolaliterarystudio.com
★ "Alonso's saturated, textured artwork brims with emotion" - Kirkus starred review for The Yellow Handkerchief by Donna Barba Higuera
★ "Alsonso uses every aspect of the book to great effect . . . [she is] an artist to watch." - SLJ starred review for her debut Aquarium
Recognitions and awards
2025 Selected Society of Illustrators Original Art- USA
2025 Winner Huckepack Preis. Germany
2023 Selected Cuatrogatos Foundation
2022 Selected Society of Illustrators 64 Annual Exhibition & Catalogue- USA
2020 Selected Bologna Children’s Bookfair - Italy
2020 Featured Title Society of Illustrators Original Art Show - USA
2019 Winner - “Los Diez” Top 10 Latin American Illustration 8 | Exhibition & Catalogue - USA
2019 Selected Nami Concours Exhibition & Catalogue - Korea
2019 Merit Award 3×3 Magazine - USA
2019 Honorable Mention 3×3 Magazine - USA
2016 Selected Little Hakka Picture Book Award - CHINA
2016 Selected Society of Illustrators 58 Annual Exhibition & Catalogue - USA
2016 Selected Bologna Children’s Bookfair Annual Exhibition & Catalogue - Italy
2025 Selected Society of Illustrators Original Art- USA
2025 Winner Huckepack Preis. Germany
2023 Selected Cuatrogatos Foundation
2022 Selected Society of Illustrators 64 Annual Exhibition & Catalogue- USA
2020 Selected Bologna Children’s Bookfair - Italy
2020 Featured Title Society of Illustrators Original Art Show - USA
2019 Winner - “Los Diez” Top 10 Latin American Illustration 8 | Exhibition & Catalogue - USA
2019 Selected Nami Concours Exhibition & Catalogue - Korea
2019 Merit Award 3×3 Magazine - USA
2019 Honorable Mention 3×3 Magazine - USA
2016 Selected Little Hakka Picture Book Award - CHINA
2016 Selected Society of Illustrators 58 Annual Exhibition & Catalogue - USA
2016 Selected Bologna Children’s Bookfair Annual Exhibition & Catalogue - Italy
Books
2025 / The BI Book
2024 / Into the Mighty Sea/ Harper Collins
2024 / World of Wonder / Penguin Books
2023/ The Yellow Handkerchief / Abrams Books
2021 / Ronda Nocturna / Ojoreja, ARG
2020/ Inquieta / Savanna Books, SP
2019 / The Reader, Interlink Books, US
2018 / Aquarium / Chronicle Books, US
2018 / Under the Canopy / Flying Eye Books, UK
2017 / Aquário / Orfeu Negro, PT
Honors
Jury - 2024 Art Directors Club -Illustration Category
Jury - 2022 Illustration Annual Competition - Society of Illustrators
Press & Interviews
Huckepack Preis (German)
Urdimbre ediciones (Spanish)
Cucatraca (Spanish)
2025 / The BI Book
2024 / Into the Mighty Sea/ Harper Collins
2024 / World of Wonder / Penguin Books
2023/ The Yellow Handkerchief / Abrams Books
2021 / Ronda Nocturna / Ojoreja, ARG
2020/ Inquieta / Savanna Books, SP
2019 / The Reader, Interlink Books, US
2018 / Aquarium / Chronicle Books, US
2018 / Under the Canopy / Flying Eye Books, UK
2017 / Aquário / Orfeu Negro, PT
Honors
Jury - 2024 Art Directors Club -Illustration Category
Jury - 2022 Illustration Annual Competition - Society of Illustrators
Press & Interviews
Huckepack Preis (German)
Urdimbre ediciones (Spanish)
Cucatraca (Spanish)
Selected clients
Advertising/Institutional
UNICEF
The LEGO Foundation
Adidas
Target
The Atlantic
Amarula.
Books
Penguin Random House
Harper Collins
Simon & Schuster
Abrams
Chronicle
Ministerio de Educación Argentina
Advertising/Institutional
UNICEF
The LEGO Foundation
Adidas
Target
The Atlantic
Amarula.
Books
Penguin Random House
Harper Collins
Simon & Schuster
Abrams
Chronicle
Ministerio de Educación Argentina
© 2025 Cynthia Alonso. Please do not reproduce without express written consent.