Selina Alko

It's no wonder that award winning writer and illustrator Selina Alko spends her days blending words with mixed media art to tell stories of hope, identity, and alternative perspectives. Raised in Vancouver, British Columbia Selina grew up immersed in culture and creativity.  Her Turkish Jewish father-–a painter and businessman who spoke seven languages–– and her Jewish mother who worked in the family’s century-old metal recycling company, filled her world with rich stories, diverse viewpoints, and an appreciation for both art and resilience.

 

As a child, Selina devoured stories by Richard Scarry, Beverly Cleary, and her all-time favorite Judy Blume, while summers at a Jewish sleep away camp on Gabriola Island sparked both her passion for folk music and her social activist spirit.

 

The creative influences of her childhood--infused with culture, history, and empathy––continue to inform Selina's work. She brings these layers to each of her over 25 acclaimed children's books. Her books have been translated into Spanish and German and have been covered in The New York Times, NPR, People magazine and TimeOutKidsNY. Selina is a National Jewish Book award winner and several of her books are selected as Junior Library Guild Gold and have been named Bank Street Best Books of the year.