welcome in!
Board books
& art for little readers
My work celebrates everyday objects and moments that feel big when you’re little.
Featured Books
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![100 First Things to Say board book cover illustrated by Denise Holmes, introducing first words for young children.]()
100 First Things to Say
Townhouse Books
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![How to Be an Awesome Toddler board book cover written by Rachelle Burk and illustrated by Denise Holmes, about toddler skills and emotions.]()
How to be an Awesome Toddler
Sourcebooks
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![My First Pickleball Paddle board book cover written by Daria Harper and illustrated by Denise Holmes, about pickleball for young readers.]()
My First Pickleball Paddle
Ten Speed Young Readers
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![My First Cowboy Boots board book cover written by Daria Harper and illustrated by Denise Holmes, introducing cowboy boots to young children.]()
My First Cowboy Boots
Ten Speed Young Readers
With bright colors, simple shapes, and cute characters, I make board books and art that feel playful, a little nostalgic, and full of tiny details for little readers to notice, love, and return to.
a peek inside
My featured work
Here you’ll find selected work for children’s books, kids’ magazines, and children’s products, including characters, concepts, patterns and playful moments created for kids of all ages.
hand-drawn
book spread
as seen in
take a little something home
The Shop
hello!
Hi, I’m Denise!
Denise Holmes is a children’s book illustrator in Chicago. She makes playful board books and art about the little things kids notice first: animals, foods, family, routines, feelings, and play. Her work is filled with bright colors, simple shapes, cute characters, and a little touch of nostalgia.
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