Marie-Laure Couët
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marielaurecouet.bsky.social
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
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Marie-Laure Couët
troystory.bsky.social
Two great books that go great together.

Both are beautiful, poetic, and instructive. Both explore big feelings about little creatures.

Author @booksbycindy.bsky.social sees them as companion books and I totally agree.
November 18, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Reposted by Marie-Laure Couët
booksbycindy.bsky.social
Ohmygoodness, thank you @troystory.bsky.social and @jilanne.bsky.social I’m glad you appreciate IF A BUMBLEBEE LANDS ON YOUR TOE and BUTTERFLY SEA! We are so proud of our picture books! I’m grateful for the work of @marielaurecouet.bsky.social and #VikkiZhang and the opportunity to collaborate. 🐝 🦋
November 19, 2025 at 1:12 AM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
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
Thank you so much for your review, Patricia! 🥰
patbrownbooks.bsky.social Patricia Brown @patbrownbooks.bsky.social · 9d
Butterfly Sea, by Cynthia Mackey and Marie-Laure Couët, is a charming story that uses lyrical language and soft, beautiful illustrations to remind us to slow down and enjoy the quiet surprises in life.🥰 🦋 #ButterflySea @booksbycindy.bsky.social @marielaurecouet.bsky.social @tielmourpress.bsky.social
November 16, 2025 at 5:06 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Omg this is my first ever book review.
carriekarnesfannin.bsky.social Carrie Karnes-Fannin @carriekarnesfannin.bsky.social · 17d
🦋 After reading a BUTTERFLY SEA advance copy (thank u, @booksbycindy.bsky.social !), I can say y’all are in for a treat. It hits themes I often explore in my own work & makes my photographer’s heart smile. Plus, the illustrations are GORGEOUS. @marielaurecouet.bsky.social @tielmourpress.bsky.social
booksbycindy.bsky.social Cynthia Mackey, Butterfly Sea, pre-order now! @booksbycindy.bsky.social · 23d
Getting ready to mail postcards announcing the December 15 release of my next #pb Butterfly Sea. I’m sure you will fall in love with @marielaurecouet.bsky.social artwork! Gorgeous! #CanKidLit #Kidlitmegafeed #booklaunch #pre-order #coverart #butterfly #photography #pretendplay #imagination
November 9, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Reposted by Marie-Laure Couët
brianlarossa.com
Hey illustrators/agents!

I’m a #kidlit art director starting work on a new picture book—we’re looking for: expressive, commercial, human characters; texture (printmakingish); AND BATS! Lively, active, swarming BATS!

Please respond w/ samples + folio link.
Please no emails/DMs.

💙❤️ #artcommissions
November 6, 2025 at 1:49 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
That's my art! 😍 Love these postcards, @booksbycindy.bsky.social
booksbycindy.bsky.social Cynthia Mackey, Butterfly Sea, pre-order now! @booksbycindy.bsky.social · 23d
Getting ready to mail postcards announcing the December 15 release of my next #pb Butterfly Sea. I’m sure you will fall in love with @marielaurecouet.bsky.social artwork! Gorgeous! #CanKidLit #Kidlitmegafeed #booklaunch #pre-order #coverart #butterfly #photography #pretendplay #imagination
November 4, 2025 at 7:46 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Again, Cynthia is a promo beast! We made a real, live book! 💚
booksbycindy.bsky.social Cynthia Mackey, Butterfly Sea, pre-order now! @booksbycindy.bsky.social · 22d
🥳 I’m preparing to mail out postcards announcing my next picture book, Butterfly Sea! Join our launch team! Sign up here! forms.gle/n1C9nMjegG8J...

#kidlitmegafeed #edusky #libsky #lyrical #booklaunch #illustrations created by @marielaurecouet.bsky.social
@picturebookseh.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 7:45 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
I am so grateful that Cynthia is so on top of promoting our picture book! 💚
booksbycindy.bsky.social Cynthia Mackey, Butterfly Sea, pre-order now! @booksbycindy.bsky.social · 21d
Do you remember the first time you ever used a camera? Share in the comments! Butterfly Sea, our next picture book features a child photographer. With illustrations by @marielaurecouet.bsky.social
#photography #kidlit #picturebook #outdoorlearning #nature #ButterflySea #pre-ordet
November 4, 2025 at 7:44 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Join us on November 15th for an excellent exercise in storytelling through chance and flow. Taught by published illustrator, Natali de Mello, and open to everyone at any level!

#kidlit #kidlitart #cankidlit @scbwicanadaeast.bsky.social #illustration @illustrationquebec.bsky.social
From Blotches to Stories: Overcoming the Fear of the Blank Page
In this two-hour workshop, author-illustrator Natali de Mello will give us ideas for overcoming the fear of the blank page. Participants will discover how spontaneous marks can spark both illustratio...
www.scbwi.org
October 6, 2025 at 1:38 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
My first book is coming out in December. Cover reveal coming soon!
booksbycindy.bsky.social Cynthia Mackey, Butterfly Sea, pre-order now! @booksbycindy.bsky.social · Sep 25
I’ve seen the cover art and it’s GORGEOUS! I’m so excited to share the cover reveal with you all. 🎉 🦋 🌊 🐚 🌼 🏴‍☠️ 🧜‍♀️ #libsky #edusky #cankidlit #kidlitmegafeed Thank you, @marielaurecouet.bsky.social 🙏🏼

@tielmourpress.bsky.social @picturebookseh.bsky.social @cwillbc.bsky.social
Poster with blue butterfly on pink background with publishers marketplace announcement for Butterfly Sea, a picture book by Cynthia Mackey and Marie-Laure Couët
September 25, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Reposted by Marie-Laure Couët
brianlarossa.com
Hey #kidlit illustrators!

We’re beginning to think through a mythology-themed beginning-reader series. I'm looking for someone w/ a commercial/punchy, character-forward style who can breath life into ancient lore.

Please respond w/ samples + folio link.
Please no emails/DMs.

💙❤️ #artcommissions
September 19, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Reposted by Marie-Laure Couët
brianlarossa.com
Hey #kidlit illustrators, it has been a few months (a lot going on this year) but I’ll be posting an open call for samples tomorrow. Stay tuned!

💙❤️
September 14, 2025 at 2:49 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Are you a Published And Listed SCBWI member living in Canada East? If so, please check your email about joining our list of PALs offering workshops. You don't offer workshops? Maybe you should! It's paid and we want to learn from you! We're especially looking for illustrators! #kidlit #cankidlit
September 5, 2025 at 3:09 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
Reposted by Marie-Laure Couët
charlenedraws.bsky.social
Somehow I missed this post lol... anyway, I'll be presenting at PYI!

#PYI2025 #kidlit #kidlitart
August 29, 2025 at 5:44 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Who here knows how to market a picture book? What's worked for you? What has failed? What did you just really love doing and what will you never to again? Is there a hashtag I can use to share our collective wisdom with the community?

#kidlit #kidlitart #kidlitillustration #illustration #cankidlit
August 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Reposted by Marie-Laure Couët
wordsoftype.com
IN 2 WEEKS
WoT Conversation Ep. 5
Academic research in typography
with Sofie Beier, Ann Bessemans, Gerry Leonidas, Min-Young Kim, Ferdinand Ulrich

Sept. 5, 2025
2 - 3:30 PM CEST
FREE EVENT
Members: RSVP on the community and join the Q&A
Non-members: watch the live broadcast on our YouTube channel!
August 22, 2025 at 4:30 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
Yaaay! Congratulations on this summer's portfolio showcase winners!
August 3, 2025 at 12:54 PM
marielaurecouet.bsky.social
Thanks, @debbieohi.com for sharing! I'm really enjoying everyone's portfolio submissions.
debbieohi.com Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · Aug 1
Wow, so much wonderful art! Now open for public viewing: SCBWI Summer 2025 Portfolio Showcase - www.scbwi.org/submissions/... #scbwisummer25 #KidLit #SCBWI @scbwi.bsky.social

Pls show your support for *human* artists by boosting? It's a challenging time for illustrators to find work. Thank you! 🩷
Promotional image for the SCBWI Summer Virtual Conference 2025, taking place online from July 31 to August 3. The text highlights the Portfolio Showcase, which is open to the public, and includes a registration link at scbwi.org. The illustration by Liz Brizzi shows diverse children engaged in creative activities with famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
August 1, 2025 at 6:47 PM
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