Children's Book Illustrator for Hire

Different but Special

by Susan Vanriel-Smith

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Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · Autism / Neurodiversity / Family Love / Acceptance

Nicholas sees the world differently — and this heartfelt story shows why that difference is something to celebrate, not fix.

Cover of Different But Special children's book.

Project Overview

Different but Special by Susan Vanriel-Smith follows Nicholas, a young boy on the autism spectrum, through the everyday moments that make up his life — his particular preferences, his distinctive ways of engaging with the world, the obstacles he faces, and the beautiful discoveries that come from experiencing life as he does. The story never frames Nicholas’s neurodiversity as a problem to be solved, but as a different way of being that draws his family closer and enriches everyone around him.

The illustration challenge was capturing the specificity of Nicholas’s experience without generalizing or reducing it — his joy, his comfort objects, his sensory responses all needed to feel particular and real, not symbolic. Every expression and environment required careful attention to what this specific child finds comforting, overwhelming, or wonderful.

Role

  • Character design (Nicholas, his mother, and family)
  • Full book illustration
  • Sensory-aware environment and expression design
  • Visual storytelling and scene development
  • Print-ready file preparation

Selected Double-Page Spreads (Final Book Layout)

A boy with autism spectrum playing alone with his toy cars in his bedroom.
A boy with autism spectrum playing alone with his toy cars in his bedroom
A mother interacting with her son, who is on the autism spectrum, in his bedroom.
A mother interacting with her son, who is on the autism spectrum, in his bedroom
A family having lunch in their dining room, where their son with autism spectrum is playing with toy cars on the table.
A family having lunch in their dining room, where their son with autism spectrum is playing with toy cars on the table
A joyful family embracing each other after attending a church service.
A joyful family embracing each other after attending a church service

Book Details

ISBN-13

979-8330310418

Publisher

Mascot Kids

Publish Date

July 28, 2024

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Reading Age

0 – 12 years

Page Count

40 pages

Format

8″ x 10″ Hardcover,

8″ x 10″ Paperback

Available at:

Amazon

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Let’s Work Together

Have a story that matters to you? Whether you need full illustration for a picture book, chapter book interior art, or just a cover — I’d love to hear about your project.

Tell me your story idea, timeline, and budget, and I’ll get back to you within 1–2 business days.

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