Jennifer O’Connell grew up in Darien, Connecticut and received her BFA degree in Illustration from Philadelphia College of Art (now known as The University of the Arts) in 1979. She was employed at “Unicorn Graphics” in Washington, D.C. before becoming a free-lance illustrator and designer. She now lives with her family in Bethesda, Maryland.

Jennifer is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and The Children’s Book Guild of Washington, D.C.

Jennifer’s book, Ten Timid Ghosts, was a New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today Bestseller and has sold more than a half million copies.

Her illustration honors include two Christopher Awards for Imagine That! Exploring Make-Believe, by Joyce Strauss and Promise Not To Tell, by Caroline Polese. A Garden of Whales, received The Vermont Publisher’s Association “Special Merit Award.” Jennifer also received The Strathmore Paper Company “Award of Excellence” for her stationery suite design for Chanterelle Caterers of Washington, D.C.

In addition to children’s book illustration, Jennifer produces educational and editorial illustrations as well as privately commissioned work.