Where to Start with Beatrice Blue
Beatrice Blue is a Spanish author, illustrator, and art director celebrated for her lush, nature-inspired children's picture books. While her stories are written primarily for younger readers, her breathtaking artistic style has earned a massive following among art enthusiasts of all ages. If you are diving into her work for the first time, the best place to start is with her flagship Once Upon series.
Because each book in the Once Upon series operates as a standalone story exploring the origin of a different mythical creature or magical trait, there is no strict chronological narrative holding them together. However, reading them in publication order is highly recommended. Doing so allows you to appreciate the visual evolution of her style and the thematic consistency she builds from one book to the next.
The Once Upon Series in Publication Order
The Once Upon series is Beatrice Blue's most famous creation. Each installment blends traditional folklore elements with modern, empowering messages about self-acceptance, kindness, and friendship.
- Once Upon a Unicorn Horn (2019) - The book that launched her children's publishing career. It tells the story of a little girl named June who discovers a group of tiny, horse-like creatures that cannot fly. By helping them find joy, she inadvertently helps them grow their very first magical horns. This debut was shortlisted for the prestigious Waterstones Children's Book Prize in 2020.
- Once Upon a Dragon's Fire (2020) - The second book shifts focus to a cold kingdom where two kids, Freya and Sylas, set out to find a fearsome dragon. Instead of a monster, they find a cold, lonely creature in need of warmth and friendship, revealing the true origin of a dragon's fiery breath.
- Once Upon a Mermaid's Tail (2021) - This ocean-themed adventure follows a boy named Theodore who discovers a magical creature in the sea. The story deals heavily with themes of friendship, protecting the environment, and respecting wild creatures.
- Once Upon a Witch's Broom (2022) - Centered around a young witch named Moira who struggles to get her magic right, this story explores how she learns to appreciate her unique talents and discovers the magical origin of the witch's flying broom.
- Once Upon a Fairy's Dust (2027) - The fifth entry follows a tiny fairy named Min who is afraid of the dark. Carrying a star in a jar for comfort, she encounters other forest creatures who are also frightened and shares her light with them, presenting a heartwarming story about empathy and community.
Art Books and Standalone Projects
Beyond her signature picture book series, Beatrice Blue has released standalone works that highlight her professional journey and visual storytelling prowess.
- Wonder: The Art and Practice of Beatrice Blue (2020) - Published by 3dtotal Publishing, this is an art instruction book and career retrospective. It offers a detailed look at her digital painting techniques, character design workflows, and how she translates raw childhood memories into finished illustrations. It is a must-read for aspiring illustrators and fans of her visual style.
- The Boy and the Flame / The Other Side of the Rainbow (2025) - A beautiful standalone picture book published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books. It follows a young character named Lucien who goes on an enchanting journey across the four seasons, discovering a glowing boy made of flame and learning to embrace life's constant changes.
Animation and Crossover Work
Beatrice Blue's visual talent extends far beyond the printed page. She has worked as a visual development artist and character designer for major animation giants, including DreamWorks TV, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network (where she contributed to We Bare Bears). Notably, she served as the Art Director for the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ animated series Wolfboy and the Everything Factory, bringing her signature whimsical environments and textured designs to life on screen.
She is also the founder of Childhood Week, a popular biannual social media challenge that encourages illustrators and artists worldwide to create artwork based on prompts reflecting their childhood memories.