Jonathan Bentley grew up in West Yorkshire, England where his love of drawing and the great outdoors was encouraged by a creative and adventurous family.
He went on to study illustration at Brighton Polytechnic and has since spent his life living and working between Australia and Europe with his wife Maripaz and two children Ruby and Harvey.
Jonathan has illustrated over fifty books for authors including Shaun Micallef, Margaret Wild, Patrick Guest, Andrew Daddo, Lian Tanner, Glenda Millard, P. Crumble, and Jo Kasch. He has also written and illustrated eleven books of his own. His books have been translated into many foreign languages and are enjoyed by children around the world.
Jonathan has been shortlisted for several awards including CBCA awards, the Prime Minister’s Literary Award, and the ABIA awards. The picture book Ella and the Ocean, written by Lian Tanner won The NSW Premier’s Literary Award in 2020 and the Tasmanian Premier’s Literary Award in 2022.
Jonathan’s artwork is in the collection at the National Museum, Canberra, and at the Mazza Museum at the University of Findlay, Ohio.
‘I am incredibly fortunate to work in the world of picture books. Whilst I am not always sure I know what I am doing, the infinite mysterious possiblities have me completely hooked.’