Reza Dalvand is an internationally-recognized author and illustrator of more than 30 books for readers of all ages. Reza’s art often explores themes of child psychology, self-acceptance, social justice and self-determination. His books weave magical worlds together with realistic details, cultures and settings to entertain children while intriguing older readers. Born and raised in Iran, Reza’s work is often influenced by his Persian roots, featuring a universality that then draws global audiences. To date, his books have been published into over fifteen languages.

Reza uses his art as a medium for communication and a channel to express his emotions. As a form of expression, he allows the subject matters to be expressed without meticulous planning and sketching in advance. That way, the result of his illustrations is a raw and unfiltered sense of his emotion and creativity. His philosophy is to allow his art to be unruly at times and a descriptor of his subconscious. Books authored and/or illustrated by Reza worldwide include What Could That Be? (Scholastic/Orchard) and Mrs. Bibi’s Elephant (Flying Eye Books), Ace (Tuti Books), The Day of Your Arrival (Nube Ocho), Gulistan (COURTES LONGUES), Entre Toi et Moi (Les Arènes) and many, many more. Among his recent releases are I Have the Right (Scribble) a book about human rights for children, and Un Année de Fêtes (Les Arènes) about celebrations around the world.

Reza’s illustration has received worldwide recognition; he has been longlisted for the World Illustration Awards, has been featured twice by the Bologna Exhibition Book Fair, received the Grand Prize of the Oshima Picture Book Museum Award of Japan, was a nominee for two Astrid Lindgren Memorial Awards, was highlighted at Sharjah Children Reading Festival, and many more.

A graduate of Isfahan Art University (BFA), Reza also holds a Masters in Illustration from the prestigious Tehran University, where he later served as lecturing professor. Prior to coming to the United States, Reza was the art director for several children’s publications, overseeing translation, design and publication of hundreds of books.

He lives and works in New Orleans, Louisiana.