I’m Anna Lena Feunekes.
I’m a nonfiction children’s book illustrator and author, published by DK Books and Fox & Ink. I make books for kids about food, history and science, and I run The Illustrated Kitchen, a monthly illustrated newsletter.
Nonfiction books for kids
Tasty Tales
Facts and fables about our favourite foods
- International food lore and history for kids
- Celebrating global food culture & diversity
- Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2025
- Shortlisted for Childrens Book of the Year: Factual 2025
The Big Book of Birthdays
How birthdays are celebrated around the world
- Coming in summer 2026.
- Perfect for curious children, The Big Book of Birthdays takes you on a joyous journey around the globe, showcasing unique birthday songs, delicious foods, and exciting party games from all corners of the world.
How I make nonfiction books for kids
My books start with research. I dig into archives, cookbooks, folklore, and history to find the stories that most people have never heard. Then I bring them to life through hand-crafted collage illustration. Each spread is built from cut paper, painted textures, and drawn details here and there.
Working as both author and illustrator means the words and pictures grow together from the beginning. The result is nonfiction that doesn’t feel like a textbook: it feels like a story.
The Illustrated Kitchen – my monthly newsletter
Join the Illustrated Kitchen: a monthly illustrated newsletter about food, history, and the stories behind what we eat.