Helen Cooper (illustrator)

Helen Cooper is a British illustrator and author of children's books. She is known for her evocative watercolour illustrations, often depicting animals in natural settings, and for her sensitive storytelling.

Cooper won the Kate Greenaway Medal twice, first in 1996 for The Baby Who Wouldn't Go to Bed, a charming story about a baby badger resisting bedtime, and again in 1999 for Pumpkin Soup, a tale of friendship and cooperation between a squirrel, a duck, and a cat. Pumpkin Soup is particularly celebrated for its warm autumnal palette and its gentle message.

Beyond her award-winning works, Cooper has illustrated numerous other books, collaborating with various authors as well as writing and illustrating her own stories. Her work is characterized by its delicate detail, emotional depth, and ability to capture the subtle nuances of animal behavior and expression. She is regarded as a significant contributor to contemporary children's literature.