Recent Alumna Bursts into Illustration Field with Children’s Book

Alumna Julie Wells has become the latest Christendom graduate to jump into the field of illustration, with her first book, Arabel’s Lamb, released this week by Caritas Press. Written by Sherry Boas and illustrated by Wells, the book loosely retells the legend of St. George and the dragon in a children’s fairy tale format, revealing both Wells’ tremendous artistic skill and the ability of a Christendom education to help graduates find success in any career path, no matter how complex.

Ever since a young age, Wells has been fascinated with children’s books and illustrations, leading to a passion that would continue to grow during her high school and college years.

“I felt so encouraged [at Christendom] by the amazing teachers and student body. Some of my favorite memories are from those long weeks preparing the sets for the college productions and special events. I had the privilege to work alongside an incredible crew, fellow students whose creative talents just ‘exploded’ all over campus, and I felt so at home. These people, as well as the entire Christendom community, helped me to see how I could use my gifts to uplift and inspire,” says Wells, who earned her B.A. in English language and literature in 2015.

Since graduation, Wells has been busy drawing and painting, and selling original works on her personal Etsy shop. Arabel’s Lamb marks her first major work, featuring forty-six pages of her original illustrations in between the covers.

“I am thrilled about Arabel’s Lamb and I truly hope that this beautiful story by Sherry Boas will inspire people of all ages, as it has inspired me,” says Wells.

Wells’ formation in the Catholic liberal arts gave her a perspective that many modern illustrators lack — a proper understanding of what is true, good, and beautiful. This perspective sets her, and other alumni, apart from the pack, leading to art that is at once beautiful, but also meaningful in an incredible way.

Wells is not the only graduate to experience success in the field of illustration since graduation. Alumnus Ben Hatke (’00) has written #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novels and children’s books since leaving Christendom, including the acclaimed Zita the Spacegirl trilogy and Little Robot. The latter work, released just this past year, was recently nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Publication for Early Readers — the greatest honor for workers in the comics industry.

To purchase Wells’ work, Arabel’s Lamb, please visit here. To learn more about Ben Hatke, visit his website, benthatke.com.