Esther Coombs

When all is difficult and cold, hold tight to your loved ones for the promise is coming to whisper in your ear.

The Longest Darkest Night Is a picture book written to sit with children as they get through tricky times, as most things improve in the morning.

Made with Tetra Pak printing, authored and illustrated by me.

What Happens.. In the Garden? Where worms wiggle and plants grow. An interactive board book for young children.

Created in tetra pack with engineered pages throughout.

Authored and Illustrated by me.

Little Newt knows he is ready for this special job. He’s sure he can do it. But what if something goes wrong? A story about first responsibilities and mending mistakes.

A Picture book, created in Tetra Pak printing with digital colour, authored and illustrated by me.

Book on all the ways wildlife hang out in green spaces, and what children might like to do to help them find homes! Published by Button Books, Illustrated by me. 2024

Personal project exploring the potential of Tetra Pak printing to create characters and scenes, made after I completed my MA in 2024.

Help this Jar’s Stuck! is a predominantly Gelli Plate-printed picture book about teamwork and finding the fun.

Printed with Tetra Pak printing and mixed media layers. 2024. Dummy book, personal project.

Kids Can Cook, Published by Button Books 2020, illustrated by me.

Kids Can Bake, Published bu Button Books, Illustrated by me. 2021

Kids Can Cook Vegetarian, published by Button Books, Illustrated by me 2022.

Plant Sow Make & Grow is a gardening activity book for children aged 5 to 11.

Full of affordable and easily achievable activities to get us all out in the garden and get growing!

Written and Illustrated by Esther Coombs, Published by Button Books March 2019.

Hampshire Cultural Trust WW1 Exhibition - Soliders' Journey Mural

ref:Esther is a skilled and talented artist, and lovely to work with. She interpreted our brief very well and managed to incorporate changes and comments with ease and flexibility. She not only created a beautiful artwork but also helped us to find the best solution of producing it as a temporary large wall sized mural. I would definitely recommend her - Annaleida Van de Meent-Schepers.

Embroidery Now, Published by Hardie Grant Books, 2019, Step by Step Illustrations by me.

Large Scale Mural created for Hampshire County Council at Lepe country park in the new cafe and gathering space.

Hand illustrated images of local wildlife and coastal scenes, digitally coloured and printed on to vinyl affixed to the wall.

Although working with a tricky space, including door openings and a tight line of sight to the mural, Esther worked with the design team and clients to achieve the best outcome for all.

Chapter opener illustrations for Kyle books publication, 2015.

Diagrams and illustrations.

Author quote: “Thanks to Esther Coombs , who has been incredible at transforming fairly abstract ideas and details into lines that actually make sense”- Charlie Whinney.

Orchard House Mural, located in Southampton. Created with Aspace for Stonewater Housing. Image exploring the changing vibrant uses of the site and the feel of a creative, busy city.

ref: Esther is an extremely talented professional illustrator who creates artwork of an exceptionally high standard. Her natural drawing abilities are evident through the work she produces, and when backed by her diligent attitude she delivers high quality work on time and budget. These skills, and more, were demonstrated when we commissioned Esther to produce a large-scale external mural for a client; the results were excellent and I look forward to working with her again. - Dan Crow, Aspace Arts.