ILDIKO HANKOSZKY - illustrator & author

Ildiko Hankoszky - illustrated stories that guide through change with warmth, whimsy, gentle wisdom

I'm Ildiko Hankoszky, an author and illustrator with a love for nature, old places and the little details that often go unnoticed.

Originally from Hungary and now living in Wiltshire, England, I've always been drawn to the quiet beauty of the world around me - the character of an old building, the changing light across a landscape, wildflowers growing in unexpected places, and the stories that seem to linger in familiar surroundings.

My creative work brings together illustration, storytelling and a curiosity about the world. Through children's books, colouring books and more reflective projects, I explore themes that invite imagination, encourage creativity and offer moments of pause.

Over time, I have come to realise that creating is not only about making something beautiful. It is also about learning to look more closely, finding meaning in ordinary moments, and sharing what moves me.

This is the thought behind Blooming Lantern: a little creative space inspired by the beauty that is already around us.

I hope my work encourages others to slow down, look closer and discover something worth noticing.

About Me

From gentle tales for children...

My independent-author path began with Beyond the Blue Forest - a picture book that helps children understand grief and emotion through imaginative storytelling. It is warmly recommended by a psychologist and is now accompanied by a free teacher resource to support emotional learning in schools.

That same compassion and depth now guide my new work. Blooming Lantern grows from those roots - transforming the emotional wisdom of children’s literature into art and stories that speak to adults as well: about memory, renewal, and the quiet strength of feeling.

... to reflective art for grown hearts

A creative light for the reflective soul

Blooming Lantern is my new creative home - where illustration, gentle humour, and emotional depth meet.
Here I’m working on storybooks, illustrated cards, and adult colouring books designed to bring comfort, curiosity, and a touch of whimsy to everyday life.

Each project is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with feeling, and see beauty in imperfection - a lantern glow in life’s quieter corners.

Visit Blooming Lantern

Blooming Lantern illustration by Ildiko Hankoszky with whimsical nature design

Emotional learning takes root in education

The UK government has recently decided to include bereavement within the national Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) framework - recognising how deeply grief shapes children’s wellbeing.

This marks an important step forward for emotional education - a cause close to my heart, and one reflected in Beyond the Blue Forest, a story that helps open gentle conversations about loss, resilience, and hope.

Free Teacher Resource