Jessica Saint Jean is a literary agent at Root Literary. She says “I’m a literary agent specializing in visual storytellers. I primarily represent illustrators and author-illustrators, along with a select number of writers, who work across all illustrated formats and genres in children’s publishing Ð from board books and picture books to middle grade and graphic novels.I’m drawn to creators who share my deep passion for children’s books Ð who appreciate the role of children’s literature as nourishment and entertainment for kids, and as a rich literary art form. I’m looking for writers and illustrators who work hard on their craft; who understand their books’ audience (kids!); who read widely and know how their work fits within the current market; and who hope to build a professional publishing career.Creatively, my tastes are wide-ranging but mostly “upmarket” Ð meaning books with literary depth and impeccable craft that are also accessible and entertaining. I like working on books that genuinely appeal to kids without talking down to them, and that their grown-ups can appreciate in their own way too.”