Jean Monti: Artist, Illustrator, and Debut Children’s Book Author

Jean Monti’s lifelong passion for art began in her childhood, where her love for drawing and creativity flourished. This early spark led her to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where she earned a BFA in Illustration. Over the years, her artistic talent has graced book covers and galleries, with her commissioned portraits and paintings of children and families cherished in homes across the country. 

Creating a children’s book has been a long-held dream for Jean, deeply rooted in her formative years at RISD. There, she had the privilege of learning from renowned children’s book authors and illustrators Chris Van Allsburg and David Macaulay, whose mentorship left a lasting impression. Her debut book, Little Leo the Lemon, is a deeply personal project inspired by her family’s extraordinary journey of resilience and faith. Witnessing her son and daughter-in-law face the challenges of breast cancer and make the complex decisions involved in planning a family around her diagnosis, Jean was inspired to honor their journey and celebrate the gift of her grandson.

This debut marks a meaningful milestone in Jean’s creative journey, one that brings together her artistic expertise and her desire to share a message of hope and perseverance. Little Leo the Lemon encourages readers to trust in life’s unfolding paths, finding sweetness even in life’s most challenging moments. Through her art and storytelling, Jean aims to inspire others to embrace resilience, love, and the endless possibilities that come with belief and positivity.