Mariana Krasteva is a Bulgarian illustrator, author and publisher of children’s books, and the founder of the independent publishing house How It All Began. She is the 2026 laureate of the Konstantin Konstantinov National Award for Contribution to Children’s Literature in the Illustrator category.

​

With a background in animation, film, game art and graphic design, Mariana brings a cinematic sense of storytelling to her books. Her work explores themes such as identity, belonging, courage, empathy and the emotional world of children, often blending contemporary stories with folklore, symbolism and visual poetry.

​

As an illustrator, author, art director and publisher, she creates books with meaning, beauty and heart - stories that help children feel seen, understood and inspired.