Samini

 

 
Salimeh Babakhan is an illustrator and designer of children’s books and toys, holding a Master’s degree in Illustration from the University of Art in Tehran. Her works are rich in imagination and whimsical fantasy— qualities that give her illustrations a special charm for children and young adults. From early childhood, Salimeh was captivated by the enchanting world of drawing and storytelling through images.
After accepting in Textile Engineering at Tehran Polytechnic, she decided to follow her true passion and continued her education in Illustration, ultimately earning her Master’s degree. From that point on, a deep love for visual storytelling and illustrating children’s books blossomed within her and began shaping her artistic path.
 
Salimeh is one of seven emerging Iranian illustrators participating in a cross-cultural project aimed at creating high-quality picture books for the “Read with Me” program (a dialogue between two diverse worlds). Launched in 2015, the project is led by renowned Dutch-Swedish illustrator Marit Törnqvist, in collaboration with prominent Iranian reading advocate Zohreh Ghaeni.
As part of this project, she illustrated two picture books written by Hadi Mohammadi:
– “18+2 Woodpeckers”, which centers on children with special needs, has received wide acclaim, been nominated or recognized in multiple illustration competitions, and published in both Persian and Turkish.
– “The Color of the Crow’s Dream”, released in early 2025 by the esteemed Dutch publisher Querido, has been met with overwhelming praise from critics and children’s literacy organizations in the Netherlands.
 
Her first authored and illustrated book, “Little Whale’s Big Dream”, was published in 2021 by Tooti Publishing and is soon to be released in Arabic as well.
 
Salimeh Babakhan’s illustrations have been selected, shortlisted, or awarded in numerous international festivals and events, including:
The White Ravens list, Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Golden Pen of Belgrade, Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC), Image of the Book, COW Festival & Little Hakka & …
Her works have been exhibited across the globe in countries such as Iran, South Korea, the United States, France, Italy, Germany, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Singapore, China, and Russia.
 
Salimeh sees art as a means to sustain life and confront the deep human pains of injustice, war, and suffering. With this belief, she draws and illustrates—hoping to keep the flame of hope alive in children’s hearts, even if in a small way.
In her own words: “Children’s book illustration gives me the chance to play with stories and explore my creative world. It keeps me connected to myself and my dreams.”
She is a member of the Iranian Illustrators Society, a visual arts teacher at both high school and university levels, and a professional graphic designer.

 

Honors and Awards of Salimeh Babakhan

  • Finalist at BIBF International Illustration Award, China (2026)
  • Selected for PLATFORMA BD – International Cluj Comics, Illustration and Animation Festival, Romania (2026)
  • Finalist at the Anka Art Prize, Canada (2026)
  • Selected for the Book Illustrators Gallery (BIG) at Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC), Singapore (2026)
  • Winner of the Excellent Prize at the International HORSE HUMOUR Art Exhibition, China (2026)
  • Selected for the 2nd If Trees Could Talk International Biennale, organized by the Tumba-Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art, Philippine (2026)
  • Winner of the International Special Mention at the Dracopolis Illustration Concours, France (2025)

  • Winner of the Copper Panda Prize (Special Jury Prize), 7th Gold Panda Competition, China (2025)

  • Winner of the International Special Mention at the Dracopolis Illustration Concours, France (2025)

  • Selected for the White Ravens List, Germany (2025 & 2023)

  • Selected for the Golden Pen of Belgrade Biennial of Illustrations, Serbia (2025, 2023 & 2021)

  • Finalist in the Illustrators Exhibition at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Italy (2025, 2024 & 2021)

  • Winner of the Image of the Book Illustration Award, Russia (2026, 2025, 2024, 2023 & 2021)

  • Selected for the Book Illustrators Gallery (BIG), Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC), Singapore (2025, 2024 & 2023)

  • Selected for the COW Illustration Biennale Ukraine 2020

  • Selected for the Little Hakka International Picture Book Award, China 2019

  • Appreciated in the National Environmental Illustration Competition, Iran 2019

  • Appreciated in the “I Am Too” Illustration Competition with a Focus on Blood Donation, Iran 2017

  • Selected for the Fourth Mohtasham Art and Literature Award, Iran 2016

  • Selected for the Nafs Festival Iranian Artists Forum Tehran, Iran 2016

  • Selected for the 6th Fajr International Festival of Visual Arts, Iran 2014

  • Winner of the Ashura Mourning Competition Rasht Municipality, Iran 2013

  • Selected for the Expose Photo Festival under the Auspices of FIAP, PSA, FZS Slovenia 2011

  • Selected for the Scenic City of America Photo Festival (SCIPE) under the Auspices of FIAP, PSA USA 2010

 

Copyrights:

All materials are under copyright. No part of these pages may be used for any purpose unless explicit authorization by Salimeh Babakhan.
Therefore, reproduction, modification, storage in a retrieval system or retransmission, in any form or by any means is prohibited without prior written permission.
The photo(s) used for the Home page are © Salimeh Babakhan 2024

For publishing inquiries, please reach out to Lili Haeri at Kia Literary Agency!

Thank you!

For all other inquiries and “Children’s reading aloud workshop” request Please send email. Thank you! Salimeh

Contact:

Feel free to contact me by email at

sali.babakhan@gmail.com

However, I will not be able to answer to :
– Consultances on artistic portfolios
– Personal commitments (as birth/wedding announcements, or personal’s gifts)

Thank you for your understanding and your respect.