Neely is a children's book illustrator and graphic designer based in Portland, Oregon. She has been lucky to work on projects ranging from polished corporate design to colorful children's books. Her background in layout design and eye-catching illustration style make her projects stand out.

In January of 2022, Neely celebrated the release of her debut picture book, The White House Cat, written by Cylin Busby and published by Balzer + Bray. Since then, she has published six more and loves that each project teaches her something new. She does not shy away from research!

When she's not drawing, you can find Neely cheering on her kids at their sporting events, playing recreational soccer with her husband, and exploring new restaurants around town.

Neely is also a proud member of SCBWI.

Client List: includes HarperCollins - Balzer + Bray, Scholastic, Workman Publishing, Sourcebook Kids, Albert Whitman, Silver Dolphin, Feeding Minds Press, Cricket Media, Curriculum Associates, and other wonderful folks.

Neely is represented by Jen Rofe of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

Publishers, please contact Jen Rofe at jennifer@andreabrownlit.com

What People Are Saying

“When we asked Neely to illustrate THE WHITE HOUSE CAT, I knew it was a tall order – a book that required accuracy and charm and humor – and on a crash schedule, to boot. Yet Neely delivered all of this and more, with immense creativity, skill, and grace. She was an absolute joy to work with and look forward to our next collaboration!”

— Donna Bray, Balzer & Bray, HarperCollins

“Neely is a pleasure to work with! Aside from her work being absolutely adorable, she is very receptive to feedback and follows art direction well. She even went above and beyond in the early stages of our project by providing us with different character style options, which was instrumental in deciding the final direction of the book. We couldn’t be happier with her work with us!”

— Kaley McCabe, Silver Dolphin Books

Let’s Chat!

If you’re interested in working with me, you can send an email to neely.daggett@gmail.com.

Books:

  • The Soil in Jackie’s Garden (Feeding Minds Press) Spring 2024

  • My First Brain Quest: Feelings (Workman Publishing) Fall 2023

  • All the Things You Will Do (Scholastic UK) April 2023

  • The Supreme Court and Us (Albert Whitman & Co) Spring 2022

  • Goodnight to your Fantastic Elastic Brain (Sourcebooks Kids) Spring 2022

  • The White House Cat (Balzer + Bray) January 2022

  • Baby Ballers: Michael Jordan (Silver Dolphin Books) September 2021

Publications:

  • Ask Magazine (Who Needs a Referee?) February 2021