Author & Illustrator

Watercolor, ink, and good dogs.

I'm Jonathan Sandmel — I write and draw picture books about small, warm, funny moments for small, warm and funny people.

See the work My books
Watercolor illustration of Toby, a grey three-legged dog with a red collar, sitting on an orange circle against a sunny yellow background.
From Toby's a Mensch

Illustration

Selected work

Ink and watercolor, from picture books and personal pieces. Tap any image to see it larger.

Books

Out in the world

Cover of Toby's a Mensch: a three-legged dog hugged by two children on a sunny yellow background.
On sale February 2, 2027

Toby's a Mensch

A joyful picture book that teaches little ones their first words of Yiddish through the everyday adventures of Toby, a very good three-legged dog.

Visit the book site
Photo of Jonathan Sandmel smiling outdoors at golden hour, wearing a green cap, with New Mexico juniper hills behind him.

About

Hello, I'm Jonathan.

I write and illustrate picture books for children, working in ink and watercolor.

I grew up in St. Louis, moved to Santa Fe in 2000, and earned a master's in painting from the University of New Mexico. For about twenty years I ran a couple of businesses in Santa Fe — these days I make children's books.

My debut, Toby's a Mensch, is a love letter to dogs, family, and the warmth of the Yiddish language. It's named for the real Toby — my three-legged dog, who lives with me on a small farm along with two goats, fifteen chickens, two kids, and a wife who somehow supports all of it.

Contact

Say hello

For school and library visits, press, illustration commissions, or just to talk shop — I'd love to hear from you.