Lina Itagaki is an artist, illustrator, comic and picture book author. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts from the Vilnius Academy of Arts. Lina’s first illustrated book “Siberian Haiku” was voted the most beautiful book of 2017. Later, the illustrator published the books “Nukas” (2021), “Grybo auksas” (2021), “Mergaitė su šautuvu. Istorija apie mergaitę partizanę” (2023).

The latter book won the “Illustration of the Year” prize at the Lithuanian Publishers’ Association Book Awards K.A.2.0.2.4. for its inclusive illustrations that create an engaging narrative, precise attention to detail, and promotion of civic engagement. The book has been nominated for the Children’s Book of the Year 2023 award and the Pranas Mašiotas Award from the Lithuanian IBBY chapter for the best fiction book by a Lithuanian writer for children and teenagers. The book has also received international recognition – the illustrations were selected for the Bologna Illustration Shortlist, and the book received a Special Mention in the Comics – Middle Grade category at the BolognaRagazzi Awards.