Sarah S. Brannen is the illustrator of the Robert F. Sibert Honor book Summertime Sleepers, written by Melissa Stewart. She is the author of Uncle Bobby's Wedding, illustrated by Lucia Soto. Uncle Bobby's Wedding was named one of the 100 best children's books of the last 100 years by Booktrust in the UK. It was the eighth most-challenged book in the US in 2008, and it was one of the 100 most frequently challenged books in the last decade. It was republished in 2020 and was a New England Book Award finalist.

In May 2023, PEN America filed a lawsuit against the Escambia County school district over book restrictions. Sarah joined four other authors, two parents of children at the school, and Penguin Random House as plaintiffs.

 

Sarah also wrote and illustrated A Perfect Day, Bear Needs Help, Madame Martine, and Madame Martine Breaks the Rules. She illustrated Seashells: More Than a Home  and the ALA Notable Book Feathers: Not Just For Flying, which won the Riverby Award and the Crystal Kite Award; both books were written by Melissa Stewart. Sarah illustrated the 40th Anniversary edition of All Kinds of Families by Norma Simon, as well as many other children's books. Her books have been translated into eight languages. 

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Sarah is represented by The Chudney Agency.