The rise of AI-generated illustrations has got people talking, especially in the world of children's books. Personally, I see how AI can be a useful tool, helping authors like myself who might not have the budget to hire an illustrator. It can speed up the creative process, offering a way to experiment with styles, compositions, and concepts. When used ethically, I think it can be a great addition to an illustrator’s workflow rather than a replacement for real artistic talent.

That said, there are definitely concerns about how AI-generated art is created. A lot of these models have been trained using the work of real artists, often without their permission. This raises big questions about whether AI-generated images are, in some way, stolen. On top of that, there’s the worry that AI could make illustrations feel a bit samey, taking away the unique, hand-crafted charm that makes children's books so special. And, of course, there’s the impact on artists themselves—if AI-generated work becomes too common, what does that mean for those who make a living from illustrating?

At the end of the day, I think it all comes down to balance. AI can be a fantastic tool when used thoughtfully, but it shouldn’t take away from the creativity and skill of human artists. I believe storytelling—especially for children—should always have a personal, emotional touch, something that AI just can’t replicate. As this technology keeps evolving, we’ll need to keep asking these questions and finding ways to ensure that creativity stays at the heart of what we do.