Creating my first illustrated children’s picture book
In Spring 2022, Mantra Lingua, an award winning bilingual publisher, approached me with a delightful proposition: crafting a picture book tailored for children aged 3-5, centred around urban wildlife.
The concept blossomed from the simple premise that amidst the concrete jungle lie hidden treasures – miniature ecosystems teeming with life. From modest gardens to bustling walkways, these urban havens harbour a menagerie of creatures, from foxes and hedgehogs to ladybirds and beloved pets, amid a backdrop of lush plants, vibrant weeds, and charming flower beds. A stroll down the pavement becomes a voyage of discovery. What wonders await those who truly see?
Embarking on this creative journey, I was granted the freedom to conjure imagery without the constraints of a fixed narrative. Our collaboration began by charting out the book's pages – the school playground, the bustling park, the lively market – each serving as a canvas for the unfolding story. With meticulous attention to detail, I sketched out each double-page spread, striving to depict the diverse scenes and experiences that children from all walks of life might encounter in their own urban landscapes.
Once the pencil sketches were met with approval, I embarked on the meticulous task of outlining each page with an ultra-fine liner pen, ensuring that every nuance, from the tiniest daisies poking through the pavement cracks to the subtle expressions on distant faces, was meticulously rendered. Drawing inspiration from the captivating intricacies of childhood favourites and the masterful strokes of legendary illustrators like Quentin Blake, I endeavoured to infuse each illustration with boundless energy and vibrant detail, inviting young readers to lose themselves in the kaleidoscope of urban life.
Every page of the book is a labour of love, meticulously hand-drawn to scale. With the black outlines complete, I eagerly delved into the fun world of colour, utilising Winsor & Newton Pro-Marker pens to fill each scene with rich, vibrant hues. The dual-tip pens afforded me unparalleled control and precision, ensuring that even the smallest details remained crisp and true to form. Working on Bristol board paper, renowned for its silky smooth texture, further enhanced the vibrancy and depth of the colours, while safeguarding against any unwanted bleeding or smudging.
Reflecting on the entire process, I am filled with gratitude for the unparalleled freedom and support extended by the wonderful team at Mantra Lingua. To have been entrusted with the opportunity to bring this vision to life, unfettered by constraints, has been an absolute dream. My hope is that this little book brings as much joy to its readers as it has brought me in its creation. Indeed, it stands as a highlight in my career, a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration in shaping unforgettable experiences.
About Mantra Lingua
Mantra Lingua creates books to suit the needs of new and changing diasporas seen in multi-lingual classrooms in USA, UK, EU, Australia. They cover a wide range of genres and ages. Since everyone has different learning styles, Mantra Lingua takes a multi-modal view in publishing a single story. With extensive teachers’ notes, wordless Story Cards for retelling, e-books for whiteboards and laptops, the publisher prides itself at producing a treasure trove of support material for teachers, parents and librarians.
You can purchase your copy of ‘Walking In my City, What Do You See?’ here.
