The Garden of Dreams - Children's Book Illustrations

Project Overview

Client: Éditions Petit Monde
Duration: 4 months
Role: Illustrator & Visual Storyteller
Book: "Le Jardin des Rêves" (The Garden of Dreams)

This magical children's book tells the story of Luna, a young girl who discovers a secret garden where dreams grow like flowers. Each dream teaches her something new about friendship, courage, and believing in herself.

The Creative Process

Character Development

Luna needed to be relatable to children aged 4-8 while being distinctive enough to be memorable. I developed her character through multiple sketch iterations, focusing on expressive eyes and warm, approachable features.

Illustration Style

I chose a mixed-media approach combining:

• Traditional watercolors for soft, dreamy backgrounds
• Digital illustration for character details and finishing touches
• Textural elements to add depth and tactile quality

Color Psychology

Each dream in the garden represents different emotions and lessons:

• Courage Dreams: Bold oranges and reds
• Friendship Dreams: Warm yellows and greens
• Imagination Dreams: Purples and blues
• Self-belief Dreams: Soft pinks and golds

Technical Approach

Working on children's book illustration requires special attention to:

• Print specifications (CMYK color profiles)
• Spread composition (accounting for binding)
• Age-appropriate imagery (safety and cultural sensitivity)
• Text integration (leaving space for typography)

Key Illustrations

Cover Design

The cover features Luna sitting in the magical garden, surrounded by floating dream-flowers. The composition draws the eye in a spiral, leading to Luna's wonder-filled expression.

Interior Spreads

Each double-page spread was carefully composed to support the narrative flow while providing visual interest for young readers. Hidden details reward closer inspection.

Character Expressions

Luna's emotional journey is told through subtle changes in her expressions and body language across the 32 pages.

Recognition

The book has received wonderful reception:

• Winner: Prix Jeunesse Illustration 2024
• Featured in Livre Hebdo children's book roundup
• Translated into 3 languages
• 5,000 copies sold in first printing

Working with Young Readers

During the creative process, I had the opportunity to test illustrations with children at local schools. Their feedback was invaluable in ensuring the visual storytelling was clear and engaging.

"The pictures make me want to find my own dream garden!" - Emma, age 6

Client Testimonial

"Anna brought our story to life in ways we never imagined. Her illustrations don't just accompany the text - they enhance it, adding layers of meaning that children discover with each reading. Working with her was a true collaboration."

— Sophie Laurent, Editor at Éditions Petit Monde