Native Species: Short Books Series
CHILDREN'S SHORT BOOK WRITING | ILLUSTRATION | RESEARCH
A proposed series of short books each focusing on one native species (that have been rarely talked about or taught). For e.g., Carpenter bee, pond skater, pangolin, etc. Each story hopes to build empathy and awareness in children of ages 5 and up.
I have made 2 different versions of stories and illustration revolving around the carpenter bee. I also took the call to represent my bee more realistically and vibrant. I feel like it has a childlike quality to it but also adds to the richness of the iridescence of the bee.
1. Busy Buzzing Bee
Story:
• Interaction of human and bee.
• Autonomy of child
• Leadership in action
Illustration:
Oil pastel bee with line drawing to enhance focus on the bee. In the end the world becomes colourful as Zaha accepts the presence of the bee in her space.
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2. Zaha’s Buzzy Dream
Story –
• What if I become the bee?
• Empathy through becoming,
• Seeing what the bee sees
Illustration:
Oil pastel bee with digital illustration.
Proposed to test these two books with children to understand which style of story and illustration are preferred.
