Children book illustration
Redesigning Pip and Posy: The Big Balloon
Pip and Posy: The Big Balloon was the first book I ever bought for my eldest son, and it quickly became a favorite in our family. Axel Scheffler’s charming illustrations and gentle storytelling make the Pip and Posy series a delightful read for young children. I redesigned three spreads to create an age-appropriate experience for different readers.
Institute/
Open Polytechnic
Course/
Creative Digital Skills
Year /
2025
Making the story more accessible to a wider age group
While Pip and Posy is originally designed for children aged 2-5, I wanted to adapt it for an even broader audience, including newborns and one-year-olds, while also introducing an interactive, customizable version for families.
My goal was to enhance the reading experience while preserving the charm and playfulness of Scheffler’s original illustrations.
My approach and design decisions
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Step 1. Studying Scheffler’s style : I broke down his hand-drawn techniques, expressive character design, and playful compositions to stay true to the original book’s charm.
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Step 2. Designing for developmental stages – Using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, I crafted illustrations tailored to each age group, from high-contrast newborn visuals to rich, textured vintage designs.
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Step 3. Optimizing readability. I adjusted text placement, simplified layouts, and created a clean, inviting reading experience that encourages visual exploration and storytelling.
Four unique versions to suit different developmental needs
I created four distinct redesigns of the book spreads:
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Newborn Edition – High-contrast black-and-white illustrations with simple geometric shapes to support early visual development.
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1-Year-Old Edition – Soft pastel colors, gentle textures, and minimal backgrounds to help with pattern and object recognition.
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Vintage Edition for Toddlers (2+) – A nostalgic version using textured digital painting techniques for warmth and depth.
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Family Edition – A personalized version where parents can insert a photo of their child into the story, making it an interactive keepsake.
Final outcome and next steps
This project challenged me to think beyond traditional storytelling and design solutions. By incorporating research on child development and interactive elements, I created a more inclusive and adaptable reading experience.
I would love to further refine these designs by gathering real user feedback—testing the engagement of children and parents to see how they interact with each version. Additionally, I’d explore more tactile design elements to make the family edition even more immersive.