Hugs and Feels — When I am Sad

Concept, Art Direction, Format Development, Writing Commission, Illustrations Commission, Design

With Hugs and Feels I wanted to create a safe space for younger children to talk about their feelings with their caregivers. Designed for caregivers to read aloud to the child, the story validates emotions, while call-outs encourage conversation. The design—both in theme and format—promotes hugs, fostering trust, supporting development, and strengthening the caregiver-child bond.

It was a collaborative process with writer and Early Years Teacher (PGCE) Lily Holland and illustrator Emily Spikings. I developed initial story concepts, led the story and art direction, and drafted sketch briefs for illustrations.

Created for i am a bookworm, this concept needed to fit into the format of a series of four titles, using animal characters with the themes Farm, Jungle, Forest and Pets.

Packager i am a bookworm
Author Lily Holland 
Illustrator Emily Spikings