Work

Duckpin Creates a Children’s Book

July 28, 2014 by Cara Casillo

A children’s book, can you do it?

Seven months ago we were approached by Hilary Grant Dixon, a mother of three / writer / photographer who had spent the last 2 years working on a manuscript for her first children’s book, Maggie Sinclair, Will You Please Fix Your Hair?! Hilary asked us if we could help bring Maggie Sinclair to life. In true Duckpin style, our answer was, “of course we can do that.”

A few weeks later we were looking at concept boards from two amazing illustrators. One concept was chosen and, suddenly, Maggie was starting to take form—from words in a manuscript to having eyes, ears, a body and her curly, natural hair.

Maggie Sinclair Book Concepts

Working with illustrator Gabrielle Howell

Duckpin worked with Hilary and illustrator Gabrielle Howell to determine the “scene” featured on each spread, and a few more weeks later we had black and white storyboard sketches.

Gabrielle chose to work in mixed media using bright bold colors, cut paper and rich charcoal backgrounds to bring Maggie and her fiery red curly hair to the foreground. We love how she captured Maggie’s confidence and creativity. Fonts that went with Maggie’s personality were chosen and the book layout completed.

One of our favorite spreads in the book shows Maggie dressed up in ’70s clothing to emphasize her tightly plaited cornrows. You’ll have to order the book to see it, of course, but you’ll be glad you did.

Maggie Sinclair Will You Please Fix Your Hair Cover

Complete, and available on Amazon

We are so happy that Hilary gave us a call. It was a pleasure bringing her two years of hard work to life and we can’t wait for the sequel! Congratulations to Hilary Grant Dixon on your first published book!

Maggie Sinclair, Will You Please Fix Your Hair?! is available now on Amazon