Unveiling the Magic: The Creative Secrets Behind the Book’s Beautiful Illustrations

Whenever I envision the illustrations in my books, I imagine who or what I can incorporate into them to honor the person or the experience. In my first book, Hold Your Head Up and Walk with Grace, there are many secrets behind the illustrations that I had my illustrator, Jillian Dubois, draw because I wanted the book to be special and significant to my mother and my siblings, since it was written to honor my father. 

As Zoe began the illustrations for You Have a Story to Tell!, I thought about who else, besides my students, I wanted to honor with this book. I wanted my daughter and son to be represented in the book, so I sent Zoe pictures of them and asked her to try to incorporate their likenesses into the vision. 

 

I also sent her a picture of my dog, Sami, and asked her to include her. You will find Sami throughout the book. 

 

Hummingbird illustrations

In my first book, a hummingbird flies throughout the story to represent my father. Since his passing, a hummingbird has become a symbol of my dad. So, I asked Zoe to have a hummingbird fly through some of the pages in this new book. 

Illustration of Little Levins

I wanted to include a little girl whose life was cut short too soon. She won’t have the chance to share her story with the world, but I wanted her to be seen and remembered. With her parents’ permission, I included her likeness so that her light, legacy, and love might live on in these pages for her family and all who turn them. Her voice may be silent, but her spirit still speaks, and I wanted to bring her beautiful spirit to life in this book.

Ann Levins was my grandniece. Her life was taken from us at four years old. She was a vibrant and joyous four-year-old who loved life and loved people. Her joy exuded into this world and created a beautiful palette of bright colors for all who encountered her. 

I know that today at nine, she would have been changing many lives with her contagious smile and infectious laughter. My illustrator, Zoe, captured her spirit so well in the illustrations. 

I wanted her to be honored in this book because her legacy lives on in all those she touched in her short life. Her love and joy need to be multiplied in this world, and I hope it will create a ripple effect as people read the book and see her beautiful smile. Levins was a special little girl who continues to have a profound impact on many lives. 

Click here to read the blog post about Levins.

Zoe Ranucci – Illustrator for You Have a Story to Tell