This project deviates from my usual work but was incredibly enjoyable — a true toadfest. It features singing toads, croaking toads, splashing toads, a lightning sky, and a pond with pebbles and greenery. Did I mention it was fun? Yes? Well, it was so much fun that it deserves to be said twice.
About the project
‘Fronkey the Toad’ is part of a collection of three beautifully illustrated short stories originating from Africa. The picture book was created to support a research project exploring and challenging how Western science is used when supporting a child’s behaviour in their early years. Each story represents a different scientific theory relating to behaviour.
The books were used in research groups (storytime at the library) to encourage discussion around which parts of the science families recognise, trust and believe in, and which parts they felt were fictitious or not relevant.
The books were then adapted into interactive workbooks containing discussion guides and activities relating to the stories, which can be used to work with adults and children to gain new insights into how Western science needs to adapt to make sense in a local or cultural context. You can read more about the project here.
Illustrative approach
The sketch on the left initially depicted the illustration in portrait mode, but I soon realised it would be more effective in landscape format and span two pages. I aimed to capture the characters’ expressions to convey the joy of family and friendship, along with Fronkey’s fear of the lightning.
I researched the difference between frogs and toads. Toads are more stoater than frogs with shorter legs. They prefer crawling to jumping and have warty, dry skin, whereas frogs are that bit more slippery and moist.
All illustration elements were provided to the client as separate transparent files, allowing for independent use throughout the story. This gave the book designer greater flexibility in creating engaging pages which would keep the children entertained.
The team
The project was a real team effort and it was great to be a part of it.
Produced by: Hello Brave
Stories: Usifu Jalloh
Illustrations: Myself, Rumbidzai Savanhu and Lucy Farfort
Art Direction: Tori Flower
Graphic Design: Jane Mbanefo
Funded by: Impact on Urban Health
Thank you for such a brilliant work on Matonkoni Tales. Your dedication to capture the story was on point.
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