In bringing The Welcome Cookies to life, Kirrili shares her creative process and love for illustration.

What do you love about illustrating children’s books?

I love interpreting words visually and the process of sinking into an imaginary world and wondering what that world looks like. I get to interpret the messages visually and understand the underlying themes of the story. I love adding a little bit about my world and my lived experiences and I love the challenge of engaging children.

What did you find surprising or challenging about illustrating The Welcome Cookies?

I was surprised how much more of the story unfolded during the process. I was also surprised how good the cookies tasted! My biggest challenge was coming up with a colour palette that worked together, taking into account that there were two different cafes and owners and I was visually trying to enhance the topic of change.

Were there any particular scenes you were most excited to illustrate? Any challenging scenes? 

The scenes placing all the cakes and cookies in the windows were my favourite. I enjoyed watching the atmosphere build while decorating the café. I particularly love the double spread where Mabel and Mum were on the couch and Mabel decided to change her mind and visit the café. I love the colour palette and the mood of the spread. The most challenging scenes were the aerial view scenes placing everything in the correct spot drawing everything from an aerial perspective.

Do you have a usual process for illustrating picture books? How did this book compare?

I take on every book with a similar approach at the beginning but each one changes when it comes to the rendering stage. I match mediums and styles to the theme and feel of a book after the initial storyboarding phase. This book was a real mix of several mediums and it was really exciting to see them all come together. It was a fun book to illustrate.

What is it like to collaborate with authors to bring stories to life?

I feel the collaboration process between the author along with the editor and the designer are extremely important. A fresh set of eyes during the illustration process helps to reassess how it is all coming together and helps to create a better book. The joy of sharing the enjoyment that the book brings with the author is also pretty special.

You have previously worked as a paediatric nurse. Has this experience informed your illustrations or passion for artwork?

Absolutely, creating for children is my dream job and being able to help children in a visual way brings me so much joy. I have an understanding of what children need and I love the challenge of engaging children and also sending important messages to help shape their futures.

What do you hope to show readers through your illustrations?

 I hope to show them ‘story’ and create an environment to immerse both the child and adult into the book and let them feel that they are part of the story. I also hope that the child takes the message in the book on to help shape their future world.

Do you have any other projects in the works?

Yes, I am currently working on a manuscript that celebrates the importance of being yourself and belonging as well as some storyboards for a potential new series of well-being books. I am also in the early stages of challenging myself to write and illustrate a picture book.