Rabbit Rescue is a 32-page children’s book made as a gift. The story, characters, writing, and illustrations were all made based on stuffed animals. While this is simply a storybook first and foremost, it does contain some subtle cautionary messages, such as looking both ways before crossing a street.
Process
I researched what makes for a quality children’s book and determined that books typically contain:
- Simple vocabulary
- Brief narration
- Illustrations on every page
- Unnumbered pages
Despite the research findings, I would eventually choose to number the pages due to the book having 32 pages, far more than the average children’s book. Furthermore, while many books would have a single sentence, I increased this to a maximum of 2 sentences. These exceptions were justified based on the gift recipient’s preferences.
The cover for Rabbit Rescue, developed in Adobe Photoshop, features the four main characters approaching the reader in a manner of engagement.
Each illustration featured throughout the book is made with a less orthodox frame, done instead in a more painted on way. Each illustration comes with a texture, a decision made based on children’s book research that finds textured works are more engaging to young eyes.
Final Production
With the book finished over Adobe InDesign, a PDF was produced and sent in for printing:
- 5.5 x 8.5 in. pages
- 0.4375 in. margins
- 0.125 in. full bleeds
- Glossy cardstock, Half Letter paper
elisshowcase.com 