What Color Is Today?

Inspiration

I was inspired by Dr. Seuss' book, 'In My Many Colored Days', which helps to introduce emotions to children. Seuss uses animals to help descibe how children may feel different on different days. The illustrator's themsleves used stark contrast of color to farther express an emotion. This inspired me to think in terms of color and the psychology of each. How it can be a tool to help children express and ask questions. Giving adults an equal opportunity to express to their children what they my be going through and feeling, without such communication being too mature or heavy for younger generations.

What it does

This book highlights the confusion of this time. The hardships being faced with deaths, financial strain, missing friends, events cancelled, while also touching on the joys of this time. Being home, being creative, and spending time with loved ones. There is specific focus on the essentials for fighting this disease, washing hands, wearing masks, and staying home.

The book is written to intentionally give opportunity for readers to be engaged in conversation. "Where did this begin and when will it end?" "Everyone MUST stay home. It's one way they say to keep the disease away." These are examples of the writing style, intended to give hints and inspire curiosity so that children could ask and adults could equally explain. When reading through it's pages parents are invited to give a response and further explain

How I built it

I used Procreate on my Ipad. It took me about 10 days and 40 hours to complete from writing to fully illustrating.

Challenges I ran into

The biggest challenge was writing the story. How to create something that is honest while age appropriate? Even ages 6-9, there is a large maturity gap. How do you explain that this is causing deaths without frightening a 6 yr. old? How do you engage a 9 yr. old on a 6 yr. old level without boring them? Also the challenge of taking something as world- wide devastating as COVID-19 and giving it a refreshing, charming twist?

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

I am proud of completing a book from start to finish within 10 days. It took organization, persistence, and lots of creativity. Most of all I am proud of the story I crafted, taking the challenges the criteria presented and bringing it all together. I feel I did a well rounded job of introducing COVID-19 and it's many challenges, while ending it on a hopeful note.

What I learned

I am capable of more than I thought I was. I am excited to further my career in writing and illustrating children's books, knowing the challenges I can face and overcome.

What's next for What Color Is Today?

Well, if I don't win I will start sending it to publishers to hopefully get it published! I also plan to share it myself on social media, and with friends and family (after the contest of course!), hopefully so it can be used as a tool for families and classrooms.

Built With

• procreate