Stories can be cheeky little things. You sit down with a lovely idea, a neat plan, perhaps even a character name you are rather proud of, and then suddenly, halfway through, everything changes. The squirrel who was meant to be shy becomes wildly adventurous. The dragon, who was meant to be scary, turns out to…
The Magic of Tiny Details in Picture Books
A tiny ladybird waving from a leaf. A biscuit crumb trail leading under the sofa. A dragon with one very suspicious sock stuck on its horn. Little details like these are often the bits children spot first, remember longest, and gleefully point out every time the book is opened. At Happydesigner, we love the small…
Oh Erik!: How One Quirky Cat Inspired a Purrfectly Illustrated World of Whimsy and Wonder
Say Hello to a Cat Like No Other Cats and creativity go hand in paw here at Happydesigner. When a ginger-and-white rescue feline named Erik joined our family, we never expected he’d go on to inspire an entire illustrated brand. ‘Oh Erik!’ isn’t just a cute concept—it’s a celebration of character, connection, and charm. Born…
If books were heirlooms, which would you hand down?
We’ve recently celebrated World Book Day, the annual awareness event which plays a crucial role in keeping books relevant to children in an increasingly digital world. In an age dominated by screens and instant gratification, the charm of a physical book for children can sometimes seem dimmed. World Book Day acts as a powerful spotlight,…
The Magic of Reading: Books and Christmas
There aren’t many sleeps left until the Big Day. Schools are about to break up for the holidays, and the excitement is building. Overwrought and needing to calm down – and that’s just the adults! – one way to bring a little calm to Christmas is to enjoy the magic of reading. In fact, Christmas…
Why AI Should Never Replace True Human Creatives
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in almost every industry you can think of, and yes, that includes the world of design and illustration. You might be wondering, “Is AI the future of creativity?” Well, here at Happydesigner, we firmly believe that while AI has its place, it can never truly replace human creativity….
Book of the Month Review: “Signing Friends” – A Journey into Makaton Signing for Children
Embracing the World of “Signing Friends” When it comes to unlocking communication skills, especially for little ones, there’s nothing more rewarding than finding the perfect tool to make learning fun and accessible. That’s precisely what the “Signing Friends” book series achieves. This collaborative project between the much-loved Singing Hands team and us here at Happydesigner…
Book of the Month Review – Series Spotlight on Tawny Owl Wood
Step Into The Magical World of Tawny Owl Wood Get ready to immerse yourself in the magical world of Tawny Owl Wood — a place where diversity, inclusion, and environmental awareness come alive through stories of humans, fairies, and woodland creatures. Designed for children aged 2-12, this series of books is packed with thoughtful messages…
The Self-Publishing Success Guide: Tips and Tricks
Self-publishing has never been more accessible or exciting for aspiring authors. Whether you’re looking to publish a children’s book, a novel, or a non-fiction work, the creative freedom and personal satisfaction that come from doing it yourself are unmatched. The best part? You don’t have to go it alone. With a bit of guidance, you…
