Christina Little, BA (Hons) Visual Communication student was selected to illustrate a new children's book for Candlelighters Cottage, a home from home provision for families whose children are receiving cancer treatment at Leeds Children’s Hospital.
Local author Donna Iliffe-Pollard was inspired to write the story after hearing about the cottage campaign launched by Candlelighters, a children’s charity dedicated to combating childhood cancer, leukaemia and serious blood disorders. She said:
“This is a difficult time for siblings staying at the Cottage, a strange new place away from home at the same time as being really worried about their brother or sister. The story gives the Cottage a fun and magical feel that will enchant and surprise, as well as helping them to feel comfortable and safe.”
Candlelighters then approached Leeds Arts University looking for an artist to illustrate the story. Marie Peacock, Head of Income Development at Candlelighters told us:
“The reason we approached Leeds Arts University to help us find an illustrator for the book was because we knew that the quality and dedication would be second to none. It has been an absolute pleasure working with the team at the University who were extremely helpful in making this happen.
All the entries were of an exceptional standard but Christina’s robin really stood out to us as the one! The bright colours she had used to bring the character to life felt like a great match to the fun and magic we are trying to portray in the story. She had clearly looked closely at the brief and the branding of the charity to pitch her illustration idea just right.
She has been a dedicated artist, working closely with the author throughout the summer to complete not only the illustrations, but also the book layout and settings. It has been a fantastic experience working with her and we hope she has also gained some useful experience. We are delighted she will be officially in print and hope this is a springboard to her future career success.”
The official book launch will take place at the Candlelighters Cottage on Wednesday 10th October at 6pm. The book will then be available for children staying at the Cottage with additional copies available for sale online