Women Hidden in History
This children’s picture book was developed over seven months, with each illustration entirely hand-drawn and painted using crosshatching and watercolour. The project began with extensive research into untold stories of women throughout history; figures whose contributions were often ignored, stolen, or forgotten. From there, the narrative took shape as a classroom setting, allowing each child to share one of these overlooked women in a playful and accessible way. The illustration process was highly detailed and time-intensive. Each spread was first created in pen using crosshatching to build depth and texture, followed by layers of expressive watercolour applied loosely to keep the tone vibrant and childlike. The contrast between the intricate linework and the unpredictable nature of the paint brought energy and warmth to every page. This project combines visual storytelling with a socially conscious message, inviting young readers to explore big ideas like fairness, credit, and recognition, through humour, character, and colour.