The Curious Compass of Cedarwood Grove

Hi, I’m Malini Nair, a storyteller and educator from Malaysia with a passion for creating meaningful stories for young readers. My work focuses on weaving magical tales with real-world values like kindness, courage, and self-discovery, inspiring children to explore their imagination while learning important life lessons. I’m currently working on my book, The Curious Compass of Cedarwood Grove, a heartwarming story about following your inner compass to help others and grow as a person. I’m seeking an illustrator who can bring this vibrant, whimsical world to life and make the story unforgettable for children and parents alike. If you love storytelling through art and creating magical worlds, let’s collaborate to craft something truly special!

1. Story Summary
   The story follows Milo, a curious 7-year-old boy, who discovers a magical compass in Cedarwood Grove. The compass doesn’t point north but leads him to animals and situations in need of his help. Through his journey, Milo learns the value of inner strength, kindness, and trusting his instincts.

2. Art Style and Direction
   We’re looking for illustrations that:

Color Palette: Feature natural, earthy hues—greens, browns, golds—with glowing accents to emphasize magic.
Style: Whimsical and textured, with rich detail in forest scenes, expressive characters, and magical elements.
Mood: Captures the duality of mystery and warmth—playful during Milo’s adventures and serene during reflective moments.

3. Key Design Elements
   Characters
   Milo: A curious and adventurous 7-year-old boy with curly hair, a yellow hoodie, and green boots.
   Animals: Bunny, duckling, fawn, owl—each with distinct, expressive faces.
   Supporting Details: Lush forest, mossy trees, glowing fireflies, and natural elements.
   Setting
   A vibrant forest that evolves through the day, transitioning from sunny mornings to starry nights. The mood shifts from excitement to introspection as Milo’s journey unfolds.

4. Book Layout
   The book will have 32 pages, including the cover and back cover:

Book Size: 8.5" x 8.5" (Square).
Illustration Breakdown:
Full-page illustrations or spreads for key moments.
Text will be integrated into the artwork where appropriate.
File Specifications:
Resolution: 300 DPI.
Color Mode: CMYK.
Bleed Area: 0.125” (3mm).
Final Format: Print-ready PDF with editable layered files (e.g., PSD or AI).

5. Illustration Scope
   Examples of Illustration Briefs:

Cover
Milo holding the glowing compass on a winding forest path. The scene is surrounded by vibrant trees and magical glowing elements.

Spread 1 (Page 3-4)
Text: Milo loved exploring Cedarwood Grove. One sunny morning, he found something curious hidden under a pile of leaves: a rusty compass with a golden glow.
Illustration: Milo kneeling in the forest, brushing leaves aside to reveal the compass. Birds and squirrels curiously watch him.

Spread 2 (Page 5-6)
Text: The compass didn’t point north—it spun wildly before settling on a direction. Milo’s heart raced with curiosity. “Let’s see where you take me!”
Illustration: A close-up of the compass glowing in Milo’s hand, with forest trees and sunlight filtering through in the background.

Spread 3 (Page 7-8)
Text: The compass led Milo to a bunny stuck in a bramble bush. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you!” he said, carefully freeing the frightened bunny.
Illustration: Milo crouching by a thorny bush, gently untangling the bunny. The bunny looks wide-eyed, with small scratches on its fur.

Spread 4 (Page 9-10)
Text: The compass spun again and led Milo to the riverbank, where a duckling was stranded on a rock. “Hang on, little one!” Milo said, using a branch to guide it back to safety.
Illustration: Milo kneeling by the river, holding a stick while the duckling paddles to shore. The scene includes reeds and water reflections.

Final Spread (Page 23-24): The compass resting on Milo’s desk, surrounded by his hand-drawn maps of Cedarwood Grove.

Timeline
Project Start: February 1, 2025.
Sketches and Concepts: Due by February 28, 2025.
Revisions and Final Artwork: March 15, 2025.
Print-Ready Files: April 1, 2025.
Deliverables
32 Pages Total: Includes cover, back cover, and 30 story pages.
File Format: Print-ready PDF and layered editable files (PSD or AI).
Illustration Style: Full-color illustrations with text integration.

https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Ed-Mamma-picture-friendship/dp/0143461214

In what capacity are you hiring?
As an individual for a personal project