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Children's book · written by Ernst Louis

Let the Children Rise

A hope anthem for kids everywhere, and four children who keep going.

A hand holding the hardcover picture book Let the Children Rise, with a golden bird flying above

Illustrating this book was a truly unique and transformative experience.

Each spread carries a message of hope, resilience and perseverance, beautifully written by Ernst Louis. It was a great honor to bring these words to life, translating emotions into colours, expressions and settings that reflect the strength within every child.

This project was more than an artistic challenge. It was a privilege to contribute to a book that inspires, moves and shares such a powerful message with the world.

Author
Ernst Louis
Publisher
Free Sparrows Books
Year
2025
Role
Character design and illustration
Tools
Photoshop, Fresco

The cover, from first line to print

Cover and back cover, from sketch to finished book
Cover and back cover, from sketch to finished book

Meet the kids

Every child got a turnaround and expression sheet before the first spread.

Character turnaround and expression sheet, from colour model to pencil studies
Character turnaround and expression sheet, from colour model to pencil studies
Character turnaround and expression sheet, from colour model to pencil studies
Character turnaround and expression sheet, from colour model to pencil studies

Inside the spreads

Keep scrolling: each spread moves from rough to lines to final colour.

A boy alone with his thoughts

A boy alone with his thoughts: rough stageA boy alone with his thoughts: lines stageA boy alone with his thoughts: final stage

A kite over the beach

A kite over the beach: rough stageA kite over the beach: lines stageA kite over the beach: final stage

A young scientist at work

A young scientist at work: rough stageA young scientist at work: lines stageA young scientist at work: final stage

The school talent show

The school talent show: rough stageThe school talent show: lines stageThe school talent show: final stage
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