This children's pop-up book raises awareness about ocean pollution through interactive storytelling. Aimed at ages 6–8, it follows a fish exploring the ocean and revealing the effects of pollution on marine life. With vibrant illustrations, playful pop-ups, and a simple narrative, it highlights ocean beauty and the importance of conservation.
A key challenge in creating this children's pop-up book was balancing the serious topic of ocean pollution with a playful, engaging narrative. Designing functional yet visually appealing pop-ups and ensuring the content resonated with ages 6–8 required thoughtful planning and a cohesive, vibrant visual style.
Project Type
Illustration & Storytelling
Time
4.5 Months
Year
2024 -2025
The pop-up book uses vibrant illustrations, playful mechanisms, and clear storytelling to balance education with engagement. Intentional use of color, movement, and interactive design creates an immersive experience that captures the ocean’s beauty while introducing young readers to the impact of pollution in an age-appropriate, accessible way.
In the early stages, I focused on developing illustrations that aligned with the story's message and engaged young readers. I experimented with different styles and color schemes to ensure the artwork was both appealing and effective. I also tested several pop-up mechanisms, learning new techniques and materials to create functional, durable designs that seamlessly integrated with the narrative.
The illustration style balances playful and informative, with watercolor adding depth and fluidity to each scene. Vibrant visuals and integrated pop-up elements enhance the storytelling, from sweeping ocean views to close-up moments with marine life. The final spreads create an immersive experience that engages young readers while reinforcing the book’s environmental message.
The development process involved learning paper engineering techniques—from simple folds to complex mechanisms—through hands-on testing and iteration. Each stage strengthened my ability to balance visual appeal with functionality, using materials and construction methods that ensured durability and smooth interaction, all while supporting the story.
This project deepened my appreciation for hands-on storytelling and the power of design to educate and inspire. It challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone by learning new techniques in paper engineering and refining my visual storytelling for a younger audience. Balancing function, narrative, and visual appeal pushed me creatively and gave me a new perspective on how design can create meaningful, interactive experiences.