In the world of illustration, collaborations often happen in the most unexpected ways. One such serendipitous meeting changed the course of my career and gave me the opportunity to work on a project that would inspire the next generation to think critically about climate change and renewable energy. This is the story of how I met Paul Webb, founder of B2B Energy, and together we brought Little Orange Dinghy to life , a children’s book and classroom resource designed to teach young minds about climate change and renewable energy, particularly wind power.
The First Connection
My journey with Paul Webb began through a shared passion for creating meaningful work. Paul, a well-known advocate for renewable energy and sustainability, had a vision: to create a resource that would educate children about climate change in a way that was engaging, accessible, and inspiring. He believed that storytelling was a powerful tool for sparking curiosity and encouraging young people to think about the world they live in.
We connected through a mutual contact who saw the potential for our collaboration. Paul needed an illustrator who could bring his concept to life with vibrancy and relatability, and I was eager to take on a project that aligned with my own values about sustainability and education.
The Birth of Little Orange Dinghy
Paul introduced me to his concept for Little Orange Dinghy, a story centered around a small, unassuming boat with a big purpose. The dinghy embarks on an adventure and stimulates conversations around teaching children how renewable energy, especially wind power, can create a brighter future for the planet.
Together, we wanted to create something more than a typical children’s book. It needed to be:
• Educational: Packed with facts and lessons about climate change and renewable energy.
• Entertaining: A story that would captivate children with memorable characters and vivid illustrations.
• Empowering: A tool teachers could use in classrooms to foster discussions about sustainability and inspire action.
Illustrating the Vision
The challenge for me as an illustrator was to translate these big ideas into a visual language that young readers could relate to and understand. I began by sketching concepts for the dinghy itself. Then the scenes I created were designed to reflect the balance between whimsy and realism, depicting wind turbines on rolling hills and ocean waves glistening under the sun.
Collaboration and Learning
Working with Paul was a collaborative process. His expertise in renewable energy brought depth and accuracy to the book’s educational content, while my illustrations brought those concepts to life. We worked closely on every detail, from ensuring that the turbines were represented accurately to crafting scenes that depicted the effects of climate change in a way that was age-appropriate yet impactful.
This project wasn’t just about illustrating a story; it was about learning and sharing. Paul’s knowledge helped me gain a deeper understanding of renewable energy, and I used that insight to enhance the visuals.
From Book to Classroom Resource
Once the book was completed, Little Orange Dinghy quickly became more than just a bedtime story. Paul and I collaborated to turn it into a classroom resource, complete with discussion guides for teachers.
The book’s themes, climate change, renewable energy, and the role of individuals in protecting the environmentresonated strongly with educators who wanted to introduce these topics to their students in a way that was both educational and hopeful.
Impact and Reflection
Since its release, Little Orange Dinghy has made its way into classrooms, homes, and libraries, sparking conversations about sustainability among children and adults alike. For me, this project represents the power of collaboration and the importance of aligning your work with your values.
Meeting Paul Webb and collaborating on this book was a turning point in my career as an illustrator. It showed me how art and storytelling can be used to address critical global issues and inspire the next generation.
Little Orange Dinghy is more than just a book it’s a call to action. And for that, I’ll always be grateful to have been part of its journey.
Conclusion
Through Little Orange Dinghy, Paul Webb and I have created something that bridges the gap between education and inspiration. This collaboration has reinforced my belief that creativity can make a difference and that even the smallest projects, like a little orange dinghy, can have a big impact.