Anna and the Dala Horse
Do you know what makes Swedish Dala Horses so special?
In Anna and the Dala Horse, children are invited on a heartwarming journey into the beauty of tradition, family, and cultural heritage. This story, inspired by Scandinavian roots, offers a gentle introduction to the magic and history behind Sweden’s iconic Dala Horses, all through the eyes of Anna and her grandmother.
Visit Scandinavian Hearts and read more about the book!
Services
Illustration, character design, cover design
Client
Scandinavian hearts
Location
Seattle
As the illustrator, I approached this project with a focus on creating an immersive and tactile experience. The illustrations are hand-drawn digitally and enhanced with rich, textured details to evoke a sense of craftsmanship and a living, handmade quality. I worked with a thoughtful use of light and shadow to craft a warm, harmonious atmosphere throughout the book. This careful attention to lighting not only brings the settings to life but also mirrors the story’s themes of discovery, love, and connection.
A significant part of the visual storytelling is the character design. Anna’s clothing and the color palette were deliberately chosen to reflect the Scandinavian setting, with earthy tones, soft reds, and natural hues that honor the beauty of the Dala Horse tradition. Each visual detail—from the patterns on her clothes to the joyful expressions on her face—was designed to strengthen the emotional bond between the characters and the readers.
This project allowed me to capture the heart of tradition through art, creating illustrations that not only complement the story but also invite readers to linger on each page, soaking in the details and emotions. The inclusion of a hands-on Dala Horse craft activity adds another layer of engagement, encouraging creativity and togetherness beyond the story itself.
Illustration process
