In February of 2024, while scrolling through illustrators’ posts on Instagram, I ran across an announcement by Monty Lee for an upcoming illustration challenge called the Book Series Challenge. The challenge was to use any media of choice, excluding generative AI, and create illustrations for seven prompts taken from classic book excerpts. After completing my first Book Series Challenge for Pinocchio in March of 2024, I was all in for future challenges.
The next Book Series Challenge was The Wind in the Willows, another children’s classic I had yet to read. And unlike with Pinocchio, I hadn’t even seen a movie adaptation, so I basically knew nothing about The Wind in the Willows, save for the fact that it had an odd assortment of creatures dressed in waistcoats. Since ignorance combined with curiosity often drives knowledge, I read the book and listened to an audiobook edition.
The seven prompts were released, and, unlike with the Pinocchio Book Series Challenge, I did some pre-planning and drafting this time. I still tried to work quickly and loosely, but expanded the use of colored pencils by adding oil pastels, markers, and watercolor pencils to complement the ink. It was so much fun working with these characters, especially the onery Mr. Toad. Frankly, his character completely surprised me in a book for kids from 1908. The battle to reclaim Toad Hall from the weasels and ferrets was spectacular, and I could almost feel myself rowing along with Rat and Mole on the river. Well done, Kenneth Grahame!
Not only did I learn a thing or two about the mediums selected and visual storytelling of a well-known classic, I gained an appreciation for The Wind in the Willows that I never in a hundred years expected to gain. You see? Taking a leap into something new and challenging nearly always pays off in the end.
Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Five
Day Six
Day Seven
There you have it! The seven pieces for The Wind in the Willows in seven days. I was happy with most of these, especially the ones with Mr. Toad.
If you’re interested in joining the Book Series Challenge fun, the next event was just announced for Mary Poppins from August 11th to 17th, 2025. Mary Poppins! Another children’s classic I’ve never read. (Note: As I’m reading Mary Poppins right now, I can only tell you it’s another pleasant and unexpected surprise.) Keep an eye on Instagram and follow Monty Lee (@mosokje) for more information and the prompts.
Until next time…
Read. Write. Repeat.
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