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 two Book Series Challenge for Pinocchio and The Wind in the Willows, I was all in for more.
The next Book Series Challenge was in the spring of 2025. The classic children’s book chosen was Peter Pan. However, unlike Pinocchio and The Wind in the Willows, I’d read Peter Pan and multiple Peter Pan-inspired books (including the fantastic Sisters of the Neversea by Cynthia Leitich Smith). I have also seen several movies and stage adaptations of the story, so Peter Pan appeared to be in my wheelhouse. With the supreme confidence as a Peter Pan expert in my back pocket, I thought this challenge would be easy-peasy.
Wrong.
The seven prompts were released, and I jumped right in. It was hard. I should also add that we’d just moved back into our house after an extensive six-month renovation, and our life, as well as my office, were in near chaos. With this challenge, I always felt I was so far behind I could see my own ass end on the horizon. Every day of the seven was a scramble from quick sketch to scan to digital coloring. Instead of the mixed media and digital I used in the previous challenges, I had to fall back on working 100% in Clip Studio Paint on my Wacom One because I didn’t have the time to search through boxes and drawers where I’d stored my supplies.
In the end, the work got done. I’m happy with about every piece except the Day Four piece. I lost much from the original sketch to the final digital piece. I vow to go back and have another go at it someday to see if I can recreate the spirit of what was in my sketchbook and inside my head. I guess my main takeaways from the Peter Pan Book Series Challenge are not to get cocky to the point that arrogance hinders the project, and that the important thing is to find a way to get the work done, no matter how many hurdles are in your way.
Another huge positive of the Book Series Challenges that I think I’ve failed to mention is the community of participating illustrators on Instagram and beyond. It’s a great way to meet others and see their wonderful work. Just having that in my headspace makes life quite a bit brighter.
Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Five
Day Six
Day Seven
There you have it! The seven pieces for Peter Pan. As a bonus, here’s the first development sketch of Peter Pan.
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.