Posted in August 2025

Every children’s book begins as a tiny spark in my mind. For The Sun Inside, that spark started with a simple question: how can a story help children see hope even in dark times? I pictured a group of whimsical animals living in a gloomy forest and imagined what would happen if one of them discovered sunlight and flowers for the first time. That concept became the emotional heartbeat of the story.

While developing the idea, I reflected deeply on the themes I wanted to explore. I wanted to convey friendship, curiosity, resilience, and the gentle lessons that children need to understand their emotions. I sketched rough outlines of scenes, animals, and settings, gradually shaping the story world. It was important that the narrative remained playful while still carrying meaningful life lessons. I also considered how the story could be experienced visually. Even at this early stage, I imagined the forest, the glowing sunlight, and the vibrant flowers. The balance between dark and light, both literally and metaphorically, became central to my storytelling. Every decision I made during the concept stage influenced the tone, style, and emotional impact of the book.

Developing Characters With Heart

Creating Milo, Grumble, Zippy, Pip, Tilly, and Lulu was a meticulous process. Each character needed a unique personality that could resonate with children while being fun, funny, and relatable. I explored their quirks, habits, and reactions to the world around them. For example, Milo is curious and clumsy, while Grumble is a reluctant but lovable companion. These traits became the foundation of their interactions throughout the story.

I spent hours sketching and redrawing their designs to ensure consistency and visual appeal. I focused on expressions, body language, and characteristic poses instead of facial details, so the illustrations could convey emotion without limiting imagination. Zippy the Squirrel, for instance, always appears energetic and mischievous, while Tilly the Turtle exudes calm and thoughtful energy. Throughout character development, I constantly asked myself how each animal could teach children about empathy, emotional awareness, and resilience. These reflections shaped not only the personalities but also the visual cues, from Milo’s tiny digging claws to Lulu’s majestic perched posture. Every detail reinforced the story’s themes and created an emotional connection with readers.

Building the World of the Book

The forest in The Sun Inside became almost like a character itself. I needed it to feel alive, immersive, and emotionally responsive to the characters’ journey. I started by designing the gloomy version of the forest—shadowy trees, sparse flowers, and muted colors that reflected the sadness of the animal community. This created a striking contrast for the later transformation scene when sunlight and blooms arrive.

Next, I explored the magical light-filled areas where Milo discovers sunlight and color. I experimented with golden tones, playful shadows, and sparkling pollen to capture a whimsical, enchanting atmosphere. I envisioned the flowers, trees, and beams of light interacting with the characters in ways that amplified joy and wonder, making the environment an integral part of the story.

As I built the world, I paid attention to scale, perspective, and visual storytelling. I wanted children to feel as if they were peeking into a living, breathing forest. By layering details and creating depth, I ensured that the setting not only complemented the characters but also helped communicate the emotional journey from darkness to light.

Writing the Manuscript

Drafting the manuscript was one of the most exciting parts of the process. I focused on rhythm, tone, and the natural flow of language that would captivate young readers. Every sentence was written with care to balance humor, emotion, and narrative momentum. I imagined reading the story aloud, considering how children might react to each moment and how parents could engage with the text. I revised the manuscript repeatedly to ensure clarity and emotional resonance. I asked myself if the story’s messages about resilience, curiosity, and friendship were coming across naturally without feeling forced. Each draft brought the story closer to its final form, and each revision allowed me to refine both the dialogue and the descriptive passages. During writing, I also kept in mind how illustrations would complement the text. I left room for visual storytelling to shine, giving the animals space to communicate through body language and interactions. This collaborative vision between text and image became the backbone of the book’s immersive experience.

Illustrating the Story

Illustrations brought the characters and environments to life in a way that words alone could not. I worked on watercolors, soft textures, and vibrant colors to capture the whimsical and heartwarming atmosphere I imagined. I emphasized playful shapes, flowing lines, and gentle lighting to create scenes that would engage children visually and emotionally. I carefully balanced the dark and light areas in the forest to guide the reader’s focus. The gloomy forest needed to feel somber but not frightening, while the transformed spaces had to radiate warmth and wonder. I also experimented with subtle details, such as pollen floating through the air or sunlight casting delicate patterns on leaves, to make every illustration feel alive.

Consistency was key during illustration. I made sure Milo, Grumble, Zippy, Pip, Tilly, and Lulu looked recognizable in every scene. Even when only their silhouettes or characteristic poses were visible, children could identify each character and understand their personalities through posture, movement, and placement in the environment.

Designing the Book Layout

Once the illustrations were complete, I turned to book layout and design. I arranged pages to create a natural flow between text and images, ensuring that each spread provided both visual interest and narrative clarity. Typography, spacing, and color choices were carefully selected to enhance readability and complement the story’s whimsical style.

I also created mockups for web and print versions, visualizing how readers would hold, flip, and experience the book. This stage allowed me to refine small details, like page margins and text placement, to maximize engagement. Seeing the illustrations and text come together in a cohesive design was a deeply satisfying moment in the process. Throughout the design, I remained focused on the emotional impact of the book. Every spread was crafted to evoke warmth, curiosity, and joy, guiding young readers through Milo’s journey while reinforcing the story’s central messages about hope, friendship, and the power of light.

Preparing for Publication

Publishing The Sun Inside required careful planning and attention to detail. I researched platforms, formatted files, and ensured high-quality images and typography for each format. I coordinated distribution on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Audible to make the book accessible to as many children and families as possible.

Marketing and promotion also played a key role. I created a website, subscription options, and blog content to share behind-the-scenes stories, free activities, and insights into the creative process. This allowed me to engage directly with readers and families, providing resources to complement the book experience. Publication was the culmination of years of creativity, planning, and careful execution. Holding the finished book in my hands and seeing the characters and illustrations fully realized was a moment of pride and joy, knowing that Milo, Grumble, Zippy, Pip, Tilly, and Lulu could now reach readers everywhere.

Sharing the Journey With Readers

Sharing the story and activities beyond the book itself is incredibly rewarding. I use my blog and website to provide coloring pages, word searches, and mazes that extend the reading experience. These activities encourage imagination, learning, and engagement, allowing children to interact with the characters in playful ways.

I also love hearing from readers who connect with the story’s themes. When families share how the book helped children understand emotions or sparked joy, it reminds me why I began this journey. Each message is a validation of the care, thought, and love I poured into creating The Sun Inside.

Ultimately, creating a children’s book is more than writing and illustrating—it’s about crafting an experience. From the first sketches to publication and beyond, every choice I make aims to inspire, delight, and gently guide young hearts. This journey continues as I share the story, the characters, and the world I imagined with families everywhere.

Author Jessie Jackson