My Lucky Penny
Illustration, Layout, Typography, Book Design, Stroytelling
About My Lucky Penny
My Lucky Penny is a project that came to fruition after I tragically lost my beloved dog last year. Penny was a very special dog, loved by everyone in the neighbourhood; she truly was a soul dog. Processing her passing was incredibly difficult, a challenge I realized is shared by many. In her memory, I decided to create a project to offer comfort to anyone facing a similar situation.
When determining the target audience, various age groups were explored, leading to the conclusion that an interactive, colourful, and engaging story for children was highly needed. Grief can be particularly hard for children to comprehend; therefore, the goal was to create a tool they could use during such a difficult time, offering a unique and gentle way to share an emotional topic.
To ensure the content and layout were age-appropriate, extensive research was conducted into children’s story writing and design. My Lucky Penny features bright, vibrant, and bold colours for direct visual appeal. Additionally, the book incorporates various pop-up and interactive elements, allowing for a tactile experience that is entirely unique for an emotional story. Alongside the carefully edited text, the artwork was hand-drawn by myself in a semi-realistic style to match actual photographs taken with Penny. This approach deeply captures those cherished memories, ultimately bringing a natural and realistic feel to the entire story.
The Story
On a warm summer day, we met a very special dog. As soon as we saw her, we knew she was the one for us! We named her Penny. Like a shiny penny that you find, she was our lucky charm.
Although she was small, she had a big-big-big heart and brought a special kind of magic into our home. Everywhere her little paws went, joy, love, and laughter were sure to follow.
Penny soon grew to love her new family, especially her human sister. Just like sisters, they teased each other, but they shared a deep love and a very special bond.
The little pup loved to be near her family. Sometimes she waddled behind her dad while he worked in the yard. Other times, she was found with her mom, eagerly eyeing yummy treats in the kitchen! She was always by their side, curious and full of wonder.
On sunny afternoons, Penny loved to stroll through the forest, trotting down trails and sniff-sniff-sniffing the grass. When friends passed by, she would get all giddy inside, hop-hop-hopping from excitement! She was also always ready for a game of tag with her sister or a breezy car ride.
As the years went by, Penny learned every trick in the book. She knew exactly how to get an extra treat or get away with silly puppy things. But most of all, she learned how to love. She shined, bringing a smile to everyone she met, winning hearts with a wag-wag-wag of her tail.
When it was time to relax, Penny loved to lie in the front yard, crunch-crunch-crunching on a favorite stick. She greeted every person and pup that passed by. The whole neighborhood loved Penny, and she loved them too!
Every morning began with a song. Penny would sit outside, and with a woof-woof-woof, she called to her neighborhood grandpa. He always arrived with a smile and a special cookie just for her. Penny was the lucky charm of the whole street.
Penny was truly the neighborhood dog, bringing people together and helping her family make new friends. She made sure everyone felt cared for and happy! Before heading off to their busy days, neighbors would stop to play. A quick rub-rub-rub of her belly gave them all the energy they needed to start their day.
Then came a day where Penny had gone far-far-far away to a peaceful place to rest. Her very special mission as our lucky charm was complete. Although she couldn't stay, the love she shared stayed in everyones hearts.
Penny’s family and neighbors were very sad and couldn’t help but cry. They missed her and wished she could come back. But they knew she was resting so they gathered together in her memory. Bringing flowers, treats, and messages, thanking her for all the love she had shared.
And in her favorite spot in the front yard, her family planted a special Peach Tree. They knew that as the tree grew tall, Penny would be right there, resting in the cool shade, wag-wag-wagging her tail in spirit. And when the fuzzy, sweet peaches bloomed, Penny would continue to share her luck and love in a brand new way, continuing to watch over her family.
