Learning report

Roxanne Beynon

GDES3004

Childrens book design

Learning report

During the course of the module I have developed a range of knowledge surrounding the general requirements of children's book design. Students were encouraged to consider locally sourced ingredients and sustainable foods for a children's recipe book aimed at a target age group of 8 and over. By addressing the interests and needs of children this age in terms of book design it became apparent that the parents or guardians would be involved with the cooking process therefore this sustainable cookbook would have to be attractive and enjoyable for both children and their accompanying adult. 

During the initial lectures we were introduced to the concept of age related materials and the appropriate use of illustration and art styles. By assessing the use of typography together with scale, imagery and colour of examples in children's book design, groups realised strengths and weaknesses in design and gained knowledge in the best ways to target our future brief.

Before beginning my practical development I took some time to discuss the project with two of my friends children; Beth who is 10 years old this June, and Sophie who just turned 8 years old. I gathered information from them with regard to what they felt would appeal to them, this basically outlined colour, some font styles, characters, and ideas for extra features. By discussing the brief with them I was able to gain insight in the preliminary stages as to what children of the target age find appealing. I had similar discussions with their parents, which resulted in a range of ideas and thoughts that I began working upon as roughs.

During my development it became incredibly clear that research is a key element of all design which develops an understanding of current trends, gaps in the market, acceptable and appropriate material, illustration and art styles, use of typography and understanding the target audience. Through the research that I therefore conducted, I found that despite audience opinions that my initial Ideas were interesting, there was more room for development in other Ideas I had explored. For example, my "googleye's" although fun and children enjoyed them, were 'scrapped' as I was informed later on of a similar concept called "ooglies". This made me feel as though my characters were not an original art style. In addition, the characters above once developed further became quite bold and clunky, which is fine for young children but in order to appeal to adults as well as children of 8 and upwards I opted to follow a more delicate and cooky design path. Later in my creative development I took the characters away from my designs, replacing this with a secret ingredients notebook as an extra feature to engage young minds. 

After discussing the work created so far with peers, Beth, Sophie and their parents, I decided to further develop my cover design based on the look of a screen print and under the title "little green trees", this name comes from my little brother who often called Broccoli little green trees when he was younger. To me this adds a personal touch to the book that also conveys the notion that brocolli and other vegetables come from nature. I had taken colour examples to show Beth and Sophie, and they both selected a range that appealed to them. I referred back to the market currently, discovering a popular trend in 'Flat Ui' colours used for digital media and E-books etc. From here I based my Cover design on a simple two colour template and finalised on a flat pastel green. Green reflects the notion of being environmentally friendly and eco-aware for its obvious associations with the outdoors and plant life whilst also looking contemporary and modern enough to stand out in the current market both digitally and as hard copy. In addition I have made a deliberate effort to make the book cover appealing to both boys and girls through the colour chosen.

My cover shows a circular motif surrounded by various food and sustainable and environmental images such as vegetables, farm animals and a tractor. I chose to use a circle as this embodies the notion of balance, zen, the earth and the seamless continuation of life. All these represented factors contribute to the book being instantly recognisable as something healthy, sustainable and eco-aware. Initially the tractor which sits at the top of the circle, faced toward the spine of the book, but after consideration I turned it to face the right like this in order to evoke the sense of moving "through" the pages rather than away from them. With my cover motif children can also see how farming relates to food and animals. thus educating them and building an appreciation of this relationship.

Ideally, I would like to have a wipe clean cover for the book if not the designed covers themselves. In addition, I would like to have the text on the front cover raised and glossy. I believe this would enhance the overall appearance by highlighting the text but also create something tactile and therefore more memorable for children. I believe that the overall look of the book would be improved by creating a classier yet approachable and delicate appearance, while at the same time becoming more fun and 'feely'.

For my interior spreads I decided to add a sense of continuity by repeating typographic styles, and the way in which children would interact with the book. Circular motifs which reflect the connotations of the front cover conceal a flap which once opened reveal images of the recipe as it is being prepared along with text instructions. By creating an interactive page the child would engage more thoroughly with the recipe and could lift the flap and read to the parent who may be cooking the "adult alert" sections, this way the child remains involved in all stages. After discussions with Beth and Sophie regarding the 'easy peasy purple broccoli gratin" recipe. I incorporated the idea of a "secret ingredients" notebook which could be bound into the cover of the book or in a secret compartment in the centre pages etc. This Idea stemmed from Sophie's opinion that the Gratin would taste nicer if we added cheese. We recooked the recipe together and all agreed that it was improved from adding our "little extras". However, as tastes vary person to person, we decided this would be an extra added feature where children and their parents could have their own variations of the ones within the recipe book. This concept seemed popular during user testing and discussions with peers and parents etc. Mostly due to the fact that 8+ children start to develop the feeling of wanting to be more adult, so by being part of the creator of their own recipe, this allowed the book to be more engaging, fun and appropriate for them.

Overall the spreads would be created from eco-friendly or recycled paper with a wipe clean finish thus increasing the longevity of the book within a messy kitchen environment, but also making the book again more interactive. Ideally I would like the illustrated images, and title fonts to be slightly raised or more glossy in a similar manner to that of the front cover.

I have considered the way in which digital media is becoming increasingly strong within all variations of literature and illustration, therefore I have explored the way in which my cover and some elements of the spreads would look and operate in digital applications. I thought it would be enjoyable to watch for example, if once loaded onto say an I'pad, the same circular motifs featured in the book with flaps to lift, could be 'flipped' by a spatula to reveal the steps. Sounds such as bubbling and sizzling could be added during this action which would create a multidimensional application for children to enjoy. I have incorporated the image of a QR code in my book, which for older children who have phones could direct them to a page of cool facts, games and information about sustainable foods. If I had the ability to I think it would be appropriate for this project to have the option of being directed to a site where there was information about all the local farm produce shops in that area, this way children could pick a recipe, and then know where the best place to buy the ingredients from locally is. Perhaps then mom and dad could take them to purchase the ingredients ready for cooking.

To conclude, my book cover and motif design seek to explore the notion of balance, zen, a respect for the environment, enhancing knowledge of associating factors and building an understanding of where food comes from. Essentially the art style chosen seeks to attract both adults and children as I believe this enables room for maturity and develops a longer 'shelf life' to the book. Its conceptual wipe clean pages would also give extra longevity allowing the recipes to be part of the kitchen for a longer time. The design is aimed at both boys and girls through the colour and styles chosen while maintaining a balance between being fun, and delicate. The secret note-book adds a touch of something private for the child which encourages their sense of independence, building confidence in their own ability to cook in the future and gives them something to be proud of if they believe they have somehow 'improved' the recipe.

Word count: 1582

RESOLVED DESIGNS

Mock ups. Resolved designs

Changes to spread 1

Going off conversions with Lynda, peers and children as well as parents I 'scrapped' the Idea of incorporating the veggie characters. Although I feel this Idea was strong and It gained positive feedback, it did not sit appropriately in this design style which creates a stronger look to me. I have retained a sense of delicacy from the cover with more fun elements through use of handwritten and childish typography and a balance between bright and pastel colours.

Spread 2 development

As previously mentioned I have added continuity throughout my spread and cover designs by using the reoccurring circular motif which conveys a sense of time and the world. I have used associating imagery on the surface of the circles that links both to the recipe and the ingredients used.

I chose to use an orange/yellow colour scale here which associates with the thought of eggs and cheese.

The flaps will lift out art various angles to keep the spread cooky and fun. In edition this increases the space available for information and engages the child more in the design through interaction.

Feedback from Lynda

Feedback so far from Lynda:

Hi Roxy - this is coming along very nicely!!

• Glad you've knocked back the strong background for the insides - that's why it was looking too much like the cover. Nice colour combo that could vary within a full book.
• It's got a lovely style to it now - sophisticated enough for parents and engaging enough for 8+ children.
• Liking the broccoli character - just make sure all your illustration holds together as one style. I know the source of the googly eyes but the reader doesn't - see what they think in peer assessment.Also you previously mentioned 'Little green trees' - this could be the key pivot for the look and feel of the book - more 'delicate' and 'sweet' than googley eyes (which still works - but with a different treatment).
• Heading font - again, make sure everything hangs together style-wise - look back to your cover.
• Incidentally, I liked the illus around the dish on your previous burgundy layout.
• All the elements are good - just push forward to come to a conclusion. Don't lose your thread by trying too many variations.
• Hope that helps, you've worked really well on this and it shows a variety of quality applications style-wise that would impress any publisher.

I am happy with what Lynda is saying and agree with all points made, I will develop this over the next few days before adding images from my second spread. 

What i will do next:

Wait for peer assessment and get a range of feedback to take forward for resolved body of work.

A little chat with my target audience

A chat with Beth:

Here is a recording of a little chat I had with my friends daughter. She is ten years old so I felt it may be useful to get her opinion on my work so far. We had an extensive conversation about my use of colour, illustrative style, added feature concepts and the recipe in general. I didn't record the whole conversation just so she didn't feel awkward at all. However I got some really useful opinions and some notable points are as follows:

• She loved the use of colour, the range of pastel yet bright and flat colours. She described them as pretty but boys and girls could both like them. Her favourite was the pale green.
• She enjoyed my choices of typography and had no problem at all reading them. Her favourite was the "munch munch" which is a hand written font.
• She found the recipe a little boring as standard. But when i asked her "what if you could add your own secret ingredients after you had tasted it" she replied explaining that she would find that fun and maybe she could add cheese as this was her favourite topping. We tried that and she ate it all and asked for more even with the smelly little fish!
• She encouraged my use of characters and found the notion of googgly eyes very amusing, she introduced me to a really fun little animation called "ooglies" which actually seems very similar to what i was going for initially.

Beth, a few questions and feedback

spread

development

spread development

something new

Returning to the main brief

What next:

Following my visit to london, I had a few days off to get some head space from my work, I believed this would give me time for stewing up some more creative Ideas. 

After coming back to it, I have decided I definitely want to incorporate some extra features such as the diary/note book, and that I am going to try something new for the inner spreads, as what I have been developing so far, doesn't sit right for me. It looks too similar to the front cover design I have chosen to go with. After conducting some more research and looking at what I have done so far I feel that I need something more cooky and playful.

London book fair and task:

Task:

Consider three different innovations around the subject of children’s book design. These could be elements of design, illustration style, graphic design, added features, format or even a emerging trend of children’s books. (1 side of a4) With supporting reference information. These could be leaflets, photographs of a book/element itself.

Explain how is has been used within the design of the book or is connected to book design/publishing

Describe/explain why you consider it to be innovative.

Consider whether you think it has been used appropriately or is suitable for children. Explain your answer.

Innovation 1:

This series of books are called ‘make your own sound books’ and are based around the concept of young children interacting with the book itself in a way that is more than "just reading". (Almost becoming a performance for the child). Designed to be placed over the child’s face, this level of interaction includes them in the story, in a way making them the main character and also teaches them noises that the animals make through their own repetition of the sound along with encouragement from the parents or caregivers; for example, the image of a cow provokes a "MOOO" and the more this happens, the more educated the child becomes  in the sounds animal makes. In terms of over children who are viewing this, such as siblings etc, this practise is also educational and fun for them as they can watch all this going on. In addition the template itself is repetitive. The child will know automatically really, that he or she should put the book to their face, and this simple structure is continuous throughout making it easy to play with and understand. 

 Questions are asked, such as "who am i now?" which creates better relationships with the story line and also encourages deeper bonds with child and caregiver or other children watching. Created from a thick board , the books remain rigid with thick individual pages which are easy to turn for small fingers. They are sturdy and solid reducing the risk of damage when being passed around and played with and come with a cut out section which acts as a carry handle. The design and illustrative style of this series is simple with a happy and playful atmosphere created through use of bold colour and line. This grabs the attention of the child and evokes a sense of happiness. The colours used, although bright and bold are still true to life e.g, orange fox, green frog, black and white cow etc.

Overall I feel these books are innovative as they challenge the standard perception of "what reading can be or is" they engage the child in a unique manner by creating a personal first hand relationship with characters which not only encourages a more creative imagination, but a deeper understanding of narrative and interactive play. I also believe in some way the way the child "performs" to parents and peers whilst using and playing with the book, may develop confidence in terms of public speaking later in life. 

Innovation 2:

Innovation 3:

Main brief: development

Spread 1 concept... Getting closer:

I am starting to like this spread concept now. The colour pallet is more about shades and tones than in your face bold colours, which I feel is mature yet the underlying colour is still fun and appropriate for a child of 8 years or over. The images I intend to incorporate on the lifting/flap circles are a basic outline drawing that still reflects factual scale, and detail. There would be full colour photographs underneath the circles which could move in a range of ways such as, lifting, spinning, opening like a book... and digitally the circles could be touched to create a zoom, or a spatula could flip them etc. A sound could also be incorporated such as a bubbling, boiling, chopping or hissing of a pan for digital versions.
By using circular images i am creating an idiosyncratic appearance that has continuity throughout the spreads and cover. This reflects again the notion of things being ever-lasting, sustainable, and organic in addition to relating visually to the world as a whole. I still see circles as a things that implies a sense of looking in to or through something, which is appropriate in terms of exploring curiosity etc.

Main brief: development

Spread concepts:

I am interested in the idea of extendable pages. This would allow greater space to work with and create an interactive spread for children. I have divided the page out into the standard A3 or 2xA4 layout which is essentially the two centre sections. The space on either side which i have made purposely uneven would be a flap or pull out section. If I go forward with these sections being underneath a flap then this would effectively create a space on the "top" of the flap as well which could be used productively. If on a pull out section, I would not have to worry about the aesthetics when the flap was closed, or if it doesn't cover enough of the page/doesn't look balanced etc
I have created circular images  of my experience cooking the dish, which I feel look a lot better, and somehow more organic than square ones. However, the balance of colour between the background and the images is too clashing. I am tempted to have an illustrated image on the top of the circle and have it as a flap again creating something more interactive again. With the photo and instructions below.
I have used the image i created for the cover in the lower left corner to create some continuity but also to display the dish. Im not sure if this is effective.
In Photoshop this document is more purple, probably down to differences in web/print colour formats? However, I would like to make the purple less intense and more understated and organic/natural to reflect the front cover and also the notion of things being natural and good for you. I personally relate bright colours with "added colours" and E-numbers, so i imagine other parents would as well, which may put them off allowing children to cook the recipe. It doesn't reflect the rich and yet healthy nature of the cooked product either.

Here I've made a couple of changes, the image that was in lower left corner is now enlarged and raised, and I have also lowered the opacity in order to use it as a background for text. I have popped a drop shadow in under the title text in order to make it stand out better which i feel it does now.

Mock up

A quick mock up:

Here is what the designs I have played with so far could look like on digital devices. I am aware that this would not necessarily be what you would choose to display but I was more interested in how colour communicated in this format. I like the flat green of the cover design on the macbook air template however i am not keen on the background mock up, my concerns have been solidified through this exploration and I will most likely move on completely from this design for spread 1.

Main brief: Thoughts so far

My thoughts so far, and what I would like to do next:

Thinking back to the session where we studied extra features in books and the way in which they were laid out, I remember being particularly drawn to a book which was really quite random inside with no real generic concept running throughout. I am quite tempted to try this style out as I feel a bit bored of repeating the same style from the cover.
Some ideas on this:

• Chopping board backgrounds, could be different shades or have a logo on the board for different seasons.
• page backgrounds being coloured depending on season
• tags and secret books to add tweaks to recipes ( something i had considered previously but would like to pay more attention to)
• embossed text on the inner pages
• More circular motifs and panels
• increasing the page space even more with the flaps
• A "Local food lunches and "Little Green Trees" Apron that comes with the book
• A spoon lock 

One thing i have noticed in my development process is that photographs do not seem to make good backgrounds, the text becomes very hard to read. I am going to take another look at some strong examples of cookery books for the age range for new inspiration. 

Main brief: development

Poster concepts and Initial Ideas:

I am currently playing around with the idea of a seasonal vegetable chart/Poster which would be categorised simply into the four seasons, indicated here by the use of relating colour and accompanying imagery.  I would like to have a go at screen printing this at a later stage... I have other Ideas that I would like to continue with and build on before committing to this design style. I believe the colours are a clear indicator of season and also the way in which the colour surrounds the white central image conveys a sense that this is a take on "the world" or landscape.

Main brief: Development

Spread initial concepts:

With this spread concept I intend on having a step by step instruction and photo, underneath these panels, they could lift up or down. This would make the book more interactive. In addition if this design was taken into a digital format i have played with the idea of these areas being touch responsive. Perhaps a spatula could come in and "flip" the panels to reveal the instructions and images underneath. Or the panel could flip and zoom to make the instructions more legible.
I have also considered the Idea of having a flap on either side of the A3 spread, that effectively closed in and covered the whole thing, like a menu in a restaurant. I could have something more colourful on the exterior.
Things I would like to incorporate or change etc:

• Im not sure if the spread concept is too much of one colour for children. Although the flaps would reveal more colourful photographs.
• Im considering on improving the layout and scale of the panels.
• I think circles would look better as they would reflect the image on the cover as well as the local food lunches logo. Also a circle implies a sense of looking through or into something.

Main Brief: Further Development of cover and back.

Further development:

I am happy with this deign overall, as time goes on during the module I may develop things further but i have made some more changes now that I feel create an attractive cover.

Such as:

• Incorporation of logo
• Corrections in type
• Re-scale of spine type
• Incorporation of green circles on the wheels of tractor, to brake up the white, also this reflects the circle of the image and the local pod lunches logo.

When I was sketching out this design I had the local food lunches logo in mind which is why, initially I started with something circular, however a circle implies something infinite and never ending which conveys the sustainable message. The image over all reminds me of the world and the landscape or environment which is appropriate for the book content also.

Main brief: Development

Further Development:

Here is my first front and back cover design, I have continued on with a few features from the previous stage. Changes I have now made and things i would like to incorporate/develop on:

• I have reversed the tractor from the previous design, so as to convey a sense of the tractor "going into the book" rather than away. This has made a more balanced image and just looks more thought out to me.
• I have come up with a long list of potential titles for the book, but i think i will go with "little green trees" this is from something my little brother used to say as a child about his broccoli. to this day he will not touch a veg other than "little green trees" (broccoli) 
• This title has been played with in a way through the use of the central image's scale. The broccoli florets in fact do look like little trees.
• The text within the image now reads "A family sustainable cook book" as i thought that in the future there may be more in a sort of series, so calling it "the" may create a dead end. If not perhaps "The family sustainable cook books"? Just a thought anyway...
• From this I thought there could be other titles in said series such as "how do you like them apples?" or "peaches and cream" say if one was making a bakery/sweets cook book from sustainable and local food products?
• I have included some type in the lower half of the book which makes it feel more balanced and complete, however the content is not necessarily final. I will work on this further.
• I have begun to consider a back cover, on which i have come up with a sort of synopsis/passage that hopefully would motivate and engage children. In this passage I have played around with common phrases that use veg or food. This lends itself in content to the book.
• I have removed the drop shadow, I feel the image may be strong and legible enough without it. In addition, Lynda mentioned it looks a bit like a screen print, which I found really interesting and this conveys a sort of organic and natural feel.
• In terms of added features, I may stick to something quite simple. I was considering having the front image as a wheel that could turn. But I think now the for a front cover especially it may be best to have as little parts to damage as possible, and also the wipe clean nature would not work as well with "bits" that move.
• Instead I would like to have the Title text and central "sustainable" text raised or embossed, so that the little individual chive like strands stood out, or could be felt. This would be a tactile and sensory effect for children to enjoy yet still remains classy and simple for adults buying the book.
• The green appears to have come up slightly different on my blog than on the original photoshop document but Im sure I can rectify that if needed.
• Begin to consider logo placement
• Shrink font on spine to explore aesthetics etc

The blank section within the lowed image on the back cover could be used for price or a barcode, or even a QR code that could take the user to; a website? such as Local food lunches, an app or game, It could bring up information on local farms or if possible come up with the ingredients that are in season locally and give you directions and food miles?

Main brief: Development

Some initial Digital Mock-ups:

This is my first attempt at a digital rendering of a sketch made previously for my front cover. I feel that the image I created in the centre (aside from any text) is quite strong as it is clear, simple and illustrates the notion of sustainability and healthy foods etc through the use of farm related animals and a tractor, in addition to some drawings of vegetables. The cover over-all is simple and I have used a flat colour intentionally as I am aware this is currently popular in the digital market in terms of apps etc. I have used a simple, "foody" typeface which is called PWFicelles. I chose the font as it is incredibly similar to the style I had hand drawn previously inspired by chives from the eggy bread recipe. It is clear and legible from a distance without being too bold which i feel creates a classier appearance that would appeal to an adult buying the book. 

Playing around with the typeface within my central image, and also with colour. I personally really like the deep blue however I feel this makes the book look a little too grown up for children of the selected age range and also makes it feel less fun. Perhaps this is through dark blue being quite a business like colour.

This flat yet rich orange stands out and makes the cover feel warn and inviting. The white stands out nicely in the foreground. I have played around again with the typeface but i am not convinced this looks great. I have applied a fish eye effect to the central body of text which was intended to create a more dimensional appearance which i do not feel has been effective. 

Going back to the original typeface here, I have incorporated a drop shadow which now seems in keeping with the overall feel of the cover. It makes the simple body of central text more legible and it now jumps out more. This is more effective and yet does not take away from the clean and simple overall feel. I really like this colour but i am not sure if it would appeal to children without being a little brighter, and also at that age i feel little boys may be less keen to buy something with a pink tone. Perhaps the greens and oranges are more unisex.

I have gone back to a deeper green that I intend on playing around with further as i feel it seems a bit dull now. But on the right track I think. The central text now black, is more prominent and Iintend on running this design past a few 8+ children and their parents to see what they make of it.

I have added in a couple of birds on the central image to fill up a little more space, also I have been exploring the idea of the image being a turning wheel so these birds would remain stationary if the circle was to turn. In addition to this i have put a drop shadow in on the above text as well but I am undecided whether to take this forward. I prefer the cover without however have been told the text is more legible with, so i will user test the image for a decision.

• The front cover will be (in any design case) wipe clean. So will have a semi-shiny appearance.
• considering the "wheel" movement on central image and the notion of a clear window showing a variety of changing images or text behind.
• I am thinking about having a magnetic lock system that would flip round the edge of the book, this would keep the inner pages better protected from fluids and create a more sleek look. 
• This "locking" system could work into something which could prop the book up in the kitchen.
• Would make the cover more interactive. 
• I would repeat the image on the rear cover in order to have a base for smaller text.

Main brief: Development

Session 7: E-books, blog task etc

Patrick Carman: TED Video

E-Books blog task:

1. Find three new examples of "interactive E-books/or E-learning games"
2. l
3. ll
4. l
5. l
6. l

• Producer/Publisher: Lucas Zanotto
• 5 and under, teaches the alphabet in a fun and interactive manner and incorporates drawing. this would be too young for older children however as adults we found it very entertaining!
• It is both a linear and interactive product as the layout runs through the alphabet in stages etc. however the way in which the app encourages drawing to "finish" the image of the creature on the page is highly interactive. Also, when we touch the animal it changes expression etc.
• The methods used to engage children are the interactive drawing, the touch/reaction animals etc.
• Yes I believe the methods used are effective and fun, as the product is very engaging even for an adult. The layout is simple and easy to navigate.
• No I feel the product is really efficient and interesting.

• National Geographic society
• 9-11, fun and educational, based around facts and unusual truths. 
• Linear
• Bright colours, simple icons, interesting and strange facts that hey feel proud to know as its "different" etc
• We felt when using the product that the product may be better if when given the fact, we could "find out more" and learn further. May be too shallow as a product overall yet fun and educational.

• Judith Kerr, collins children's books
• 6-8, basic content with simple illustrations, clear narrative.
• Linear
• Because the narrator is timed with the images and animations shown it in a sense forces the understanding of narrative in comparison to the image. a child can't flip through ignoring the narrative just looking at the images etc.
•  I think this ebook would efficiently "tell a story" and also accompany that with appropriate imagery therefore educating children. however all you really do is press play and thats it, it would be more fun and engaging if perhaps the images reacted to touch.

Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson says NO to the E-book:

Guardian: Julia Donaldson Vetoes E-book

• She thinks interactive E-books for children are a bad idea
• doesn't feel we have to be controlled by technology
• isn't a fan of just jumping on the band wagon in terms of technological development
• fears that digital market could take over

development.

Some initial ideas:

Here are my initial ideas and sketches so far, incorporating some of my chosen elements and concepts...

1)

These are a couple of very basic sketches of ideas for a pop up recipe spread. I thought about including the ingredients and utensils needed around the edge which would create a multidimensional and loud, fun aesthetic. I have included a rough idea of a character that could be incorporated, a little mouse which i feel has obvious links with both cheese and the kitchen as a whole. perhaps something like the rat from ratatouille? The book over all in this case would fold open to have this pop up area fill the space above with the whole recipe, rather than be an added feature on the page. This would make the recipe easy to follow while the book was on a work surface as it would lean upward as though on a stand. I would number the stages as this has proven to be a successful feature in other books and also in my own work throughout the module so far. I would need to consider further the way in which i would incorporate photographs with this style as it would take up a large amount of room. Also typography may look good at top of the pop up area in different layers.

2)

This rough sketch shows a landscape style book. I chose to explore this as i feel the notion of landscape runs throughout the topic. After all the ingredients are sourced from the landscape and the nature that surrounds us. I have looked at how lifting flaps could be incorporated in order to create a multidimensional spread, but also an interactive one. This would also increase the space on which to add more details and info etc. On the left side, the flap has ingredients on the upper, and food miles and location on the "inside"shown with a tractor which could educate a child as to where food comes from, or the process it can go through to reach our plates. Again I have chosen to incorporate large numbers to illustrate the stages in cooking, and have thought about the space next to the numbers in a way where i can show instructions and a photo. The right hand side has another flap that lifts upwards, on this flap i have drawn the utensils need for the recipe in a "pop up" fashion. The top of the flap could read "what else do i need?" or something to that effect.

3)

The idea of a "secret ingredients" book within the main book appeals to me as it could create a more personal relationship with a child. This could be their "secret" and have in it some ideas on how to tweak the recipe or change it up a little. It could have a food miles game within it and a notes page that they can write in themselves. This little book could then be popped back into a holder or perhaps stuck down with a velcro pad in the book. With regard to the stages this time i have used a drawing/symbol of a pure of bread to highlight them. This may look better when made digitally.

With this idea i also thought about the idea of making eggs into characters again. With wellies on? this could be a touch of fun on the page and refers to the idea of the outdoors being a big part of the recipe.

4)

I have included a really quick sketch of a way of propping a book up on a work surface. This could be held with velcro or magnets, or could simply be a result of designing the cover to have flaps that ae strong enough to hold the overall weight of the book.

5)

Some quick sketches of food/characters. As mentioned previously i feel this would give a child something attractive and fun to look at and help engage them with the process. The child could make the characters him or herself from the ingredients and left over bits such as carrot tops.

6)

Some initial ideas of how to involve the food with the typography. I feel this would create an interesting  look that would attract the eye and look idiosyncratic if done in a clever way.

Exploring some typographic styles...

Using food to create the typeface seems as though it could be effective. 

I like the range of colours that come from using foods to create a typeface, they are vibrant yet natural which creates a kind of healthy, juicy and pretty appearance. I especially like the "K" of "book" the onion layers have created an interesting pattern in the letter.
In addition, the use of vegetables to create the shapes, refers back to the notion of healthy sustainable cooking again.

Creating a typeface out of chocolate sauce reminded me of cake baking and may look better or more appropriate in a bakery style book. Also, this way of creating a typeface is quite volatile because the sauce runs everywhere and can be hard to create clear lettering.

Letters made from salt... Could look nice if executed really well, however the materiality of salt is quite hard to control as it seems to "ping" around. Also salt is not good for you so it may not be appropriate or effective in conveying a sense of healthy eating.

Character development:

I created some characters from ingredients/vegetables by adding goggly eyes etc... I feel this adds a fun twist to the idea of a vegetable. Also, when designing my spreads, having a character as a familiar guide could be very effective and allow children to feel comfortable. Children could make their own silly vegetables from left-overs, or create a fun narrative.

An onion made into a face, using the base/root as a nose... Some how these goggly eyes make the thing look concerned! perhaps he doesn't want to be put in a soup? I wonder if this could make children, not, want to cook the recipes as they would be cooking a character?!

A worried carrot?! The natural markings of the vegetable contribute to the expression on its "face"!

This red onion looks barmy! 

I created a mouth and stuck the eyes on a little "off" in order to create a silly looking character and expression. I feel the onion now seems like an inviting fun and silly creature.

I especially like this mushroom character. I am instantly under the impression that it is a "he' and that "he" is a bit dopey and melancholy. 

The broccoli Man!

NAtural formations on the stalk have created a recognisable face!

The nature of a leek seems to have been captured quite well just by adding the eyes, The vegetable seems lazy and dopey somehow. 

Overall I feel creating characters with the veg was fun and could give children something to do as well as something to familiarise themselves with. Perhaps i could incorporate the idea of a seasonal competition using the seasonal veg in the childs local area, they have to make it ito a character and post their pics online? tis would also add a liking feature for a website or app.