European Children’s Book Illustrators Show How Refugee Children Find Hope Through Everyday Objects.

Children’s book illustrators across Europe have teamed up with The EU and UN World Food Programme to help us understand the impact of everyday essentials through the eyes of children.

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This sketch from Natalie Smilie, children’s book illustrator from Northern Ireland, focuses on a rubber duck bath toy which serves as gateway to an underwater paradise.

The print on these pajamas remind a girl of the great times she had with the pet she had to leave behind – and can’t wait to get back to one day in this sketch by Lieke van der Vorst from the Netherlands.

Kristof Devos, author and illustrator of “Dit is Miep” from Belgium, depicts the importance of routine. She places an emphasis on the importance of a tooth brush, which provides refugee children with a taste of normality. Kristof takes us into the imagination of a refugee child and how a toothbrush provides the young girl with a magical experience.

Kristyna Litten, a UK-based author and illustrator with Eastern European heritage, takes us through the comfort of morning and evening routines for refugee children. This is illustrated through daily meals and the joy of playing with friends.

Belgian illustrator Hanneke Supply highlights the importance of a nightly routine for a child. This image depicts the simplicity of a bedtime story, allowing important quality time with the family.

Spanish Illustrator Mariajose Gajate Molina, focuses on the importance of community and team spirit which can simply be found by playing football. This is because children thrive in interactive environments and Mariajose’s illustration demonstrates how an object as simple as a football can have such a profound effect on their wellbeing.

Italian illustrator Marika Pegararo shows us what joy simple toy car provide even through the ups and downs of life.

Estonian-Born illustrator Aleksei Bitskoff shows us how children attach their hearts to objects they know and love, these objects are necessities that a child should never be without. The joy and excitement in these children’s eyes show the mesmerising effect simple objects can have on their imagination thanks to assistance from the EU.