My story draws on African oral tradition, using a proverb to pass on a simple but powerful lesson through a gentle, character-driven narrative.

The story is based on the isiXhosa proverb “Umzingisi akaphili ndlala”, which means greatness is not rushed for and that it pays to be patient, your time will come too. Through Lulu’s determination to fly, the book explores themes of patience, practice, and growth, lessons that are important in the early stages of life. I wanted to create a story that felt familiar and meaningful to young readers, while still being playful and visually engaging.

The colour palette was chosen to balance vibrancy with warmth. The characters are primarily dark purple, while their beaks, legs, and eyes are bright
yellow, traits inspired by the Black Harrier, an endangered bird native to South Africa. A bright pink, light pink, and beige for backgrounds and environmental elements were used, offering a warm and whimsy feel, a soft grey was used for neutral tones and balance. The character design is inspired by the Black Harrier, reinforcing the story’s local relevance and adding an element of environmental awareness. Lulu and her mother were designed with distinct features,
dark coloured bodies and vivid yellow accents that show the striking look of the real-life harrier, symbolising both vulnerability and strength.

The illustration style is simple and flat, keeping shapes bold and easily recognisable for young readers. I used subtle shading and a soft gradient/dotted texture to add warmth and dimension, helping bring the world to life without making it too complex. This balance keeps the visuals playful and approachable while still feeling polished and cohesive across each page.