At the very beginning of 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to illustrate my first children’s book, The Back Seat of My Mama’s Car, written by Jane Matta. It was my debut in the world of children’s publishing—and what a journey it turned out to be!

The story is told from the perspective of a young Black boy, gazing out from the back seat of his mother’s car as they travel through Africa. Each page carried me into a new scene: the vibrant bustle of city streets, the quiet stretch of countryside, the warmth of a corn seller by the roadside, the rhythm of street vendors, a bridge framing the horizon, and finally, the peace of looking up at the vast African sky before drifting to sleep.

To bring these moments to life, I leaned into my natural impressionistic watercolour style—soft washes, playful light, and vivid strokes that mirror the fleeting wonder of childhood. Jane’s brief was both clear and open, giving me space to interpret the boy’s world while staying true to her heartfelt story. I am grateful to her to provide yet another plume to my watercolour journey.

The result was a collaboration that felt seamless and full of joy. For Jane, it brought her vision alive on the page. For me, it was the thrill of seeing my art breathe alongside a narrative meant for children—something I’ll never forget.

This first step into illustration has shown me how stories and paintings can meet to create magic. And if this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see where the road leads next.

https://janematta.com/childrens-book-store-childrens-books-ages-2-6