What is it like illustrating a book about mindfulness for kids?
As an eldest child growing up surrounded by younger cousins, Sienny Septibella naturally gravitates towards kids. What she loves most about is talking to them and simply listening to what they have to say. It’s no surprise that she’s now a children’s book illustrator as her passion allows her to interpret and recreate their innocent world.
And illustrating a book about a mindful little boy for Books Actually’s Math Paper Press is extra special as Indonesia-born Bella spent some time studying in Singapore. She shares more about how this project came about.
While Sienny has illustrated other children’s books, this is her first on mindfulness.
Hi Bella! It’s so awesome for us to be able to talk to someone who’s illustrated a Singapore-published children’s book about mindfulness.
Thank you! The project came about unexpectedly. I was contacted by the author, Malvina, who is a wonderful yoga practitioner and mother. It was a pretty simple process because everything went very smoothly after that. I feel lucky to be able to work on a book like this.
How is it different from your previous works?
Most of my previous works were used for education or commercial purposes. The Rainbow Hearted Boy is my latest work, and my first with a mindfulness theme. I really like that the main character has a positive outlook in life. No matter how negative things may look, he chooses to see the best in everything. He shows great empathy to a new boy having some troubles. This is something we can all learn from and do.
As an eldest child who grew up with many younger cousins, Bella loves talking to children and getting to know their world better. It keeps her inspired as a children’s book author!
How do you think you’ve managed to show the theme of mindfulness for kids through your illustrations?
I took inspiration from the storyline. The muse for our main character is the writer’s son and we also wanted to show everyday life kids will be familiar with as well as a diversity of characters.
As a children's book illustrator, how do you think reading can be a process where kids learn to be more mindful? Any tips for parents?
When kids focus on whatever they are doing like reading with you or drawing, they’re already practising mindfulness. Perhaps the challenging part is this may not last very long or kids show no interest in the books to begin with. What I’d suggest is to let them to pick a book, get rid of all the distractions by putting away your gadgets and being fully present with them.
Switch off the TV and pick books that your kids will want to snuggle up with.
What are your favourite ways to relax and find joy?
I would go out for an afternoon stroll with my dog. Or I’d take a pause during the course of my day and drink my favourite chamomile tea.
To see more of Bella’s works, click on her website or follow her on Instagram @iinjuuuu.
The Rainbow Hearted Boy can be purchased from Books Kinokuniya and Books Actually.