mole is not alone: 02

details details details

I don’t see myself as a strong or talented illustrator. I wish I could work in traditional mediums or have a better grasp of color. But most of all, I wish drawing came more naturally to me. Since it doesn’t, I draw simply and graphically, focusing on shapes instead. Then, when I finish the art, I use pattern, texture, and details to add more interest!

Here’s a collection of some of my favorite hidden Easter eggs.

I’ve been in a plant kick since the pandemic and looked to all my different green pets for the coyote’s little plant shop. It was fun thinking up the different stores in this scene and creating the signage.

Anyone notice this tiny worm and its tunnel cutting across the entire book? It’s “missing” on the title page because of an error I made.

Notice the circle’d days on the calendar? I’m sure everyone recognizes that one spooky day coming soon! The other one is the Harvest Moon date in 2025. Later, I realized I forgot one more special day - my best friend’s birthday!

I always add a nod to my Japanese heritage, like the Japanese vegetables. Did you notice the others sprinkled throughout? I also came up with all of the book titles in Mole, Skunk, and Bear’s home. In the end, it’s worth it, but I definitely was kicking myself in the foot at the time when I was struggling to come up with titles.

If you have a copy of the book, take a look through again and see if you’ll spot all those little details I painstakingly thought about! But the biggest hidden detail is the one on the case cover — there’s a second ending ;)