The year has flown by. Around this time last year, I was working daily as the book illustrator for Verraad mij niet, The Secret of Amsterdam, written by Melinda Braaksma.
What started as a request for five small drawings and a first draft cover evolved into more than 25 full illustrations and two cover illustrations for the Dutch and English editions. Thanks to Melinda’s enormous drive and motivation, the exquisite quality of the story, and the design by Dafne Arlman, the book took a giant leap forward.
Time to celebrate the first milestones:
✨ Book presentation at De Witte Olifant (Amsterdam)
The very school that plays a role in the story still exists today. A place marked by a tragic history from the Second World War, when more than 500 Jewish children and teachers were deported, became the setting for the book presentation. It left a deep impression on everyone present. The necessity of publishing this story could not be stronger.
I had the oppurtunity to have my artist talk for 100 people. Relaxed, confident, and at ease. I realized: I can do this now!
✨ Book presentation at the Torenpleinschool
The school of my own children. With the older students, Melinda read from the book while I showed how I created the illustrations. The response was heartwarming. The very next day, the school purchased an entire classroom set of books.
✨ From sketches to a published book
Looking back, it still amazes me how a project that started with just five small sketches transformed into a fully illustrated book, now available in both Dutch and English.
Finishing the drawings felt like the end, but it was only the beginning of something much greater.
Stay in touch, because more milestones are just around the corner!
For more info: www.melvertel.nl
