Mona Karaivanova | Bulgaria
Based on a 32-page spread, Rain Ride is a creative take on the non-fiction theme of the water cycle, which is cleverly personified by the story’s sole character, Rain.
Rain is born a drop and moves through the various stages of the water cycle (life) before returning once more to a drop. Targeted at ages 2-7, the story is rhythmic and poetic - a joy to read aloud.
An illustrated water cycle diagram at the end of the book reiterates the water cycle teaching, making it a learning tool as well as an engaging tale with a relatable human character, highlighting our intrinsic link to nature and the continuity of life.
On its surface, Rain Ride is a story about a girl and a teaching of the water cycle, but at a deeper level it is also a story about consciousness. Rain Ride is a perfect example of how the clever use of story can gently present mature subjects such as death, consciousness and connectedness in a child-like way, to plant a seed that can be germinated in years to come.
I have collaborated on this project with New Zealand writer, Eleanor Lornie, who was recently awarded a 2022 New Zealand Society of Authors mentorship and is currently developing her debut novel. Eleanor has a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in journalism, and is experienced in writing and editing. www.eleanorlornie.com
Mona Karaivanova - AKA Ghostpuff - is a much-loved European illustrator, based in the Netherlands. Mona’s style aims to capture the quaint and cozy life, often through the eyes of animals and mystical creatures. She has a dedicated following on Instagram of 144,000 and has had several children’s picture books published. @ghost_puff www.instagram.com/ghost_puff
Education:
New Bulgarian University
Graphic design
Graduation: 2016
Published titles: 5