Originally published in Ladybug Magazine, this illustration brings Margaret Mahy’s tender poem to life.
A sister greets her newborn sibling with warmth and wonder, wrapped in a soft, dreamlike scene.

Story

Margaret Mahy

Illustrator

Annie Won

Publisher

LadyBug Magazine

Format

Interior Spread

When Words Bloom into Colors

Sue, my Art Director at Carus Publishing, invited me to illustrate Margaret Mahy’s poem.
It was my first time turning poetry into imagery, and now Day became the cover for Ladybug Magazine.
With layered textures and vibrant colors, I hoped to let words bloom into a playful world for young readers.

✦ Inside the Book

Margaret Mahy’s poem Welcoming Song is a tender celebration of a newborn’s arrival.
The verses weave a lullaby-like rhythm, where shimmering images—silver, gold, velvet, butterflies, shells—encircle the child with wonder.
Each line layers feelings of joy, love, and mystery, holding the newborn as something both deeply cherished and magically secret.

Welcoming Song

In my illustration, I translated this lyrical warmth into a dreamlike world.
Soft textures and delicate details echo the poem’s imagery, while the sister’s gentle gestures reflect the awe of welcoming new life.
My aim was to capture both intimacy and the timeless magic of beginnings.

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✦ Author’s Note

"I wanted to capture the magic of meeting someone new for the very first time.
The soft colors, flowing ribbons, and gentle gestures were all meant to hold that fleeting hush of wonder and love."

— Annie

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ANNIE WON'S ILLUSTRATION

Tiny tales, tender colors, timeless charm.