Mei’s Big Potluck
Children’s Illustration · Book
Mei’s Big Potluck is an illustrated children’s book created for early readers aged 4–6. Developed in response to findings from the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education’s Reflecting Realities report, the project explores how children’s literature can better reflect the diverse communities that make up modern Britain.
Illustration
Rather than presenting diversity through issue-led narratives, the book focuses on a character-driven story that celebrates everyday experiences. Through Mei’s curiosity and interactions with her neighbours, readers are introduced to a vibrant community brought together by food, friendship, and shared traditions.
The narrative follows Mei as she visits neighbours throughout her apartment complex, discovering the different foods, cultures, and personalities that make up her community. This episodic structure allows young readers to engage with a range of characters while reinforcing themes of inclusivity, curiosity, and belonging.
The Book
The project was built around a simple but important objective: to create a story where representation exists naturally within the narrative rather than becoming its sole focus. By centring the story around Mei, a young British-Chinese protagonist, the book reflects the experiences and identities often underrepresented within children’s publishing.
The visual direction draws inspiration from classic children’s literature and mid-century illustration, balancing warmth, accessibility, and character appeal. Influences such as Room on the Broom informed the use of rhythmic language and read-aloud storytelling, while Madeline inspired the creation of a curious and engaging protagonist capable of guiding readers through the narrative world.
Additional inspiration was taken from The Railway Series and Gerald McBoing-Boing, informing the book’s structural pacing, simplified forms, expressive character design, and approachable visual language. The resulting illustrations use clear silhouettes, bold shapes, and playful compositions to support early literacy while maintaining strong visual engagement.