Artist Statement: Children’s books can be seen as liminal in nature. They can help children understand the world at important, in-between stages of their growth and development. My children's book style illustrations are designed to examine the challenges of the pandemic. Each illustration is its own narrative. All together they can be seen as a cohesive visual adventure; an adventure in which the world can be shown in a colourful cheerful way despite the fact COVID restrictions and mandates have made life difficult.

Children are resilient and eager to learn. One of the best ways to teach them how to find hope in a time of uncertainty is through art. Growing up I enjoyed reading picture books. My hope is that these pictures, both individually and as a collection can visually represent that even though the world has changed due to the pandemic, there is hope it hasn’t changed too much. —Jessie Cook