Lucia Baez 2022 ©
All rights reserved.
Children's Picture Books
One of my main joys while working at Penguin Random House (other than the fantastic team I work with) is designing picture books. It is an extensive, thoughtful and fulfilling process that has shaped me to be a better designer, and person.
These are some of the titles I've enjoyed working on the most because of varied reasons: some were extra challenging, and others presented the opportunity to work with some of the best illustrators in the industry. Each book is a different experience, but always treated with the highest quality of care.
Sloth Sleeps Over
Sloth is invited to her first sleepover at her best friend Paloma’s house and even though she doesn’t quite know what to expect, she’s very confident in her sleep skills. She’s an expert when it comes to napping, dozing, or catching some Zs, so she’s ready to excel at sleepovers too.
This heartwarming story by Blythe Russo came together in a smooth fashion (which can't be said for most picture books). I enjoyed working on the direction of the artwork, as well as the type, jacket, and interior design.
Ozzie & Prince Zebedee
Ozzie and Prince Zebedee are the best of friends. They do everything together, but things change when Prince Zebedee accuses Ozzie of cheating and Ozzie swallows up Prince Zebedee in one big GULP!
My role was to design the cover, jacket, and interior layouts of this witty picture book. The author/illustrator, Gela Kalaitzidis, is one I look forward to working with again.
Always with You, Always with Me
This story is a loving ode to modern motherhood by Kelly Rowland and Jessica McKay, and an instant New York Times Bestseller.
This book has been one of the most challenging of my career, which also makes it one of the most rewarding. I worked on the interior layout, as well as the cover type and jacket design.
A Mermaid Girl
A young girl celebrates the experience of wearing a burkini for the first time in this lyrical and heartwarming picture book that casts a fresh light on timeless summer activities, and celebrates cultural traditions and intergenerational bonds.
This poetic picture book is a beautiful example of the type of books we create at Viking. Working on this cover type was a fun and playful experience.
Super Pizza & Kid Kale
This fun, comic-style story introduces the duo no one expected but everyone ends up loving. This punny new picture book introduces navigating the ups and downs of friendship and the unintended consequences that actions can have on others, starring the Batman and Robin of food.
Super Pizza & Kid Kale was a very different book from others I've worked on, and introduced me to a new style of designing that is fun and quirky.
