Alumna illustrates e-book supporting children during lockdown

Rebecca Sampson is a graphic designer and illustrator who has recently paired up with teacher Mike Forde to illustrate his book “How to NOT go to School: Parsley Mimblewood Saves the World!”.

How to NOT go to School title and main character Parsley Mimblewood

The book aims to occupy children and raise funds for the NHS and was initially written for Mr Forde’s Year 3/4 class. It has since been widely downloaded in the UK and has also reached young people in New Zealand during the pandemic lockdown.

Alumna Rebecca, who graduated from Loughborough with a degree in Fine Art in 2011, was approached by Mike in a children’s book group online alongside Sarah Beswick, who has provided additional illustrative work.

Rebecca said:

“I had been looking for a way to contribute during the crisis and when Mike contacted me and I read the story, I was instantly taken by how well it dealt with the situation in a way that would resonate with children, without making Coronavirus the dominant theme.

“It was a rich, whimsical world which was a joy to illustrate and working with Mike has been fantastic.”

The book explores issues that children may be facing in lockdown, interwoven with Parsley’s adventures with her brother Bo, their nanny goats and an eclectic group of imaginary friends.

The book is free to download online, and is also available on Kindle, with any profits going to the NHS. Find out more about Rebecca Sampson here.