An environmental educator approached me to create a children’s book for ages 7–14, inspired by the color yellow. The color immediately brought to mind honeybees and the natural world—beautifully tying back to the educator’s work with environmental awareness. This sparked a bigger question for me: How can I teach children something meaningful about nature in a way that’s engaging and memorable?
That’s when the idea for Billie's Yellow September was born. I chose to focus on the importance of bees and pollination, and rather than using human characters, I turned to bison—animals that once freely roamed Illinois and also contribute to the pollination process through their interaction with prairie ecosystems.
The story follows Billie, a young buffalo, and his mother Dottie during the seasonal shift of September. As the landscape begins to change, Dottie allows Billie to help with prairie chores for the first time. During his exploration, Billie encounters bees and tries to chase them off—until Dottie gently stops him and teaches him why bees are essential to their survival and to the environment around them.
To capture young readers' attention, I designed each page with vibrant, warm tones—drawing from oranges, golds, and earthy yellows—to reflect the changing season and the warmth of nature. Every page is designed to be visually dynamic, with unique imagery layouts that keep readers engaged. No two pages are the same—ensuring that every turn reveals something fresh and exciting.
This project blends storytelling and visual design to spark curiosity about ecosystems, the role of pollinators, and how everything in nature is connected. It’s a story meant to inspire a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.
Front & Back Cover
First Spread
Second Spread
Third Spread
Fourth Spread
Fifth Spread
