Miss Betty

An original story based on true events, this children’s book is about a little puppy who doesn’t lose hope, and strives to be herself in every home she is welcomed into; fulfilling her purpose as mans best friend, and bringing smiles to those around her. In a tale of love, determination, and acceptance, follow Miss Betty through a life of ups and downs, until she is accepted, and loved unconditionally in her forever home.

Year
2019

Client
Samantha Maida, Independent Author

A children's book titled "Miss Betty" with an illustration of a dog with it's tongue out.

Open children's book with black paw prints and bones on white pages

Open children's picture book about a dog, with large black letter illustrations and text, on a grey surface.

Open book with white pages and blue abstract watercolor design on pages showing a paragraph of text.

Open book displaying an illustration of a cheerful, brown and white puppy with an open mouth, sitting on a blue surface, with a dark background and a speech bubble filled with "barooooo"

Open illustrated children's book titled "Miss Betty" with a drawing of a hand holding a lit matchstick, producing a small flame, against a blue background. The text on the right page reads "Miss Betty" and

Inspired by a sweet pup and a vibrant painting

I intended for the visuals to be playful and inviting, with a hand rendered feel as I wanted the protagonist’s personality to stand out. I limited the amount of detailing in each painting, and allowed the line work and coloration to help aid in the storytelling.

Colorful illustration of a forest with tall trees and a small rabbit sitting on the ground in a clearing.

Pattern of black paw prints, dog bones, and tennis balls on a white background.

Close-up of a beagle dog with black eyes and a black nose, looking up.

Color Breakdown

Three overlapping circles of varying shades of blue, with the largest circle in the center.

#152534

Background

Four circles arranged around a larger orange circle in the center.

#E98D26

Beagle

Three overlapping circles with varying shades of brown and orange.

#993300

Vehicle

Three overlapping circles in shades of green and beige.

#8D854A

Clothing

Color Rationale

As you flip from page to page, I made sure the color palette stayed consistent. The most dreary points of Miss Betty’s life visually were very dark and full of blues (left). As she ventured to her final home, and was able to be herself, we see the blue begin to subside, showing Miss Betty stepping out of the darkness and into the light (right).

A dog sitting in front of closed oven door, barking and knocking, with speech bubbles saying 'KNOCK'.

Illustration of three dogs, one on the left barking with the words 'BARK' and 'BARKK', one in the middle with a speech bubble saying 'WAHOOOO', and a large dog on the right howling with text displaying multiple 'O' sounds.