Towards socially and ecologically responsive picture book design and development

This paper examines the strategic design, production and distribution of a water safety-themed picture book developed in response to the challenge of promoting safe waterside behaviour to young children and their caregivers. The book was commissioned by Canal & River Trust and involved the collaboration of water safety, learning and wildlife specialists, an independent publisher, a children’s author/illustrator and parents of young children. The work highlights the significance of social and ecological responsiveness in picture book development, addressing the challenges and recommendations from a ‘more than human-centred’ context. This paper may interest designers, publishers, and organizations working towards social and ecological change. It presents a more holistic, humanity-centred design (HCD+) methodology for developing and distributing more equitable and ethical picture book interventions.