The Bookmobile is an invitation—tender and mischievous all at once.
When the Bookmobile transformed from vision to reality, its purpose was clear: it would be more than just a traveling bookshop. It would be an experience, a space that children would delight in visiting, a place they’d want to linger, explore, and, most of all, read. But beyond that, it needed to hold a spark of something wild, something enchanting, something that felt like stepping into the pages of a beloved story.
Just like a book cover gives a glimpse of the story within, the artwork gracing the Bookmobile needed to capture its spirit. It had to feel timeless, like the illustrations in a picture book that never loses its charm. And so, I thought of the artist whose work had always drawn me in with its warmth and wonder; Emily Hughes.
I first encountered Emily’s art through Wild, a book that instantly resonated with readers young and old. The illustrations were stunning, capturing the wild spirit of childhood. Later, I would discover that Wild was Emily’s graduating portfolio, picked up by Flying Eye, and it quickly became a beloved classic.
I was such a fan that I created a little doll to go along with the book as a gift for a new member of our family. (we still have this doll)
Since then, Emily has written and illustrated The Little Gardener and The Snail, a deeply personal story inspired by the life of Isamu Noguchi. She has also illustrated A Brave Bear, the Charlie & Mouse series, Everything You Need to Build a Treehouse, and, most recently, Beti and the Round House and Best in Show. Each book is infused with her unmistakable style, filled with heart, imagination, and an intimate connection to the natural world.
The influence of Emily’s Hawaiian roots is woven through every stroke of her work. Her illustrations brim with life, from the twisting branches of banyan trees to the lush foliage that cradles her characters. You can almost feel the warmth of the sun, the rustling of leaves, the hidden stories waiting beneath each mushroom cap.
When we spoke, we both gushed over the tiny, secret garden of fungi in Everything You Need to Build a Treehouse—a perfect example of her eye for detail and delight.
As we discussed the design for the Bookmobile, we envisioned a story unfolding across its surface, wrapping the truck in a world of discovery. Talking about books with Emily came naturally. Her mother, a former fourth-grade teacher and lifelong book lover, nurtured her passion for stories. Emily has lived in the UK since she was seventeen, and their conversations about books remain a cherished thread between them.
I wanted Emily to create what felt right, trusting completely in the magic she would bring. And she did. The Bookmobile’s artwork is irresistibly inviting. People are drawn to it, curious to step closer, to take in every detail. Hidden within the design are tiny treasures. Some are obvious, like my love for Gyo Fujikawa; others are deeply personal, known only to those closest to us. Our dog is there, as is our beloved bunny, Macaroni, who lives on forever in Emily’s art.
A peek at how the artwork began to unfold around the truck.
Emily is not only a remarkable artist but also an extraordinary human being. If you have the chance to attend one of her workshops or listen to an interview, do so. She is insightful, inspiring, and full of humor.
Instagram: @plaidemily
Shop: Emily Hughes
And, of course, you can always find her books in the shop.
