The Moon's Gorgonzola — Zoe Williams Illustration

The Moon’s Gorgonzola Troika Books 2023

The Moon’s Gorgonzola is the second collection of poetry I’ve illustrated for Troika Books; an independent UK publisher. The poems are intended for younger children (Key stages 1 and 2) and this is reflected in the illustrations which are softer and friendlier than the ones in Scared? Rather than responding to a brief, I was given the creative freedom to interpret the poems that appealed to me. I particularly enjoyed responding to ones that discussed nature and animals such as Mum's Jungle Trip and Mini Beasts. All illustrations were sketched by hand before being transferred to Procreate for colouring. You can see colour versions of these images in the gallery.

I also designed the front and back cover for this book, working with a set colour scheme and responding to the title, ‘The Moon’s Gorgonzola.’ It was a pleasure to illustrate Debra’s work and I look forward to the possibility of working together again.

“When commissioning an illustrator for children’s poetry it is essential that the artist has a feel and a regard for the text (poetry) they are visualising and the age group it is aimed at. It is also vital that the artist feels free to come back with ideas. Zoe’s interpretation of some of the characters and scenarios in the poems was exemplary, she brought something visually special to each book, and it’s because of her that both these books are outstanding, her creativity added that much needed extra layer for the poetry to shine brighter and for the reader (and the publisher) to enjoy.

Zoe is a consummate professional, helpful, obliging, able and willing to work to deadlines and schedules, and of course very talented. It is always a pleasure to work with her to create something that one is proud of and that readers will love and treasure.”

- Roy Johnson | Commissioning Editor and & Commercial Director at Troika