I Love You, Too Children's Book
Designing a Heartfelt Keepsake for Grieving Families & Pet Lovers
Objective:
I created a heartfelt children’s book, "I Love You, Too," to comfort families grieving the loss of their pets. The story, narrated from the perspective of a golden retriever, follows his journey with his young owner, celebrating their bond as they grow. While created for children ages 4-10, the book serves as a bonding and shared experience with whoever reads to them. It helps readers of any age reflect on cherished memories and find comfort in the love between pets and their humans.
Challenges & Research:
I had no experience with publishing and had concerns my illustration skills would be up to the challenge of creating a children's book. I also had concerns about the emotional topic of pet loss and whether this would be too heavy of a story to create. I researched various self-publishing and printing options, and explored oversees printing options as well.
The Design:
Initially considering sketch-style illustrations, I switched to full-color art to better engage children and convey the warmth of the story. The design was crafted to be visually appealing while capturing the emotional essence of the narrative.
Story & Peer Feedback:
I gathered feedback from families, dog owners, and my aunt's third-grade students. The story resonated with both those grieving pets and general pet lovers, leading me to broaden the book’s focus to celebrate all pet relationships, not just loss.
Testing Overseas Printers:
I tested various printing options, ultimately rejecting a low-cost printer for poor quality and customer service. I selected a reputable, five-star rated printer offering superior binding and transparent pricing, which resulted in higher satisfaction.
Retail Strategy & Pricing:
I prioritized local sales and partnered with pet-related businesses, aligning the book’s emotional value with its target market. The retail price was set at $24.99, ensuring a strong profit margin and quality perception, with flexibility to adjust based on market feedback.
Results:
In the first five months, "I Love You, Too" sold over 100 copies and secured four retail contracts. Customers appreciated how the book helped them reflect on cherished memories, and the story resonated deeply with both grieving families and general pet lovers.