For this project, I illustrated the cover and designed the full book layout while working at the publishing agency Akademnashr in Tashkent. It was a joyful opportunity to translate Uzbek cultural elements into a playful, child-friendly visual language.

The cover balances humor and imagination, reflecting the story’s fun pivots while keeping the warmth of family at its core. I focused on creating something visually engaging, culturally rooted, and approachable for young readers.

I was recently honored to learn that this book was nominated by Uzbekistan for the IBBY International 2026 selection — a meaningful recognition for a project very close to my heart.