For the Uzbek second edition of Kindergarten Is Too Late by Masaru Ibuka, I illustrated the cover and three interior spreads.

My primary goal was to visually adapt the main character in a way that Uzbek children could immediately recognize themselves in the story. I focused on subtle cultural cues and relatable details to create familiarity while preserving the spirit of the original text.

The spreads were designed to feel warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, supporting the book’s message about the importance of early childhood learning. This project reflects my approach to illustration as both storytelling and cultural translation.