I was born and raised in Zimbabwe, where I trained to be a graphic designer, with a strong focus on critical thinking and creative direction. My approach to graphic design and communication problem-solving has not changed much, but along the way, I observed how similar people are, whether they are learning to read, or running large corporations. I am an information designer, a storyteller, if you like, who can make any type of information accessible to any type of audience.

I travelled to the UK to study design and ended up working in children’s publishing as a book designer.  After a decade designing books for children and young adults, I showed a set of ideas to publishers for a series of books about vehicles. So then I became a children’s author and illustrator as well.

I love working with children and teachers because I learn so much. This helps my work get better, as my specialty is bringing out the emotional connections between people. I have always believed that people are more similar than different and that is worth celebrating. I have also seen over the last few decades how much better it is for children of all backgrounds to see themselves in books.

Since 2017 I’ve been running an independent publishing company creating and producing naturally inclusive books for very young children called Alanna Max . 

Here is a list of my books for children:

Download my CV and short portfolio (pdf)