We wanted this cover playful and colorful but always keeping in mind that we don't have to suffer, because yes, we willingly leave our things lying around when it matches our interior #Ilivewithmychildren

In short, we wanted a universe, a playground where each figurine could feel good, all of them. cohabit and where children could invent themselves endless stories.

Much like Toy Story, every child deserves a place magic where his toys come to life, and where their adventures are infinite!

So we said to ourselves, "Go for it, you don't stand a chance" and we offered a brief to the talented woman. Ingela P. Arrhenius , who makes animals speak, the children's universe like no one else .

Ingela P. Arrhenius, it is the ultimate feel-good illustrator . With her, even crocodiles, wolves, and lions have rosy cheeks and look friendly. We love looking at her illustrations like we love smelling the aroma of a cake baking in the oven at home... with gluttony and happiness.

But then what is his secret ? The Scandinavian attitude? (yes, because Ingela is Swedish, she lives in Stockholm.) In any case, toddlers all over the world are not mistaken: her books are sold everywhere , as well as objects and toys signed by her.

In France, it is at Marcel and Joachim that his works are published, a great publishing house, which we really like at Mèzamé .

We can only encourage you to read to your little ones Animals , The Little Encyclopedia, The Forest , The Savannah , My Big Grocery Store ... all comfort on the In the City cover , signed by the talented Ingela herself!

What does this cover look like?!

A charming village complete And detailed with a real setting, house, cobbled alley, bakery, cinema, school (you don't even have to go in).

A village on their scale , if they want to go to the bakery when it's dinner time, well they can... A design of course playful with details treated as Ingela knows so well how to do, multi-colored , but in tones soft and natural #noneedtoburntheretina

In short, a perfect gift to put on every list! To offer hours of games and adventures to the children, and a little bit of respite to parents while decorating pleasantly the living room the play area.

Ingela agreed to a quick interview...

Many parents of young children are familiar with your illustrations... without sometimes knowing your name! Did it take you time to find your style, that instantly recognizable touch?

Ingela P. Arrhnius: No, it turns out I've always had the same style!

Trends come and go, but I've always stayed true to my aesthetic. In fact, when I look at my work at art school over thirty years ago, it already looks pretty much like what I do today.

Maybe it's better now? After all, I hope I've improved a little over the years... (laughs).

I think I was influenced by the books and interior design of my childhood home.

How would you define this style?

I would say it's retro, joyful, playful. I even often hear people say that my illustrations make them "happy." It's so nice to hear that!

Life at children's height, Mèzamé's punch line, is that something that speaks to you?

Of course! Children's books and objects have always spoken to me, I love them.

I was collecting them - especially French books, because they are so artistic! - long before I had my own children...

In France, we speak of a "Proust madeleine" when an experience or an object happily takes you back to a childhood memory. What would yours be?

My job definitely takes me back to my childhood. When I was little, I painted all the time and I also sculpted a lot. I felt good sitting at the kitchen table, painting while drinking my cup of hot chocolate. I invented stories, I made little pieces of furniture for a dollhouse out of clay. And I also shaped little hamburgers, bread, and various snacks...

Ha ha, it's been a long time since I thought about that!

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