A Voyage to Virus Land
OverviewA Voyage to Virus Land is a children's book that takes young readers inside the human body to learn about COVID-19. In the summer of 2020, I collaborated with author and medical student Matt Daly to make the pandemic understandable for kids. In three months, I illustrated and designed 46 pages, publishing the book just when families needed it most.
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Role
Illustrator, Designer
Author
Matt Daly
TimelineJune – August 2020
ScopeIllustration, Book Design
In 2020, children were asked to understand something most adults couldn't explain. Schools closed, masks became routine, and kids were left confused. Matt Daly asked me to help illustrate a world around COVID-19 that felt safe, so children could feel confident navigating that hard time.
I designed the coronavirus character to be clumsy, awkward, and a little gross to make the virus feel approachable and even a little silly, so kids could engage with it playfully instead of feeling intimidated.
Three other characters carry the story. The Protagonist guides the reader on a journey through the human body. The Scientist narrates with warmth, teaching kids to wear a mask and wash their hands. The Shrink-o-meter Express launches the whole adventure and turns science into discovery.
I illustrated A Voyage to Virus Land to meet people where they are, communicate health and wellness concepts simply, and help them feel capable and ready to make good decisions, all through storytelling.
About Valentin Nguyen
[val-en-teen noo-win]
I’m a graphic and brand designer who loves building visual identities and designs for brands dedicated to uplifting the health, happiness, and hearts of humans around the world. Currently open for new opportunities and nice chats. You can reach me via email at va.nguyen06@gmail.com.
I also love cartwheeling, board games, charcuterie boards, banana bread, mid-century modern furniture, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York Times puzzles, cozy video games, collecting Smiskis, flossing, helping others, and tossing things into my junk drawer.
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Past Collaborators
Graphic Designer • Illustrator • Californian • Strategist • Impromptu Cartwheeler • Banana Bread Baker • Night Owl • Cozy Gamer • Daydreamer • Smiski Collector • Proud Homebody • Graphic Designer • Illustrator • Californian • Strategist • Impromptu Cartwheeler • Banana Bread Baker • Night Owl • Cozy Gamer • Daydreamer • Smiski Collector • Proud Homebody •