Kids' zine on mythical creatures of Russian nature
Age: 6–9 years
Format: illustrated zine
Genre: children’s folklore atlas,
collection of tales and folk beliefs
The zine combines short tales, descriptions of creatures, and expressive illustrations. The reader becomes a young researcher, familiarizing themselves with folklore characters, learning how they were depicted in folk tradition, and uncovering the mythological image of nature.
CHARACTER CONCEPT
The characters' imagery is inspired by real natural forms and landscapes of Russia: the silhouettes, textures, and plasticity of the characters echo the contours of trees, plants, water, and natural phenomena.
WHO DOES THE FOREST HIDE?
LESHEE
— the figure is created based on the whimsical curves of old trees, the intertwining of roots, and the texture of bark.
KIKIMORA
— the silhouette is based on the shapes of marsh mounds, moss, entangled grasses, and thin roots.
WHO LIVES IN THE RIVER?
WATER
— its massive form merges the smooth contours of river rocks, algae, and swirling water.
MERMAIDS
— elongated silhouettes and graceful lines are inspired by river currents, reeds, and reflections on the water’s surface.
WHOSE VOICE IN THE FIELD?
FIELD
— the form is built upon the shapes of dry ears of grain, meadow grasses,
and plants bending in the wind.
NOON
— its silhouette is inspired by the verticals of wheat stalks,
the dazzling midday light, and the shimmer of heated air.
WHAT DOES THE CEILING HIDE?
PERUN—a powerful, angular figure referencing the forms of storm clouds, lightning branching, and the silhouettes of ancient trees.
ZORYA—a light, dissolving silhouette that mirrors the gentle contours of dawn clouds and streaks of light across the horizon.
BOOK
The publication format is 165 × 220 mm, with a softcover binding, and the book contains 24 pages. The text was set using the Andika and Neucha fonts, which are distributed with a free license permitting commercial use.
