Hello! I'm Gabija -
the author and
illustrator of this book.
I am a children's book illustrator, working in a variety of media, but I mostly like to work with colored pencils. I have a Master's degree in Fine Art and Illustration and have had the honour of illustrating two published books.
I'm originally from the UK, but from 13 years old I have been living in Lithuania - this move has inspired me to create illustrations and stories to inspire the children of other emigrants. Through my work I hope to bring joy and comfort to young readers who are on their own life journey.
HOW DID I GET THE IDEA FOR THIS BOOK?
HOW DID I GET THE IDEA FOR THIS BOOK?
This idea comes from my personal experience.
I was born in the UK to a Lithuanian family. Unfortunately I had a complicated childhood there. I was bullied at school because of my unusual name, my parents often spoke to me in a language I didn’t understand at home, and I was told by the children around me that the country I was living in was not my home.
In 2009, my parents decided that it was time to move back home, so my family and I moved to Kaunas. I had to create a new life in a country I knew little about and didn’t speak the language.
In 2009, my parents decided that it was time to move back home, so my family and I moved to Kaunas. I had to create a new life in a country I knew little about and didn’t speak the language.
It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through. All my childhood I was curious to learn more about Lithuania, but not knowing the language, I had no opportunity of finding a book about it in the UK.
It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through. All my childhood I was curious to learn more about Lithuania, but not knowing the language, I had no opportunity of finding a book about it in the UK.
STAY TUNED!
STAY TUNED!
