Illustration and Storytelling: Bringing Pooja’s World to Life Through Images

Hello, friends of design and imagination!

I’m Marla Emory, the illustrator of Pooja: Destiny Awaits—my very first children’s book! While this may be my debut in the world of kids’ literature, it’s far from my first time telling stories through my craft. As an interior and architectural designer, and a professor in the School of Design at Louisiana Tech University, my life’s work has been about helping clients and students see the world differently—not as it’s always been, but as it could be. When I read words, imagine a story, or picture a place, my mind floods with images of possibility. It’s how I understand the world, and my gift has always been sharing that beauty with others.

Illustrating Pooja: Destiny Awaits has breathed new life into that gift. This book, born from my collaboration with author Jamison Shults, follows Pooja, a spirited South Indian puppy, on her global adventure to help animals. As I sketched her journey—from the vibrant streets of South India to far-off lands—I realized this wasn’t just about drawing a cute character (though Pooja is pretty adorable!). It was about opening a window for children to experience places they’ve never thought of before. Through every line and color, I aimed to spark their curiosity, showing them a world beyond their own backyard.

But it’s more than just exploration. Pooja’s story carries a deeper gift: the beauty of service and empathy. As she meets the Great Animal Council and lends a paw to creatures in need, kids see how small acts of kindness can ripple across the globe. For me, turning those moments into images was a chance to blend my design eye with a purpose—crafting scenes that don’t just tell a story, but invite young readers to feel it too.

This project has been a joyful shift from designing spaces to designing experiences. My background taught me to envision possibility, and now, through Pooja’s tale, I’m sharing that with children everywhere. The English version is out now (print $25.00, eBook $7.99), with a Spanish edition coming mid-March 2025—perfect for even more kids to join the adventure!

Want to see Pooja’s world for yourself? Visit www.jamisonshults.com to grab a copy, download a free activity kit with coloring pages, and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok at @poojaadventures. Let’s inspire the next generation to see the beauty of what could be—together.

Warmly,
Marla Emory
Illustrator of Pooja: Destiny Awaits
Professor, School of Design, Louisiana Tech University