First Look: Yabbit the Rabbit Character Sketches by Illustrator Rodrigo Lazo
Today marks another exciting step in this creative journey—the first full-body sketches of Yabbit the Rabbit have arrived!
Last week, my illustrator, Rodrigo Lazo, shared facial sketches of what Yabbit might look like. This week, we’re seeing his first complete body designs, and it’s incredible to watch the character begin to take shape.
Profile sketch of Yabbit the Rabbit
Front facing sketch of Yabbit the Rabbit
Frontal/Sideways sketch of Yabbit the Rabbit
Bringing Yabbit the Rabbit to Life
In the world we’re creating, Yabbit the Rabbit and Momma Rabbit are anthropomorphic characters, meaning they have human-like characteristics, expressions, and movements.
This approach feels natural for the story we’re telling. Without giving too much away, both characters perform actions and express emotions that only humans can. Designing them in this way allows for more emotional depth, physical expression, and relatable storytelling, which is crucial for connecting with young readers.
Anthropomorphic design also gives Yabbit’s world a sense of familiarity. Children recognize human gestures and emotions even in animal characters, which helps them emotionally engage with the story’s lessons about courage, confidence, and trying new things.
A Major Creative Milestone
Seeing Yabbit take shape visually is a powerful moment. It’s the first time an idea born in my mother’s imagination decades ago is now being sketched into reality.
Every new drawing adds another layer of personality, his posture, proportions, and movement all tell us something new about who Yabbit is.
This milestone reminds me how far we’ve come, from early drafts and rough concepts to watching the story’s main character literally come to life on paper.
Follow Along on the Journey
If you’ve ever wanted to create or illustrate your own children’s picture book, or if you’re a parent, grandparent, or book lover who enjoys behind-the-scenes storytelling, I’d love for you to follow along.
I’m documenting every step of this process, from writing and illustration to editing, publication, and marketing, so you can see exactly how Yabbit the Rabbit is being brought to life.
Every sketch, every decision, and every late-night edit is part of building something magical that we hope will inspire children everywhere.
