BOOK ILLUSTRATION

Between Uncles, Grandmothers, and Elders: Three Autobiographical Stories (Entre Tíos, Abuelas y Taitas: Tres Relatos Autobiográficos) by Leidy Ochoa is a heartfelt tribute to the communities and individuals who welcomed the author into their territories. This book captures the wisdom, traditions, and stories collected during her journeys from 2006 to 2017. Developed as part of her Master’s in Childhood and Culture (2017–2019), the book features illustrations by Yeimy Sanchez that bring each chapter to life with creative imagery, enriching the narrative and highlighting its cultural depth. It was published in early 2024.

Role

Illustrator

Team

– Ofrenda Editorial
– Bookbinder
– Writer
– Illustrator

Tools

– Adobe Illustrator
– Adobe Indesign
– Procreate

Duration

6 Months

Prelude

FOR TRAVELLERS

The three stories presented in this book are the result of an evocative and heartfelt investigation stemming from the author’s Master’s studies in Childhood and Culture. Within these pages, readers will embark on a journey through three communities, distant from one another yet connected by books, curious listening, and the interactions born from dialogue in collective spaces. These spaces are alive with animals, plants, and the wild aromas that arise from the lushness of the landscape and nature.

Camilo Casas Abril

ELDERS WORDS

The stories in this book invite us to embrace other worlds delicately, through observation, listening, experience, and a deep trust in the environment. These three stories take us on a journey into rural Colombia, conveyed through the author’s heartfelt words and lived experiences. They also serve as an invitation for readers to immerse themselves in the flavours, music, and celebrations of the communities, discovering the resilience and strength behind preserving their cultural identity.

The stories highlight the communities’ commitment to strengthening their own cultural spaces, with special recognition for the seeds of love for reading that the author planted during her travels.

Muskuy Tisoy Tandioy

A BOOK CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE

Since its launch, Between Uncles, Grandmothers, and Elders has been presented at book fairs and library events. It has been warmly received by international audiences, with copies sold in Colombia, France, Germany, Spain and Australia,

cREATIVE PROCESS

I collaborated closely with Leydi Ochoa and Ofrenda Editorial to understand the book’s vision, translating narratives into illustrations through sketches, compositions, and refined details that enhance the storytelling experience. The artisanal binding by Horacio Castro further elevates the work, preserving cultural authenticity and harmonizing with the illustrations to create a tangible tribute to the communities it honours.

Leydi Ochoa
Writer

Yeimy Sánchez
Illustrator

Horacio Castro
Bookbinder

Munai
A mystical connection
that helps us feel the beauty life holds.

To friendship, to family, to communities;
to the corporeal and incorporeal beings
present here with us.
– Leydi Ochoa –

PARTICIPATIONS

The book has been showcased at various events around Colombia, including book fairs, cultural gatherings, self-organized launches, and both online and in-person presentations, reaching diverse audiences and celebrating its cultural significance.