What happens when Kai the mermaid and her loyal pet anglerfish build a castle under the sea?
They are joined by a rollicking cast of sea creatures — including a mischievous octopus, a school of jellyfish, and playful dolphins — whose wild antics stir up trouble. Tammy Yee's bright illustrations invite children to search for details as they follow Kai on her aquatic adventure.
They are joined by a rollicking cast of sea creatures — including a mischievous octopus, a school of jellyfish, and playful dolphins — whose wild antics stir up trouble. Tammy Yee's bright illustrations invite children to search for details as they follow Kai on her aquatic adventure.
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MERMAID EVOLUTION: Creating "The Castle That Kai Built"
Before there was Kai, there was an anglerfish.
Who was roughly based on my bulldog, Roxy.
And since every memorable character needs a sidekick, I gave her a mermaid.
Who was roughly based on my bulldog, Roxy.
And since every memorable character needs a sidekick, I gave her a mermaid.
Anglerfish character studies for THE CASTLE THAT KAI BUILT
Who looked something like this...
Character studies for THE CASTLE THAT KAI BUILT
And this.
Studies for THE CASTLE THAT KAI BUILT
Illustrated draft for THE CASTLE THAT KAI BUILT
This was back in 2013. She wasn't ready for the world, so I put her aside and worked on other things.
When she was finally ready to come out again, I decided to soften her. And make her more representative of children everywhere. After all, diversity isn't represented in the color of your hair, whether it be pink or purple. So Kai got several makeovers.
When she was finally ready to come out again, I decided to soften her. And make her more representative of children everywhere. After all, diversity isn't represented in the color of your hair, whether it be pink or purple. So Kai got several makeovers.
Character studies for THE CASTLE THAT KAI BUILT
Character studies for THE CASTLE THAT KAI BUILT
Finally, the illustrations were created in Procreate on an iPadPro, and refined in Photoshop.
