Publishing > Bruna discovers bravery

Bruna discovers bravery

Illustrator

This is the third book in the “Bruna’s Suitcase” series, where emotions accompany the Shiba Inu puppy on each journey.

Following the success of Bruna discovers love and Bruna discovers anger, I illustrated this new story written by Ro Rothamel—an expert in emotional education.

Landing in Paris

This time, Bruna travels to Paris, specifically to the Montmartre district, full of anticipation to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere. However, on her first night, a frightening encounter with a shadowy figure spoils her enjoyment. The following morning, she meets Simon, a charming and adventurous character who shows her how to see life from a different perspective.

So many things to discover in Paris

As with the rest of the collection, I chose a city as the setting, but in this case, I focused on a specific neighborhood: Montmartre. By researching its unique character in detail—its cuisine, the cobblestone streets, the balconies—I ensured visual and narrative coherence. The jacket that Bruna wears also dictated the season of the story: it had to be set in autumn or winter.

Starting with the sketches, I worked on the layout of each page, paying close attention to the flow between the illustrations and the text. I opted for soft backgrounds and characters outlined in ink, applying watercolor over several days to achieve the desired texture and character. Later, Pilar—a colleague, friend, and my “fairy godmother” for my illustrations—did the digital cleanup and final adjustments to ensure a flawless finish.

Since the story takes place mostly at night, I adjusted the colors to convey that nighttime atmosphere. I also paid close attention to Bruna’s reactions to fear: hiding under her hood, avoiding direct eye contact, and only observing things from the corner of her eye.

Simon, on the other hand, is carefree and relaxed: I imagined him as a bohemian artist wearing clothes found in flea markets, sporting yellow-tinted glasses, and carrying small, random treasures—a paintbrush, a pen, a receipt—in his wool hat. His visual design aims to convey a sense of freshness, nonchalance, and lightness, contrasting with Bruna’s anxieties.

I supervised every stage of the process, from start to finish, ensuring that the final book accurately reflected the essence of the original material.

Where to buy?

Australia

Valeria Gottau
Send a message through the Contact section or via direct message on my Instagram.

Wilde Interiors
31 Challis St, Newport VIC 3015, Australia, +61499902717, info@wildeinteriors.com.au

Argentina

Yenny El Ateneo www.yenny-elateneo.com
All Books
Pte J. E. Uriburu 774 10/B Ciudad de Buenos Aires Bs As all-books.mercadoshops.com.ar | Bruna +54 (11) 33587601 | medicina.allbooks@gmail.com
Rodando cuentos Beruti 1647 | Martinez, Pcia Bs As
Argentina Plaza Regional
Fondo de cultura www.plazaregional.com.ar | consultas@plazaregional.net
Notanpuan www.plazaregional.com.ar | consultas@plazaregional.net
Menendez www.plazaregional.com.ar | consultas@plazaregional.net
Iupi www.plazaregional.com.ar | consultas@plazaregional.net
Los Galgos www.plazaregional.com.ar | consultas@plazaregional.net
Brezal www.plazaregional.com.ar | consultas@plazaregional.net
Ciudades Invisibles (La Rioja) www.plazaregional.com.ar

Chile

Internacional Libros Av. Condell 520, Providencia, Santiago de Chile | internacionallibros.cl | +562 2923 1400 | contacto@internacionallibros.cl

Spain

Barcelona Sant Antoni de Vilamajor, Barcelona. | +34 622 61 61 07 | rmrothamel@gmail.com

Mexico

From anywhere

VitalSource | Ebook www.vitalsource.com/es