Smart Pets

Project Overview

Smart Pets, by Lindsay Marti, is more than just a children’s book; it’s a celebration of uniqueness and early resilience. Born from vibrant, high-contrast paintings that Lindsay originally created to brighten the NICU where her twin daughters, Lucy and Zoey, spent their early days, this project aimed to share those heartfelt illustrations with a wider audience. The book’s goal was not only to entertain but to foster a sense of special identity among children, showing them that being smart comes in many different forms.

The Solution

The task of bringing Smart Pets to life involved transforming Lindsay’s paintings into a book layout that would capture the imaginations of young readers and their families. Each character in the book, named after babies Lindsay and her husband met in the NICU, carries a unique story, celebrated for what makes them special. This personal touch added depth to the already engaging visual narrative, creating a connection between the book’s content and the real-life inspirations behind it.

Extended Narrative

The illustrations, originally painted on the walls of a hospital unit, served as conversation starters among parents and hospital staff, bringing light and joy to a challenging environment. These images, crafted in bold and high-contrast colors to be easily seen by newborns, especially those in the NICU, helped to soften the clinical setting and brought comfort to families during their stay.

Impact

Smart Pets has grown to become a beloved addition to children's libraries, praised not only for its vivid and stimulating artwork but also for its engaging narrative that honors the unique qualities of each character. It’s not just a storybook; it's a medium through which Lindsay shares a message of diversity and acceptance.

Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from each book sold is donated to Surrey Memorial Hospital and Royal Columbian Hospital in British Columbia, Canada, supporting the places that supported her family and many others. This ongoing contribution underscores the book’s deeper mission to give back to the community that inspired its creation.