Nine en Mella
Leopold
Nine and Mella are the main characters in a series of children’s books by author Ellen Brudet.
Focusing on the everyday adventures of a multicultural set of twins. The books, which include Bij ons thuis and Overal feest, are characterized by cheerful, inclusive illustrations and stories that celebrate diversity as well as the twins’ Surinamese and Dutch roots. The stories are meant to show children that they can see themselves reflected in the stories.
Maruga illustrated these books digitally in Procreate. When Maruga starts illustrating stories, she always begins in her sketchbook with pencil and paper. Once the sketch is finished, she transfers it to her iPad and continues working digitally. A special anniversary edition of Nine and Mella was also created to celebrate 750 years of Amsterdam.
