I Wish I’d Written: Adeola Sokunbi

Adeola Sokunbi chooses a book she wishes she’d written and illustrated.

The story I wish I’d written, and illustrated, is Hilda and Twig Hide from the Rain by Luke Pearson. It’s the perfect balance of whimsical, magical and adventurous – a balance that I hope to achieve one day in my books!

The story follows an adventurous girl named Hilda and her trusty deerfox, Twig, as they head off to explore the forest around them. But when their exploration is interrupted by a big storm, and they have to find shelter in a mysterious mound in the earth, Twig quickly realises that trouble is afoot.

Each character is endearing and the story itself is wonderfully engaging, with numerous unexpected moments that kept me turning the pages. The humour is another highlight – and I particularly love Twig’s witty remarks throughout that Hilda can’t understand.

I love how energetic and expressive each panel is. The line art is stunning – even the way he drew the rain looks beautiful to me. And the use of colour throughout the graphic novel is very tasteful. Every spread is candy to my eyes!

If I had one wish, it would be for the graphic novel to be longer because by the end, I was left wanting so much more.

Hilda and Twig Hide from the Rain by Luke Pearson is published by Flying Eye Books, 978-1838741563, £12.99 hbk.

Adeola Sokunbi’s book Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise won the Children’s Fiction category of the 2025 IBC (Inclusive Books for Children) Book Awards.