This children’s book map was created for Cruzamundos, an adventure novel for young readers written by Gabriel Sánchez García-Pardo and published by Editorial Hidra, one of the best-known Spanish publishers of fantasy for children and young adults. It shows the Seas of Ilus, the magical ocean where the story takes place.
Children’s book map
The story behind the map
Jake and his sister Cora walk into an antique shop and discover a mysterious astrolabe. When they touch it, they suddenly find themselves in the middle of a fantastic sea full of creatures from another world. A storm separates them: Jake is rescued by pirates with supernatural abilities, while Cora wakes up on a beach next to a three-headed being who keeps a great secret. Determined to find each other again, they will soon discover that powerful enemies are plotting against them.
Pirates, sea monsters, islands full of secrets and magical objects: a perfect world for an illustrated map, and a story where the geography itself is part of the adventure.
Working from the author’s sketch
Gabriel had a very detailed sketch of how he wanted the map and of every element that had to appear on it. That made the work much easier: the geography of the story was already defined, and my job was to turn it into an illustration that young readers would enjoy exploring and could use while reading.
What the children’s book map shows
- The islands of the Seas of Ilus, such as Isla Ámbar, Isla Ópalo, Famlen, the Northern and Southern Islands and Isla Refugio, each with a recognisable silhouette.
- Unique landmarks like the Double Tower of Gergon, the lighthouse city of Alhena or Roca Pináculo, drawn in perspective so they look like small illustrations within the map.
- A sea monster and the dangerous waters of the Cardolas zone, which add adventure and a touch of fear.
- A large astrolabe, the magical object that starts the story, placed as the map’s compass.
- A pirate frame with skulls, ropes and nautical instruments, and a scroll with the title «Mapa de los mares de Ilus».
Designing a map for young readers
A map for a children’s book has to work on two levels. It must be easy to read, with clear shapes and labels, and at the same time full of small details that reward curious eyes. For Cruzamundos I chose black and white line work with textured water and dotted routes, so the map prints well inside the book and feels like an old sea chart found in a treasure chest.
The places are spread out with plenty of breathing room, and the landmarks are drawn as tiny scenes rather than abstract symbols. That way a young reader can point at the lighthouse or the sea monster and immediately connect it with a chapter of the story.
Why maps matter in children’s fantasy
Maps help children follow the journey, remember names and imagine distances. They also spark the desire to read on: when you see an island you have not visited yet, you want to know what happens there. You can read more about this in what an illustrated map is and why the best books have one, and see other projects on my children’s illustration and map illustration pages.
Are you preparing a children’s or young adult novel and need a children’s book map? Get in touch and tell me about your world.
