Ilai and the House Where Shadows Do Not Linger
At the top of a hill stands a house where a boy named Ilai lives. One day he notices that there are almost no shadows in his home. The light here does more than simply illuminate the rooms — it plays, hides in corners, whispers its secrets, and calls Ilai to follow.
Guided by the rays of light, Ilai sets off on a magical journey through the house, where every corner holds a story and every warm glow preserves the memory of how his mother and father awaited his arrival. Along the way, he encounters his fears and dreams, learns why he is called “our light,” and discovers the greatest miracle of all: when you are truly loved, even the darkest shadows cannot stay for long.
This is a gentle fairy tale about a boy who learns to see the light within himself and in those around him. A book written by parents for one child — and for the whole family.
Written by Dmitri Lee
PROCESS
Character Design
This story is built around four main characters: Papa, Mama, Ilai, and Spark. Papa and Mama fill the world with care and warmth, Ilai brings curiosity and wonder, and Spark embodies the living light that connects them all. Together, they shape a home where love becomes visible — a reminder that even the smallest spark can illuminate an entire story.
Storyboard
The book consists of 20 spreads (40 pages), with each page uniquely designed and carefully balanced with the others. Every spread is thoughtfully composed with details that work in harmony, creating a cohesive visual flow and effectively conveying the spirit and emotional tone of the story.
Cover Design
Several cover versions were created, each with a different level of detail and a unique perspective on the story. Every concept highlights a distinct mood and moment, allowing the narrative to be seen from various angles. Together, these explorations helped shape a cover that reflects the depth, warmth, and emotional core of the book.
From Sketch to Final Illustration
Each spread went through careful development, multiple revisions, and thoughtful refinement to bring Ilai’s world to life. Every stage of the process was guided by attention to detail and emotional clarity — and every moment spent was worthwhile, as this book was created with love and intention on every page.