Q&A with illustrator, Novia Heroanto!

Thank you to illustrator Novia Heroanto for stopping by my blog to tell us about her new picture book with Angie Cui and Wombat Books, OUR MAP!

1. Novia, how did you come onboard to illustrate OUR MAP and what made you agree to illustrate the manuscript?
Right after I completed the illustrations for Jeanette Stampone’s Dragon Guest Handbook with Wombat Books, they offered me the opportunity to illustrate Our Map. The publisher felt that my illustration style would suit the manuscript, and the moment I read Angie Cui’s story, I felt a gentle tug at my heart. It was tender, imaginative, and deeply emotional. The themes of moving, friendship, and preserving precious memories through drawing resonated with me personally, especially as someone who has moved often and used art to connect my inner world with my surroundings. I knew I wanted to bring this story to life through illustration.


2. Do you have a favourite scene or line from the text?
There are a few, but the one that felt most empowering was when JJ invited Lee, “What if we draw a new map?” Lee’s grief immediately turned into joy. That line beautifully captures how influence and healing can come through genuine personal connection. Throughout my life, I have been blessed with supportive and encouraging friends, and I always aspire to be that kind of person for others.


3. What was the process like of illustrating OUR MAP? Were there many drafts of the artwork? What were the most challenging, and the most fun, illustrations to do?
The process began with character designs, rough storyboards, and detailed sketches for each spread. There were definitely a few rounds of drafts, especially for pages that needed to balance visual storytelling with emotional tone.
The most challenging illustration was probably the war scene. I had to carefully consider which countries to represent while being mindful of how to portray strong emotions in a way that would be appropriate for young children. I happened to work on that spread while grieving the loss of my dad in Indonesia, who had battled lung cancer for three years. I remember drawing the scene on my way to the airport, on the airplane, and as I touched down in front of my dad’s coffin. It was filled with complex and deeply emotional feelings.
The most fun? Definitely the scene where JJ places her map among her family’s holiday photos on the living room wall. I loved creating that warm and welcoming atmosphere. Making that spread also coincided with my joyful birthday in Perth, spent with my husband’s family and my son’s cousins. As a mother, the scene reflects my hope to raise my son to be a curious and well travelled person with a deep appreciation for the diversity of people and cultures in the world.


4. Do you have a typical illustrating process? And what is your illustrating workspace like?
I usually begin with pencil thumbnails on paper, then develop the sketches digitally in Procreate. Once the layouts are approved, I complete the final illustrations using a mix of hand drawn textures and coloured pencil style brushes to maintain a soft and organic feel.
My workspace is small and cosy. I work from home, either at the kitchen bench or at a desk near a window. I am often surrounded by picture books, scattered textas, and sometimes a three year old under the table playing with toy cars, construction vehicles, stickers, or browsing through his own pile of picture books.


5. What is in the pipeline? Can you share anything you are working on next?
I am currently waiting to hear back from a publisher regarding a junior fiction illustration project. I am also developing a few personal picture book projects inspired by observing my son and his sensory processing challenges. His fascination with spinning objects and his sensitivity to sound have helped me see the world through a different lens. These stories explore the small but meaningful ways we can better understand and support children with different needs. Once the projects are ready, I look forward to sharing them with publishers in the hope of finding the right home for them.


6. Anything else you would like to add?
Just a heartfelt thank you to Angie for writing such a beautiful and tender manuscript, to Rochelle and the team at Wombat Books for their trust, and to readers, especially young ones, for giving Our Map a place in their hands and hearts. I hope this book inspires children to tell their own stories, draw their own maps, and celebrate the friendships that shape their world.

And thank you, Brenton, for your time and for supporting fellow creatives even amidst your own busy schedule. Congratulations on your upcoming middle grade novel The Prime Minister Problem, coming in 2026. I am really looking forward to reading it.


OUR MAP
by Angie Cui
Illustrated by Novia Heroanto
Published by Wombat Books

Available Now!