Children’s Nonfiction Illustration – Medical History for Honest History Magazine | by Yoko Baum
Client : Honest History
Art Direction: Brooke Knight
Deliverables: 4-Page (2 spreads) Article Illustrations + 6 Spot Illustrations
Skills Used: Children’s Illustration, Editorial Illustration, Nonfiction Illustration, Infographic Illustration, Historical & Scientific Illustration, Object Illustration, Visual Storytelling, Humor
Brief :
For Honest History Issue 30: Under the Microscope, I illustrated a full four-page illustration on spooky medical practices from the past (such as maggots, bloodletting, and other surprising historical cures) and created six spot illustrations explaining the Four Humors. This issue focuses on medicine, plagues, germs, and how people understood health long before modern science.
My goal for this project was to make complex—and sometimes creepy—medical history fun, friendly, and accessible for young readers. I used clear layouts, expressive characters, and colorful visuals to balance historical accuracy with warmth and humor.
Working with Brooke and the Honest History team is always a joy, and I love contributing illustrations that help kids (and curious adults!) learn through engaging, research-based nonfiction storytelling.
For Art Directors in Children’s Publishing :
As an illustrator and parent of two, I create educational illustrations on science, history, food, and sustainable farming for kids’ magazines and publishing projects. I’d be glad to collaborate on your next idea.
Final Images
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