I started drawing these characters back in 2020, and as my followers grew fond of them, it became so much fun to draw them in all sorts of situations and environments.

I've always loved frogs, so Puddle was the first to come to life. When I realised he needed a friend - someone sweet and small he could carry along - Lettuce popped into my mind.

My last name is Ranauro, and since “rana” means frog in Italian, it felt like fate!

The name Puddle was actually suggested by one of my Instagram followers when I asked for help naming him. Lettuce came more easily - I simply picked something snails love to eat.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine these two would end up in their own picture book series. When Quarto and Happy Yak reached out to me with the idea, I was over the moon. I even cried when I signed my first contract!

I'm so excited to see where this journey takes us. My dream is to bring Puddle and Lettuce to as many children as possible, and to grow the brand into something even bigger - sharing stories of friendship, teamwork, and the joy of being different but deeply connected. Because we’re always stronger together. 💛

Feel free to drop me a line anytime at ilariapops.illustration@gmail.com - I’d love to hear from you!

Hi, I'm Ilaria – the illustrator, author, and proud mama of Puddle & Lettuce.

Ilariapops on Instagram

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