We wanted this cover to be playful and colourful while always keeping in mind that nobody should have to suffer — because yes, we happily let their things "hang around" when they actually go with our interior #mykidsownthisplace

In short, we wanted a world, a playground where every figure could feel at home, all living side by side and where children could dream up endless stories.

A little like Toy Story, every child deserves a magical place where their toys come to life and their adventures never end!

So we thought, nothing ventured nothing gained, and put together a brief for the wonderfully talented Ingela P. Arrhenius, who brings animals and the world of childhood to life like no one else.

Ingela P. Arrhenius is the feel-good illustrator par excellence. With her, even the crocs, wolves and lions have rosy cheeks and a friendly air. Looking at her illustrations is like catching the smell of a cake baking in the oven — pure joy and warmth.

So what's her secret ? The Scandinavian way of life? (Yes — Ingela is Swedish, she lives in Stockholm.) Either way, little ones the world over know exactly what they like: her books are sold everywhere, as are the objects and toys she has put her name to.

In France, her works are published by Marcel et Joachim, a wonderful publishing house that we're very fond of at Mèzamé.

We can only encourage you to read Animaux, L'Encyclo-petit, La Forêt, La Savane, Ma Grande Épicerie... all in comfort on the In the City cover, signed by the talented Ingela herself!

A charming, complete and detailed little village with real scenery — houses, cobbled lanes, a bakery, a cinema, a school (no obligation to go in).

A village at their scale — if they fancy popping into the bakery at dinnertime, well, they can... A design that's playful by nature, with carefully crafted details as only Ingela knows how, bursting with colour but in soft, natural tones — easy on the eyes, we promise

In short, the perfect gift to put on every wish list! Hours of play and adventure for children, a little breathing space for parents — all while looking lovely in the living room the play space.

Ingela kindly agreed to a quick interview...

Many parents of young children know your illustrations... without always knowing your name! Did it take you a long time to find your style — that instantly recognisable touch?

Ingela P. Arrhenius: No, it turns out I've had the same style all along!

Trends come and go — I've always stayed true to my aesthetic. When I look back at my work from art school over thirty years ago, it already looks pretty much like what I do today.

Perhaps it's still a little better now? After all, I'd hope I've improved a bit over the years... (laughs).

I think I was influenced by the books and interior décor of my childhood home.

How would you describe that style? I'd say it's retro, joyful, playful. I often hear people say my illustrations make them "happy". It's such a lovely thing to hear!

Life at a child's level — Mèzamé's tagline — does that resonate with you? Absolutely! Books and objects for children have always spoken to me, I adore them. I used to collect them — especially French ones, actually, because they are so incredibly artistic! — long before I had children of my own...

In France, a "madeleine de Proust" is that experience or object that whisks you straight back to a happy childhood memory. What would yours be?

My job, without a doubt, takes me straight back to childhood. When I was little, I painted all the time and did a lot of sculpting too. I felt so content, sitting at the kitchen table, painting while drinking my cup of hot chocolate. I invented stories, made tiny pieces of furniture for a clay dolls' house. I also moulded little burgers, bread rolls, all sorts of little food packages...

Ha, it's been a long time since I last thought about that!

Words gathered by Mèzamé.