Book Covers
This oil pastel on paper cover reimagines Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, exploring the themes of isolation and rejection at the heart of the story. The design splits the scene into two halves: one side shows Gregor’s family waiting outside his door, paralyzed by fear, while the other reveals their shadows as they loom over Gregor, who hides beneath the bed in his new, monstrous form.
The image reflects the tension between alienation and the haunting, unspoken rejection Gregor faces from his family, embodying the silent struggle of being trapped between two worlds.
Created for the Penguin Cover Design Award, these linocut covers reflect Dara McAnulty’s Diary of a Young Naturalist, capturing his deep love for birds and the quiet moments of birdwatching.
The first cover features a repeating pattern of birds in flight, inspired by Dara’s connection to the calming, meditative experience of observing nature. The second cover juxtaposes sneakers with binoculars, symbolizing the balance between his teenage world and his passion for wildlife. The back cover shows the binoculars hanging on hooks, integrating nature seamlessly into daily life.
These designs aim to capture the essence of Dara’s perspective, where adolescence and the natural world are beautifully intertwined