Penguin Books Redesign
Iconic Literary Duos
For this project, I challenged myself to design a book cover inspired by the classic style of Penguin Books. The concept centered around iconic friendships and duos in storytelling. I chose to reimagine The Cat in the Hat and his friend Fish, characters who have left a lasting impression on generations of readers. These two represent more than just childhood nostalgia; they reflect the timeless dynamic between chaos and order, fun and caution. My goal was to capture that playful tension through a fresh, visually engaging cover that honors both the spirit of the original story and the design legacy of Penguin Books.
These characters, created by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), were born out of a unique challenge: to write a children’s book using only 200 words in order to promote early literacy. At the time, in 1957, most children's literature depicted kids as miniature adults, which failed to truly engage young readers. Struggling with the task, Dr. Seuss eventually landed on two simple rhyming words — cat and hat — and built a story from there.
Set in the home of two children left alone on a rainy day, The Cat in the Hat introduces a whimsical stranger who bursts in to shake things up. The Cat encourages playful chaos and imagination, while the Fish serves as the voice of caution, constantly warning the children about the consequences of breaking rules. Despite the mischief, the Cat ultimately takes responsibility, cleaning up the mess and restoring order before the day ends.
I chose this duo because they embody the balance between childlike wonder and responsible caution. The Cat represents joy, spontaneity, and resilience — he embraces the mess and learns from it. Meanwhile, the Fish mirrors the internal voice of worry or restraint, often rooted in adult logic. Together, they reflect a valuable lesson: as we grow older, holding onto that sense of play, curiosity, and creativity is just as important as learning to navigate life’s boundaries.
Cat
1. Ambitious
2. Brave
3. Eager
4. Happy
5. Lively
6. Silly
7. Witty
8. Tall
9. Robust
10. Adaptable
11. Agreeable’
12. Cool
13. Charming
14. Adventurous
15. Unpredictable
Fish
1. Grumpy
2. Nervous
3. Uptight
4. Worried
5. Small
6. Focussed
7. Logical
8. Alert
9. Cautious
10. Afraid
11. Anxious
12. Considerate
13. Finicky
Relationship
1. Reliable
2. trustworthy
3. Unique
4. Effective
5. Dynamic
6. Steadfast
7. Resilient
8. Earnest
9. Passionate
10. Sincere
11. Communicative
Characteristics
