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Children's book illustrations by Emilia Dziubak anthropomorphise insects through quirky settings

Emilia Dziubak is an award-winning illustrator and author of children's books. A graduate of The Academy of Fine Arts in Poznań, Poland, her latest series deals with what is widely considered an unsavoury topic.

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A black insect with long antennae perches atop a glossy red apple, which serves as a stylish throne against a mottled grey background

Normally, us humans are repelled by the insects that crawl around our homes and gardens uninvited. We cringe at flies buzzing over our heads, moths rampaging around lamps or maggots feeding on our food. But this illustrator is asking us to contemplate for a few moments the lives of these small creatures, as portrayed in her rather wonderful illustrations.

In Dziubak’s world, a simple coffee cup becomes an exquisite porcelain bathtub for Mr. Cockroach, who spends his morning relaxing, enjoying his first day off in a while. A red apple is no longer an overlooked piece of fruit, but a stylish throne for a tiny winged king. What about the moth eating all of our books and clothes? He becomes a connoisseur of fine gourmet literature, savouring every inked syllable that he consumes.

Dziubak presents these miniature adventures in the hope that we might alter our perception of creepy crawlies – "All illustrations with miniature adventures of insects are from various projects – children's books, editorials and personal works. They are to show how inspiring the simplest of objects and events in our lives can be. I hope the illustrations will also help us humans to overcome our reluctance towards insects. They can be very inspiring."

Discover more at behance.net/emiliadziubak.

A figure in burgundy clothing relaxes in a large teacup filled with brown liquid, illustrated in soft, muted tones by Emilia Dziubak
A silver teacup and saucer with curved metal rods emerging from the rim, positioned against a textured grey wall, suggesting a bathtub setting for an insect character
Anthropomorphic illustration of a dark red beetle with thin legs and long antennae, posed like a tiny character against a vintage damask wallpaper background
Dark insect with long antennae perched on an ornate cream cushion with embroidered scrollwork and lace trim
A stylised moth with long antennae stands atop a tall stack of vintage books, holding a small piece of paper, against a textured beige background
A bee floats suspended in golden honey inside a glass jar with an ornate patterned lid, against a muted background
A turquoise pendant lamp with a scalloped shade hangs against a dark background, its glass globe casting warm light below
A bee sits atop a large golden pear surrounded by smaller pears and delicate white flowers on a wooden plate, illustrated by Emilia Dziubak
Animated black insect with long antennae perched on the edge of a shallow rectangular dish containing crumbs, against a pale background
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