Somewhere Lost
Published by Just Write for Kids
Q & A with Contributor
Carla Hoffenberg
for Paperbark Words with Joy Lawn
Your recent story is part of a collaborative picture book project through Just Write For Kids – the hardcover anthology Somewhere Lost. Your piece, ‘Lost Sockville’, is included in the book as well as featuring on the front cover. Could you describe the idea behind your work and why you chose to be included in this project?
My inspiration came from those everyday mysteries — like socks disappearing in the laundry, Tupperware lids that never match, hair ties slipping into the void, and the ever-elusive TV remote. I imagined a mythical land where all these lost things go… and Lost Sockville was born.
I also loved the collaborative nature of the project — it’s such a joy to be part of a book that brings together so many illustrators and voices. And I particularly wanted to be involved because proceeds from the sale of the book go to The Indigenous Literary Foundation.
How did your idea for the metaphorical and fantastical land of lost socks develop, and what artistic media did you use for this piece?
I began by sketching ducks and frogs, as I believe characters are the most important element in creating a narrative and forming a connection with the audience. I wanted to play with perspective and imagined scenarios that would allow the frog (Scout) to appear larger than the duck (Walter). Storytelling through composition was a key focus — I kept shifting elements around to find a layout that felt both engaging and balanced.
I used digital illustration techniques to bring the scene to life, layering colour and shadow for depth — but each sock was drawn by hand!
Your illustrated people and animals are quite realistic representations, yet still possess a sense of whimsy and animation. Which parts of drawing these subjects do you find the most rewarding, and the most challenging?
I love finding that sweet spot where something feels believable but still playful. It’s rewarding when a character has a glimmer of personality — when their expression or movement suggests there’s more going on than what’s on the page. The biggest challenge is getting there! Sometimes it takes dozens of sketches before a face or pose feels right.
Somewhere Lost contains some interesting settings and abstract ideas. Where would you like to visit or spend time?
It’s hard to choose just one, because there are so many incredible settings brought to life by such talented illustrators!
Rachael Robertson’s ‘Lost in the Jungle’ is bursting with colour, detail, and personality — I could spend hours spotting new creatures and flowers hidden within the foliage.
Mietta Postlethwaite’s ‘Lost in Space’ scene is full of whimsy and wonder, and I love the idea of floating among planets with a duck in a helmet.
And Nandina Vine’s ‘The Most Fantastical Place on Earth’ feels both grand and intimate — like stepping into a dream.
Each world offers something so unique, I’d happily get lost in all three!
How did your illustration style develop? Are there any particular artists that have inspired you and your vision?
My style developed organically over time through a lot of trial, exploration, and joyful accidents. I’ve always been drawn to colour and expressive characters, and I love bringing in little touches of humour and heart. I’m inspired by artists who are playful and have a touch of realism and detail in their work — like Axel Scheffler, Sophie Blackall and Kayla Harren— and also by children’s drawings, which are so free of preconceived ideas.
What has been your biggest learning curve in illustrating children’s books?
Learning to trust the process! There are so many moments of doubt, especially in the early stages of a book when everything feels messy or unclear. I’ve had to learn when to push through and when to take a step back and start over.
You have three upcoming titles. What can you tell us about these?
Each of these upcoming titles holds a special place in my heart for different reasons.
Boldilocks (EK Books) is a joyful and sparkly celebration of self-expression. Bellamy Boldilocks, with his spectacular hair, learns that what makes him different is also what makes him shine. As an illustrator, I loved leaning into the colour, and energy, while also challenging narrow ideas around gender expression.
I Am Me, written by Mitch Tambo (Allen & Unwin) is a deeply powerful book about identity, culture and connection to Country. It was a privilege to help bring Mitch’s vision to life and it felt incredibly meaningful to work on.
And Harries the Lifeguard from Bondi Beach (EK Books) was simply a delight. As someone who lives in Bondi, it was a joy to illustrate the iconic beach, and the warm, energetic community that makes the area so special.
Although each book is very different in tone and style, they’re all connected by a shared message: encouraging readers to be proud of who they are.
Somewhere Lost at Just Write for Kids
Carla Hoffenberg is a children’s book author and illustrator based in Sydney, Australia. She creates bright, joyful, and positive illustrations aimed at connecting with readers and sparking curiosity. Transitioning from a decade-long career in banking and finance, Carla embraced her passion for art during the 2020 lockdown, turning it into a full-time career.
Website: carlahoffenberg.com
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