Oxford Australia’s new icon for its Reading for Comprehension series has flown out into the world, with the aim of teaching and inspiring children to read. But as cute as the sugar glider looks, its creation was not as straightforward as its designer might have hoped.
Senior Concept Designer Miranda Costa said she was kept up at night trying to come up with a suitable icon that would meet the varied needs of the series.
The requirements were that the icon had to:
- appeal to children, but also look professional
- be eye-catching on book spines and covers, and on conference banners
- and bring together themes of Australia, literacy and achievement.
Miranda sampled two icons representing a love of reading, but was not convinced that they were engaging enough. However, these attempts led Miranda to the final idea of a sugar glider which reveals an open book when in flight.
“I knew that children have a strong connection with nature and particularly animals, and wanted to choose an Australian animal to show that Reading for Comprehension is for Australian students. I liked the upwards connotation of birds – signifying achievement – but birds have already been used quite a lot in publishing and we also see a lot of koalas, kangaroos and wombats.
“Thinking about iconic Australian animals and literature led me to Possum Magic (by Mem Fox) and ultimately further research of Australian possums. The sugar glider combines this well-loved animal and flight, so it was perfect.
“By studying its gliding movements, I connected the sugar glider’s shape with my design concepts.”
Miranda said she was thrilled to have developed an icon that complemented Reading for Comprehension.
“I genuinely believe it’s talking to students, while also being sophisticated for teachers. It’s imaginative and encompasses reading, the exploration of ideas and literacy.”
Read more about the Reading for Comprehension series on the Oxford University Press website.
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