KO Student & Her Mom Bring Climate Awareness to Life Through Art and Story

When Form 3 student Luna Hansen returned from Denmark after two years abroad, she didn’t realize that the experience would spark her first major creative project — illustrating a climate change book written by her mom.

The move back to the United States came with a sense of inspiration. “Being in Denmark, we really experienced a lot of sustainable living,” Hansen shared. “It inspired my mom because she saw how people there cared for the environment. She wanted to do something that would benefit our planet — and since she’s always loved writing, she decided to create a book. She asked me to illustrate it so I could be a part of it too.”

Hansen had been drawing and creating art for years, but illustrating an entire book was something new. “It was a balance,” she explained. “Sometimes I’d think, ‘Wow, this looks great,’ and other times I’d look at it and go, ‘Hmm, that wasn’t my best.’ It was definitely an experiment because I’d never illustrated a book before.”

At first, Hansen worked on small pieces of printer paper. But soon, she and her mom realized that creating larger works would make the process easier and more expressive. “We started painting on big canvases,” Hansen. “It was a lot of trial and error, but also a lot of fun.”

She primarily used acrylics, watercolors, and collage materials — often recycling old magazines and newspapers to give new life to discarded materials. “It tied into the book’s message about sustainability,” Hansen said.

Hansen’s time in Denmark had a major influence on both her and her mom’s outlook. “In school, we did projects like First LEGO League, which focused on renewable energy and climate change,” she recalled. “Everywhere you looked, there were windmills. People were just very conscious about the environment.”

That mindset followed her home. “I do get a little frustrated here sometimes because not everyone is aware of how small actions can help,” she said. “But we’re trying to bring that awareness back — like restarting our school’s green club.”

The climate-themed book, aimed at middle-grade readers but appealing to adults as well, blends educational facts with vibrant illustrations. It’s being published by a company Hansen’s mom met at a book fair — a chance encounter that transformed a personal idea into a professional project.

She admits to feeling both proud and self-conscious. “It’s exciting but also kind of weird knowing people can see my art,” she said. “But it’s also something that can help people learn and care about the planet — and that makes me happy.”

The success of their first book has already inspired a second project. “I think my art has improved a lot since the first one,” Hansen said. “And I know the next one will be even better.”

Though she loves art, she also has her eyes on science and environmental studies. “I like pottery and painting, but I’m also really interested in the environment. Maybe I’ll find a way to do both.”

At KO, she continues to embody one of the community’s core values — care beyond self. “That means not only caring about other people but also caring about the planet,” Hansen said. “When we benefit the planet, we benefit each other.”

While her illustrations bring color and life to the pages, she gives full credit to her mom’s writing. “I’m proud of my art,” Hansen said, “but I’m even more proud of my mom. Her words are what will really inspire people.” Their collaboration stands as a testament to creativity, environmental awareness, and the special bond between mother and daughter — proving that when art and purpose come together, even small voices can make a big impact.

Barnes & Noble Book Signing
November 1st
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Farmington Barnes & Noble (near West Farms Mall)

Come meet Luna and her mom as they celebrate the launch of their beautifully illustrated climate awareness book.