Illustration alumna releases children’s book with Pegasus Publishers
12 February 2026
For BA(Hons) Illustration alumna Caitlain Reavley, an idea for a children’s story that was conceived whilst she was in her second year has now blossomed into a picture book recently released with independent publisher, Pegasus.
Published in late January, Grandad’s Treasure draws on Caitlain’s own childhood experiences to create a story full of charming illustrations and adventurous storytelling.
We chatted with Caitlain to learn more about her time at Falmouth and her creative process.
Grandad’s Treasure originally started as a university project. Can you tell us more about its beginnings, how it all started and what inspired it?
I remember being a child in my grandparents’ homes, which was where I would find all sorts of odd treasures dotted around that I probably wasn’t supposed to play with. This inspired the idea of a story centred around a treasure hunt set within a grandfather’s home. It’s a place that’s familiar yet can also hold so many secrets. And who doesn’t love a manor house mystery!
In my second year at Falmouth, I decided to try my hand at a lift-the-flap picture book. I’d played around with picture book projects before this, but I wanted to try this slightly more complex form of an interactive book.
The best part of my original premise for this book was the idea of creating a safe built from cardboard. Once the reader found the code, it would reveal the ending of the book which would be hidden inside the safe. Unfortunately, lift-the-flap books are very hard to pitch to publishers, so the book is now a standard picture book.
Can you talk us through the process of going from idea to book to publication?
After deciding to pick the project back up, I spent several months refining the text and revisiting the illustrations. I didn’t change a great deal when it came to the characters, but I simplified down some of the background illustrations for a more cohesive design.
From there I assembled my manuscript and sent it to every publisher that was accepting manuscripts at the time. I got a lot of rejection emails, but when I got the acceptance offer for publication I was over the moon.
How did you find your time studying BA(Hons) Illustration at Falmouth?
I very much enjoyed my time at Falmouth; I made friends that I remain close with today and I learnt a lot about the formatting and pacing that goes into making a picture book.
I still live in Falmouth, as after graduating I was desperate to come back! I enjoy going on walks along the sea front when I’m stuck on a particular piece of dialogue, or how I want to frame a particular illustration. Being by the sea does wonders when trying to solve a problem.
Do you have any plans for any more books in the future?
I do! I’m currently toying with a book idea to do with Bodmin Moor and the folklore that’s associated with it. I visit Bodmin Moor at least once a year and I just love the landscape and the history.
External links
You might also like
Falmouth graduate wins Portrait of Britain for second year running
'Volcanic Field Map' by Linda Jarrett.
How an MA Photography project sparked change in emergency planning
Falmouth graduate nominated for Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award
Falmouth graduate named in Drapers 30 Under 30
