Bringing Grief and Holiday Joy Together in a Heartfelt 3D Story
The author came to Graphic Expertise with a deeply personal story centered around love, loss, and the healing magic of Christmas. “The Gift of Christmas Angels” was inspired by the memory of cherished grandparents, and the goal was to create a 3D children’s book that gently introduced grief while wrapping it in warmth, joy, and hope. The story needed to feel magical and emotional without being heavy—especially for young readers—while also offering comfort, representation, and festive fun.

They wanted each character to reflect real children—especially Black children—with expressive features, bright colors, and authentic charm. The real challenge? Capturing that emotional depth while keeping the tone playful and imaginative.

Designing Comfort, Magic, and Memory in 3D
We approached this story with extra heart. Using vibrant 3D illustration, we gave life to characters like Ian and Carter—two cousins reconnecting with their holiday spirit—and Frankie and Ethan, their mysterious new friends who turn out to be angels sent by their great-grandparents.

We paid careful attention to every detail: from Nana Edith’s salt and pepper curls to Carter’s pink glasses and bow, ensuring representation was front and center. Each page transitioned between cozy realism and whimsical magic—snowball fights, cocoa-filled cafés, a glowing town square, and moments of remembrance beneath the stars.

In pivotal scenes, we blended emotion and fantasy—like the moment the angels reveal their true identity, or the tearful hug as Ian and Carter realize love never leaves. We even visualized memories as floating thought bubbles, letting readers see what the characters felt without words.

The end result? A breathtaking Christmas book that wraps love, grief, and joy together in a story both magical and healing. “The Gift of Christmas Angels” doesn’t just celebrate the season—it reminds every child that those we love never truly leave us. Their love becomes part of our brightest traditions.