Dogs in backpacks and happy crabs, what's not to like about Amélie Falière's illustration?

Let’s all hold hands and be thankful that there are still people in this world making cute-without-being-twee, hilarious illustrations reminiscent of the kind of retro glory seen in such wonderful, old-time opening credits such as the magnificently kitsch title sequence for 1976’s Freaky Friday.

It’s just such a pleasure to see bright, kitsch drawings of animals, food and children that have a certain edge allowing it to avoid the dreaded ravine of cutesiness into which some plunge headlong. Enviably, Amélie lives in Paris, and is happily making illustrations of dogs wearing backpacks for lots of very happy publishers who are snapping up her cheerful talent like there’s no tomorrow. Let’s hope this continues for a long time yet!