My Story And Career
Hi, I’m Ildiko Hankoszky – a freelance illustrator, author, and proud grandmother, living in the beautiful countryside of Wiltshire, UK. Originally from Hungary, I grew up under a communist regime, often wondering what life looked like on the other side of the Iron Curtain. Today, I feel incredibly grateful to be living that dream - surrounded by nature, historic architecture, and a culture I deeply admire.
Drawing and working with my hands have been with me since childhood. I began my creative path as a wood sculptor and conservation assistant before transitioning into cartoon animation and graphic design. I’ve illustrated and edited two children’s books in Hungarian, and though I had to pause sculpting due to surgeries on both hands, I never stopped creating. (I may sound like an oldster - but I’m still full of ideas! 😊)
During the COVID lockdown, I had to shield due to health conditions, which gave me time to reflect deeply. I prayed, sketched, and studied children’s mental health through courses at Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College, and North Hertfordshire College. That journey led to the creation of Beyond the Blue Forest - my first published picture book and companion activity book, written and illustrated by me.
The story was inspired by my experience as a widowed mother helping my sons (then 10 and 12) navigate grief. Beyond the Blue Forest follows Anton, a young deer boy, who meets whimsical characters representing the stages of grief. A wonderful pedagogical psychologist has now joined the project, helping shape the story for a wider audience. It’s a dream I’ve held for eight years - and I’m thrilled it’s finally happening!
I’ve always believed in the healing power of stories and illustrations. Whether it’s emotional literacy, mental health support, or simple wonder, I hope my work adds something meaningful to a child’s world.
You can explore more of my illustrations on Instagram, find art products in my Redbubble and Contrado shops (yes, even jigsaw puzzles!), and visit the Mental Help section of this site for valuable resources on children’s emotional and brain development.
Thank you for visiting,
I’m glad you’re here. 💛
Fairy Tales
For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by the enchanting allure of fairy tales and intrigued by their profound impact on young minds. As adults, we often ponder the deeper meanings hidden within these timeless stories, questioning their relevance and value in shaping the tender hearts and curious minds of children.
The allure of fairy tales lies not just in their captivating narratives but also in the underlying "horror" that we, as adults, perceive. Yet, despite our apprehensions, we find ourselves drawn to these tales, compelled by a desire to unravel their mysteries and understand their enduring appeal.
As I delved deeper into the world of children's literature, I realized that the question of why fairy tales matter is not merely academic but deeply significant. In a world where reading is akin to nourishing the soul, the stories we choose to serve our children become paramount. Like a carefully curated meal, the tales we offer them must be rich in substance and meaning, nurturing their imaginations and instilling valuable life lessons.
So, dear reader, let us embark on this adventure with open hearts and inquisitive minds, for the wisdom we seek lies not just in the stories themselves but in the journey of exploration and discovery that awaits us.
Fairy tales offer crucial psychological insights to children, shaping their understanding of the world and themselves. Through psychoanalytic lenses, these stories reveal hidden meanings and teach children to interpret symbols, fostering empathy and resilience. By immersing in tales like Hansel and Gretel, children learn to navigate complexities and confront challenges, preparing them for life's adversities. Moreover, fairy tales stimulate imagination and problem-solving skills, empowering children to confront their fears and anxieties.
Rooted in the unconscious, these narratives instill profound lessons that endure into adulthood, nurturing a more empathetic and perceptive generation. In a society increasingly reliant on subtlety and nuance, teaching children to decipher hidden meanings becomes essential for fostering a compassionate and understanding future.
Ongoing research continues to shed light on the multifaceted effects of fairy tales on children's development, encompassing cognitive, social, emotional, and cultural dimensions.
Cognitive Development: Some studies have investigated how exposure to fairy tales influences children's cognitive development, including language skills, imagination, and problem-solving abilities. Researchers have found correlations between exposure to complex narratives like fairy tales and enhanced cognitive development in children.
Social and Emotional Development: Other studies have focused on the social and emotional impact of fairy tales on children. They explore how exposure to characters and storylines can help children develop empathy, understand moral dilemmas, and navigate emotions.
Parent-Child Interaction: Research also examines the role of parent-child interaction during shared reading of fairy tales. Studies suggest that the discussions prompted by fairy tales can deepen parent-child bonds and provide opportunities for meaningful conversations about values and emotions.
Cultural Influences: There's ongoing research into how cultural variations in fairy tales affect children's development. Different cultures have their own sets of fairy tales with unique themes and messages, and researchers are interested in understanding how exposure to these diverse narratives shapes children's worldviews and values.
Educational Applications: Some studies explore the use of fairy tales in educational settings. Researchers investigate how integrating fairy tales into curriculum activities can enhance learning outcomes across various subjects, including literacy, social studies, and character education.
