When I was five, I had two dream jobs—either a zookeeper or an artist. I loved animals, especially the weird and wonderful ones, and I spent hours drawing them. I imagined myself feeding giraffes, caring for tigers, and maybe even training an elephant or two. At the same time, I was just as happy with a pencil in hand, sketching imaginary creatures and wild patterns. I never imagined that one day I’d find a way to merge both dreams into one.
When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?
In a way, I am a zookeeper—just not the kind five-year-old me originally pictured. Instead of running a physical zoo, I curate one in the pages of my kids’ book, Uncommon Animals of the Alphabet. Like all good zoos, it’s dedicated to showcasing rare and endangered species, from the babirusa to the flying fish, in the hope of sparking curiosity, raising awareness, and inspiring a love for these creatures in their natural habitats. But instead of working with real animals, I bring them to life through my art.
It’s funny how childhood dreams have a way of sticking with you. I may not be feeding penguins or cleaning out an aardvark’s enclosure, but I am doing what I always wanted—working with animals in a way that feels meaningful. My art gives me the chance to celebrate the species that fascinated me as a child and share their stories with new generations.
Some people grow up and leave their childhood dreams behind. Others, like me, find a way to honor them in ways they never expected. My five-year-old self would be thrilled to know that I’ve built a creative life centered around both of my childhood passions. Turns out, I found my dream job after all.
Kids Book Illustrator Andy C Marshall 