A Little Guide to Crystals

Megan Kaye has written and edited a number of MBS and psychology books for DK and other publishers since graduating from Cambridge 15 years ago. She and her family live in London.

Alejandra Penaloza is an illustrator based in Berlin. Her work celebrates the magic of nature, the charm of everyday life, and the quiet beauty of small moments. Her work is rich with thoughtful detail, characterised by immersive atmospheres, balanced colour palettes, and dynamic compositions. While she primarily works digitally, her illustrations retain the warmth and texture of acrylic paint-a nod to her roots in traditional media.
She immerses herself in each project to gain insight into the behaviours, movements, and stories that characterise her subjects. She translates these observations into vibrant, dynamic images, capturing the essence of each subject both in its natural setting and in dreamlike scenarios. Her approach balances accurate representation with subtle surrealism, highlighting the wonder of the natural world and everyday life. She gathers firsthand references when possible to ensure authenticity and depth in her work. This ongoing exploration deepens her understanding of the energy of her subjects and keeps her connected to the natural world.
Alejandra holds a BA in Graphic Design from Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, and an MA in Fine Art from Kingston University, London.