Maria P. Restrepo
I Can Do It Alone
‘I Can Do it Alone’ is a funny yet insightful picturebook about determination, the power of will, and the importance of community. The story begins when Toona discovers a postcard from California and decides to get there by any means necessary. Then she stubbornly refuses help from her family and friends to build a boat and sail there, which leads to hilarious consequences. At the end, Toona finally discovers that accepting help can make her life so much better.
Author and illustrator
Maria P. Restrepo is a Colombian author and illustrator with a deep love for storytelling, animals, and the emotional world of childhood. She lives with a crew of rescued cats and a dog who are absolutely convinced she works for them—and they might be right. Maria studied Fine Arts and Art History in Colombia, and is currently completing a Master’s in Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London. Her work explores themes like mental health and emotional resilience, and she was awarded the Northern Illustration Prize in 2023. Her characters are playful, quirky, and always full of heart.
Ins: @mariap.doodles
Email: mariapaulina.restrepo@gmail.com
