The Alphabet of the Animals of the Alhambra, written by Clara Peñalver and published by Baker Street Editorial, is an illustrated book that invites readers to discover the real and imagined animals hidden within the walls, fountains, and ornamentation of the Alhambra through the letters of the alphabet. Each spread becomes a visual narrative where typography and animal forms intertwine, encouraging curiosity, play, and observation.
The project was developed with a strong focus on art direction, led by Manuel Camino, creating a careful balance between illustration, composition, and editorial design. Every letter was conceived with its own visual identity and narrative approach: sometimes the letter transformed into architecture, while in other cases it interacted with wings, tails, scales, or claws to create dynamic and detailed scenes.
A specially crafted color palette was developed for the book, inspired by the warmth, ornamentation, and atmosphere of the Alhambra while maintaining clarity and freshness throughout the pages. Particular attention was also given to the layout and pacing of the book, considering negative space, rhythm, and the dialogue between text and image to create an immersive reading experience.
The cover lettering was also entirely hand-drawn specifically for the book. Each letter was carefully designed to evoke the silhouette and texture of the Alhambra’s walls and towers, transforming the title itself into part of the architectural landscape. Around it, the animals appear almost as inhabitants of this imagined world, interacting with the typography and reinforcing the playful and narrative spirit of the project.
The result is a contemporary and poetic illustrated work where typography, illustration, and editorial design come together to offer a new way of experiencing cultural heritage for readers of all ages.
