For Ben Lippen senior Isabel Essig (Class of 2026), art has always been a way to tell stories, connect with others, and reflect the beauty of a creative God. As part of her senior capstone project, Isabel combined her passion for illustration with her love for her younger siblings to write and illustrate her own children’s book, The Girl Who Danced.

“The purpose [of this project] was ultimately to grow an appreciation for art and imagination,” Isabel shared, “and to display how these characteristics are evidence of the intrinsic value found in every person designed by a creative God.” Inspired by her little sister, her hope is to encourage young children to engage with the world around them through a creative lens. While doing this, she also intends to showcase how imagination and artistry point to the intrinsic value of life found in the Imago Dei.

The idea for the book began after a meaningful conversation with a freelance illustrator who challenged Isabel to see art not just as a hobby, but as a possible calling. “Before, I had always seen it as a cool idea that would be fun, but not realistic for me,” she said. “But after seeing an ordinary person do it professionally, I had the courage to try it myself.” That encouragement led Isabel to begin writing several short children’s stories, including The Girl Who Danced.

While the writing and illustrating process was rewarding, Isabel says her favorite moment came after the book was complete, when she had the opportunity to read it to Ben Lippen’s K3 and K4 students. “Being able to share it with others and see their little faces light up in excitement made my work so much more real,” she said. “My art no longer belonged to me alone, but to anyone who opened the pages.” For Isabel, this was the moment her project’s purpose came fully to life—bringing joy to young readers and reminding her that art has the power to connect people in meaningful ways.

Throughout the process, Isabel also learned an important lesson about growth, perfection, and purpose. “As an artist, I set high standards for myself that are often unrealistic,” she explained. “Writing this book forced me to put down the pencil and be content with what I had created.” In doing so, she discovered that the value of art is not determined by perfection, but by the way it can touch others and foster connection.

“The process of creating art produced a growth that was much more valuable than the finished product,” she said. “Even the art that wasn’t what I pictured in my head still opened avenues to connect with others and impact them.”

As Isabel looks toward the future, she plans to continue pursuing her passion for art and illustration in college. “My hope is to use my passion for art and storytelling to connect with people and change hearts and perspectives through my work.”

Through The Girl Who Danced, Isabel has done just that—using her God-given creativity to inspire imagination, bring joy to others, and remind us all of the beauty found in stories.

The Girl Who Danced can be purchased on Amazon.