Lettuce Get in Trouble

by Linda Kuo, Cynthia Benjamin & Paula Rees
illustrations by Mariana Rio

Sara Little Turnbull was a designer, an observer, a mentor, and not afraid to cause a little trouble while making the world a better place. As a global traveler, she made connections between people and found wonder in the everyday objects they hold dear.

As a very petite female designer in the world of large men, Sara used her unique perspective and curiosity to design a wide range of revolutionary products–from facemasks to cookware to astronaut suits–and to encourage others to see the world through new eyes. Sara was a mentor to designers of all ages and in Lettuce Get in Trouble, she helps children understand the basics of design: observing the world around them, asking questions, and trying out new things. One day, the Ministry of Food asks Sara Little to convince the children to eat more vegetables. Instead of offering a stern lecture, however, Sara Little brings her young friends to her Little Lab in New York City to explore the colors and shapes of food and why we eat anything at all. Together they design a grand event, inviting children to gather, play, and design tasty new creations.

Ages 4 – 9
Hardcover | 40 pages | IPS | 2022

Mariana Rio is an award-winning illustrator and educator in Porto, Portugal. She graduated in Communication Design from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Porto. With over a decade of experience, she is happy to spend her days creating characters and visual narratives for publishing houses and institutions worldwide. Her illustrations have been featured in the Bologna Children’s Book Fair exhibitions. Mariana is always eager to learn, and she found Sara Little’s legacy a huge inspiration. Find more at www.marianario.com.

Linda Kuo designs products for children and loves creative storytelling. She has a BFA from Parsons School of Design in New York and an MFA from Stanford University, where Sara Little Turnbull mentored her. Sara often said Design is to create order. Linda practices Sara’s teaching in all her projects as the Design Director at Pottery Barn Kids and Teen, headquartered in San Francisco, and serves as a board member of the Center for Design. She lives in San Francisco, California.

Cynthia Benjamin combines beauty, innovation, and technology to create impactful design solutions for young people and older adults in underserved communities. She is CEO of Together Senior Health and a Lecturer in Stanford University’s Design Department, and is a board member of the Center for Design. For Cynthia, Sara Little Turnbull inspired a deep sense of curiosity and joy in seeing beyond the obvious. She lives in San Francisco, California.

Paula Rees develops delightful places and experiences through placemaking, public art, and wayfinding. Paula provides full sensory details that create dynamic streets and memorable public places. Her international design practice, Foreseer, is based in Seattle, Washington. Paula was mentored by Sara Little Turnbull and is President and Research Fellow of the Center for Design. Her extra passion is for early childhood education.