Welcome to the World of Vardo

Artist Elijah Vardo has released his debut children’s book, Rainey the Romany — a richly illustrated celebration of Romany heritage for young — and not so young — readers. In this review, Dee Cooper explores the world Elijah has created and the significance of seeing Romany childhoods reflected on the page.

Artist Elijah Vardo has stepped into the world of children’s literature with his first book, Rainey the Romany, bringing his distinctive artwork, family heritage and storytelling together in a book that feels deeply personal ... writes Dee Cooper.

I had eagerly awaited the arrival of Rainey the Romany. When it finally arrived, I settled down with it thinking about the child I once was and how much I would have treasured a book like this while growing up.

I have had the pleasure of knowing the lovely Elijah for some time and have watched his artwork develop over the years. He is a quietly polite and unassuming young man, deeply connected to his family and heritage, and those qualities shine through in this beautiful book.

Rainey the Romany feels like a natural next step in Elijah’s creative journey. He has taken the things he knows, the stories he has grown up with, the people who have influenced him and the world around him and brought them together through the character of Rainey.

The front cover immediately draws you into her world. A young Rainey stands proudly in the doorway of a vardo, framed by Elijah’s signature Romany wheel, which appears throughout his illustrations.

Inside, Elijah has created a world filled with familiar things: vardos, trailers, Crown Derby teacups, bacon pudding, joey grey, open fires, Chitty irons and skillets. Family photographs, patterns, colours and small details bring an unmistakable sense of home to the pages.

One of the most touching details is the little Elijah sitting on his grandfather’s lap. It gives the book another layer, connecting the fictional world of Rainey with the real family history and memories that have helped shape the artist behind it.

This is also a book about representation. I grew up with stories handed down by my mother and granny and later created stories for my own children. Through my work with Travellers’ Education Services, I became very aware of how few books existed that reflected Romany & Traveller children and their lives. I remember Rawnie and Rye, one of the precious books that gave children something they could recognise as their own.

Elijah is now adding his own work to that growing body of Romany literature, creating something for a new generation.

Much of our history and childhoods were never written down. Stories were passed between mothers, fathers, grandparents and families, carried through generations. Elijah has taken that tradition and given it a new home, allowing children to hold those stories in their hands.

Through Rainey, he also explores education, identity and belonging. Rainey is a young Romany girl learning about the world while remaining proud of who she is and where she comes from. She doesn’t have to leave her heritage at the door in order to learn, belong or find her place.

That feels particularly important at a time when young people can still feel uncertain about sharing their identity in schools and higher education, because of the discrimination so often faced and the stereotyping of our communities.

What I love most about Elijah’s book is that it doesn’t simply tell readers about Romany life. It invites them into his world.

There is warmth, family, heritage, humour and imagination throughout the pages. It is a world created from things Elijah knows and loves, but it is also a world he is now sharing with others.

I hope Rainey the Romany finds its way into homes, schools, libraries and community groups, both within our own communities and far beyond them. I also hope Elijah’s journey encourages more Romany artists, writers and creatives to bring their own stories into the world.

Rainey the Romany was published by Tate Publishing on 3 September 2026 and is available from the Tate Shop, as well as bookshops including Waterstones.

A massive congratulations to our very dear Elijah Vardo on the publication of your first book.

It has been wonderful to watch your artwork grow and to see you now bring your family heritage, stories and imagination into the world of children’s literature.

I’m looking forward to following your journey, and the journey of the wonderful world of Vardo.

By Dee Cooper for Travellers Times

(Photos by Dee Cooper, art © Elijah Vardo)

Find more of Elijah Vardo’s artwork online: Website: https://www.darleyandersonillustration.com/elijah-vardo (darleyandersonillustration.com in Bing) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahvardo (instagram.com in Bing) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elijaharts (tiktok.com in Bing)_