The Linoleum People
“The kitchen, by day, knows not of such things
As fairies or gremlins or puppies with wings,
But, pancakes and puddings and warm apple pie,
Are the sights and the smells to those passing by.”
On a quiet night, a silvery moonbeam falls across a worn kitchen floor and something remarkable begins to happen.
Within the swirling patterns of the linoleum floor, a hidden world stirs to life. Elegant ladies in flowing gowns, cheerful gentlemen with twinkling eyes, and curious little creatures emerge from the shapes and shadows, gathering for an evening of laughter, movement, and unexpected adventure.
As the night unfolds, the Linoleum People dance, play, and celebrate together, revealing a world where imagination transforms the smallest details into something magical.
The Linoleum People invites children to look closer, dream freely, and discover that wonder may be hiding in places they see every day.
Dear Readers,
In order to offer the most beautiful, and affordable version of The Linoleum People, I have decided to postpone my initial book launch until late summer or early autumn of 2026. I’m working hard to ensure that the quality of this new printing will be up to the high standards that my family and friends deserve. Stay tuned…it will be worth the wait.
Anne
Where It All Began…
The Linoleum People began as a poem over 40 years ago, inspired by the quiet, everyday magic hidden in a kitchen floor.
As Anne Hansen looked at the swirls and patterns of worn linoleum day after day, she began to see them differently—not just as shapes, but as tiny characters with personalities and stories of their own.
When the time came to replace that well-loved floor, she couldn’t bear to lose them. Kneeling down, she carefully took rubbings of her favorite figures, preserving the little world she had come to know. Though the poem kept their memory alive, the characters remained unseen—until now.
Decades later, Anne turned those imagined companions into a children’s book, bringing them out of memory and into the light. The Linoleum People is a celebration of imagination, nostalgia, and the idea that wonder can live in the most ordinary places—if you take the time to look.
Zixiao Chang’s Illustrations
This project came to life through a collaboration with illustrator Zixiao Chang, whose work captures the charm and spirit of the Linoleum People with warmth and creativity.
Xiao is an illustrator and visual storyteller seeking to evoke a sense of wonder. Born in Beijing but living in England, Xiao draws on mixed cultural influences. She captures small moments, creating worlds and characters that mirror our best and worst features. She has an MA in Design, and has won a V&A Book Design Award, Best Picture Book of China Award, an Arete picture book Award, and is shortlisted for Silentbook Contest.
The Process…
A few thoughts 40 years ago became an idea. The idea became a poem. A few rubbings from a common linoleum floor came to life with the help of an extremely talented illustrator. And then, coupled with the desire to fulfill a dream, the idea, the poem, the rubbings, and then the amazing illustrations became a book. The Linoleum People. I hope you love my little friends as much as I do.
Anne
