Illustoria 2026 Issue #29: Smelly

How much of our world do we understand though SMELL? In this issue, Illustoria will take you on a sensational tour of odors, aromas, whiffs, scents, and maybe a stench or two.

Inside this olfactory issue (featuring a cover by Michael D. Kennedy perfectly capturing our complicated emotional responses to smelling) you’ll find factoids about the smelliest fruit, creatures, and insects; biologist G. Eric Schaller sharing his adventures studying the world’s stinkiest bloom, the Corpse Flower; a pair of snails going on a flower-smelling binge (courtesy of Aaron Piland and Weng Pixin); super-noses from the animal kingdom (drawn by you); and more!

Enjoy new comics by Yuk Fun and Tom Bingham, Thien Pham’s guide to creating your own food review comics, clay sculptures of unforgettable smells, fantasies of smell museums, and all the activities, interviews, recommendations, and more stories readers of Illustoria have come to know and love. Clear your nostrils, take in the biggest whiff you can, and get ready for another jam-packed issue of the best kids art and storytelling magazine around!

Illustoria is a print magazine for creative kids and their grownups. We celebrate visual storytelling, makers, and DIY culture through stories, art, comics, interviews, crafts, and activities. Their high-quality triannual publication is geared toward readers ages 6–12 and the young at heart. Illustoria is the official publication of the International Alliance of Youth Writing Centers, publishing writing and art by young people alongside accomplished professionals.