Waltham Artist Designs Illustrations for MCC's New Children's Book

Madison Umbrello, a Middlesex Community College graduate, returns to create visuals for the college's globe-trotting storybook 'Swoops and the Magical Map to the World'.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 9:21am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of children's books with stylized globe illustrations on the covers, representing the 'Swoops and the Magical Map to the World' book from Middlesex Community College.The vibrant illustrations in Middlesex Community College's new children's book celebrate the diverse backgrounds of the school's students.Boston Today

Waltham resident Madison Umbrello, a 2018 graduate of Middlesex Community College (MCC), has been tapped to design the illustrations for the college's new children's book 'Swoops and the Magical Map to the World'. Umbrello's graphic design training at MCC, along with her early dual-enrollment start and later career success, have all contributed to this project celebrating the cultural diversity of the college's student body.

Why it matters

The children's book project highlights MCC's commitment to representing the diverse backgrounds of its students through engaging educational content. As a Waltham native who found success at the local community college, Umbrello's involvement in the book's creation further strengthens the connection between the college and the surrounding community.

The details

Umbrello, a graphic designer, was selected to create the illustrations for 'Swoops and the Magical Map to the World', MCC's new children's book. The book aims to celebrate the college's diverse student population by taking readers on a global adventure with the main character, Swoops. Umbrello's training in graphic design at MCC, as well as her early start in the dual-enrollment program, have all contributed to her ability to bring the book's visuals to life.

  • Umbrello graduated from MCC in 2018.
  • The children's book 'Swoops and the Magical Map to the World' is set to be released in the coming months.

The players

Madison Umbrello

A Waltham resident and 2018 graduate of Middlesex Community College, who has been selected to design the illustrations for the college's new children's book 'Swoops and the Magical Map to the World'.

Middlesex Community College (MCC)

A local community college that has commissioned the creation of a new children's book, 'Swoops and the Magical Map to the World', to celebrate the diversity of its student body.

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The takeaway

This project showcases how Middlesex Community College is leveraging the talents of its alumni, like Madison Umbrello, to create engaging educational content that reflects the diverse backgrounds of its student body. Umbrello's involvement as a Waltham native further strengthens the bond between the college and the local community.