I want to start with a disclaimer: Chris Riddell is my favourite illustrator and I’d buy any of his books just to pore over the illustrations. In fact, I preordered a copy of this from a bookshop who were lucky enough to have some of Chris’s beautiful illustrations to include them. Therefore, it is with … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Tiggy Thistle and the Lost Guardians,’ by Chris Riddell.
A special edition of a well-loved classic makes for a timeless Christmas gift. Below, are some of the latest titles I’ve received which bring classic tales to life in new and surprising ways. Please – draw me a sheep. I blinked. The voice belonged to a charming little prince. The characters of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's … Continue reading Classics for Christmas
I’ll be honest, I am a huge Chris Riddell fangirl so I am always going to love anything he’s illustrated. However, if you pair his illustrations with the the masterful writing of award-winning author Kevin Crossley-Holland and thrilling Arthurian legend. Well, then you have something really rather special! ‘The definitive retelling of the legends of … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Arthur the Always King,’ retold by Kevin Crossley-Holland, illustrated by Chris Riddell.
10 Stories to Make a Difference is a collection of original illustrated stories published by children’s literature non-profit development agency Pop Up, which has been bringing books, schools and communities together for 10 years. Pop Up has collaborated with 20 writers and illustrators and a host of editing and design professionals from 12 publishers, and crowdsourced … Continue reading Pop Up: 10 Stories to Make a Difference
I am a huge fan of Chris Ridell’s work - stories and illustrations - so imagine my excitement when I discovered he was writing a brand new magical adventure series AND that I was invited to be part of its blog tour! The Kingdom Of Thrynne is a place of ancient magic, but those seen … Continue reading “The Cloud Horse Chronicles: Guardians Of Magic,” by Chris Riddell.
In my experience, poetry can be an area often overlooked in schools. But why? Personally, I didn’t feel that I knew enough about composing poetry to teach it properly. But what about sharing poems, performing poems, dipping into a volume and seeing what grabs you? That’s the beauty of a good poetry book and the … Continue reading The CLiPPA Shortlist (premier poetry picks)
This year marks twenty years of the Waterstones Children’s Laureateship, a collection of inspirational individuals committed to promoting a love of reading, books and illustration. To celebrate, Walker Books have compiled this very special anthology which is sure to be treasured by anyone with a love of children’s books. Readers in the U.K. have benefitted … Continue reading ‘Flights Of Fancy – stories, pictures and inspiration from ten Children’s Laureates,’ from Walker Books.
We are blessed in this country to have many talented illustrators and authors from across Europe, working to produce gorgeous books for our children (and us) to enjoy. With the threat of Brexit looming large on the horizon, how much of this talent will be lost? Forty-five artists from across Europe come together to share … Continue reading ‘Drawing Europe Together: Forty-five Illustrators, One Europe,’ with foreword by Axel Scheffler.
Any of you who follow this blog (or my twitter account) will know that I am a huge fan of the amazing illustrations and books created by ex-Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell. That is why I am so please to introduce to the final paperback in this hilarious pun-filled series: Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony. … Continue reading ‘Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony,’ by Chris Riddell.
I am a huge fan of Chris Riddell’s beautiful work so was particularly excited to receive a package containing his first picture book in eight years (and a delicious gingerbread biscuit)! Turning traditional fairy tales on their heads, Little Green Raincape is on her way to Rapunzel’s party, deep in the dark wild woods. On … Continue reading ‘Once Upon a Wild Wood,’ by Chris Riddell.
I am delighted to tell you that ‘Ottoline and the Purple Fox,’ is now available to paperback! I am even more thrilled to tell you that I have a full signed paperback and print set for one lucky follower to win! Ottoline and her hairy companion, Mr Munroe, were busy planning a dinner party when … Continue reading ‘Ottoline and the Purple Fox,’ by Chris Riddell.
So I've shared some of my top picture books choices for this Christmas, now it's the turn of chapter books. I absolutely LOVE picture books for readers of ALL ages, not just the little ones but sometimes you just a longer book to sink your teeth into or delay bedtime for a few minutes longer. … Continue reading Festive Chapter Book Fancies
I know they say you shouldn't judge books by their covers, but this one was calling out to me from across the bookshop. It truly is a thing of great beauty! Written by the masterful Neil Gaiman and illustrated by the Children's Laureate, Chris Riddell, you would be right to expect great things from this … Continue reading ‘Odd and the Frost Giants,’ by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell.
Library Girl and Book Boy 