Bits & Pieces

Short and sweet from a VERY sunny week!
Pic 1 - Spider building his web
Pic 2 - Betty
Pic 3 - Nappies drying
Pic 4 - Practicing standing
Pic 5 - Can't help myself...two new book purchases.

Thanks again to Bleubird blog for the idea.....

Armadillo Review

Mrs Muffly's Monster has made Editor's choice over at Armadillo magazine. You can take a look here. And very pleased about it I am too. Always lovely to hear nice words about a book I'm proud of!
Lots of other great books feature, I love Ed Vere's Bedtime for Monsters book.

the pleasure of paper

I like google images, and I do use it a lot in my work and researching...but sometimes there is nothing better than looking at actual books. Above are some of my favourites for my children's book research. These are the ones I turn to first for inspiration or to start off an idea or character....

They are quite old. In fact the middle book I won when I was 13 years old at school for a form prize! I never knew how useful it would become in my career!

a Flea Market find

I bought this game/puzzle at a flea market called 'the thieves market' in Lisbon a few years ago.
I'm not sure yet what to do with it. I thought about having them individually framed but I think I might just save them in their box and use them as character reference for a future children's book...

I think the fox is my favourite!
Happy Weekends x

a (very) small part of my collection of children's books

I have so many, it's nice to finally be able to read them to Stanley... just a shame he's at the age where he just wants to eat them....

If anyone wants any recommendations, please just shout! Or please share yours....

Heavy bookshelves!

Think it might be time to have a sort out....some are bulging under the weight....i LOVE books though!

On Tuesday we read.....

Starting a new weekly post showing my children's book collection with a little help from Stanley...

First up, 'The Hair Scare' by Jeffrey Fisher. Stunning end papers and a character called Radbert - what more do you need?! Beautiful illustrations and type, Jeff Fisher is a brilliant designer but turns his hand to a very fine children's book too....

and this is what I'm working on.....

Character development for my new children's book.

Back to work

Bits & Pieces

picture one: morning chores with the help of 'washing machine tv'
picture two: presents for friend's babies all ready and wrapped
picture three: trip to london to meet a friend
picture four: borough market
picture five: sara & sonny
picture six: home on the train
picture seven: legs
picture eight: finger puppets

*with thanks to Bleubird blog for the idea and for letting us share....

Starting a new book

At last I've managed to start work on my new book. Stanley is now 8 months old and easier for me to have some time to get some illustration done. This time I'm working with the wonderful Lucy Coats who has written the text after seeing an idea I had. The text is amazing, I'm so glad someone is writing the story - it is beautifully written and means I can just get on with the bit I enjoy - the drawings!

A colour example of what is to come...I'll post more drawings soon!

Bits & Pieces

A la Bleubird blog again.....

making bread

coffee and the most amazing sausage roll...

...with Stanley

book purchase, old and new

making a card for a friend

lazy cat

green dinner

Babyology

Lovely blog babyology has featured Batty my new children's book and given it a glowing review which is very nice of them. If you have a minute check it out here.

Bits & Pieces

A favourite blog of mine Bleubird posts 'bits + pieces' on a friday, a new ritual, and one that she kindly lets others share in. Check out the blog it's friendly, creative and inspiring....

My bits and pieces for Friday are below:

Breakfast

Playtime

Typecase my Dad made for me

One I'm making for Stanley

Things to go in it

Cooking apple crop

Starting a new children's book

Waiting for bathtime

Dinner & mini dinner