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September Highlights 2024!

30/9/2024

Bruno Valasse

Perfect for curious young minds, World of Rot by Britt-Crow-Miller (Storey Publishing) is an informative and visual treat, full of humorous and disgusting facts for kids of all ages! Learn all about decomposition, the organisms that do the work and the science behind it all. With stunning screen-printed artwork by Bruno Valasse full of hidden details, this is a book you'll want to return to time and time again.

Camilla Sucre

With the leaves falling and the season turning comes the fourth instalment of Ella Phillips and Camilla Sucre’s picture book series featuring Zee and his grandma. My Grandma's Magic Recipes: Autumn Harvest (Simon and Schuster) sees Zee and his family carving pumpkins – just in time to make Grandma's famous monster soup! Colourful, characterful artwork and lush autumnal hues of orange, purple and green abound in Camilla’s artwork, and beautifully complement Ella’s seasonal story. And what a lovely set all four books now make!

Isabelle Follath

Isabelle Follath's captivating illustrations bring to life this abridged version of the beloved classic Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, retold for younger children by Katherine Woodfine (Nosy Crow). This beautiful illustrated gift edition is a real treat for fans, while introducing Anne with an 'e' to a whole new generation.

Rachael Dean

If ever a cover spelt Autumn – this is it. Rachael Dean’s glorious artwork adorns the cover of Rescuing Ruby, the second title in the Whistledown Farm series written by Pickled ink author, Nicola Baker (Simon & Schuster). The interiors are peppered with Rachael’s striking black and white artwork too.

'Shine' Exhibition and Workshop - Bruno Valasse

17/9/2024

This may sound unrelated, but read me out. I thought of all this while chatting to the most otherworldly lady on the train from Paris to London. By the end of the trip, she asked if I was living the dream.

My twin brother –Yvan– and I are French, but we were born and raised in Mexico, which made us Mexican too. And so, with one foot in each country, and living in London, my brother just got married in France. To take advantage of the trip, I reached out to a few bookshops in the hopes to plan for some reading and signing events for Shine, my first picturebook.

I got the most exciting answer from Helen Hancocks, the mastermind behind Shelf Editions, whom I'd met before and with whom we had shared mutual admiration. It would be an exhibition, a workshop and a few readings of the book, if I was up for it. And I was.

After sorting out a post-wedding covid period, I went up to Lincoln with my brother to set up the show, ready and excited to read Shine to whoever would show up. We got there at 10am on a Friday and I was showing children how to print illustrations with stamps and linocuts by 11am. To our surprise, a stream of visitors popped in and out until 4pm, excited to print, hear about Shine and the little moth, make some collages, as well as ask questions about how it had been made (a blog post behind the process can be read here). There, among a never ending stream of the loveliest human beings, I met Miss Leigh and her children, the most loving family I remember meeting.

The effervescence of the day assigned tasks in the most organic way. By 5pm, Helen and Yvan had finished setting up, sorting snacks and drinks for the evening while I had been getting ink all over my hands – and children's! – and that is what Shine is about. I was surrounded by luminous fireflies, except this time, the leading moth was Yvan and the community-gathering role was Helen's, and her fabulous, welcoming lighthouse that Shelf Editions is. By 9pm, I was surrounded by Helen's community. Not as a protagonist, but as a member. I was home.

I always try to make stories and technical bits of my work rather short, afraid of talking people's ears off. Not this time. I explained in detail how I had experimented with different printmaking techniques while knowing in the back of my head I would end up screenprinting the book, still learning from all those experiments on the way.

I've only just become an author, and writing is quite a vulnerable position to be in. It also seems to ease the building of bridges with other people's experiences, and so I went on to tell this new gang of mine about the events, feelings and fears that sparked the first draft of Shine, and how a little boy who was afraid to be lifted into the night sky turned into a moth.

I have just learned that Shine has been selected at the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show in New York, as well as for the China Shanghai Children's Book Fair exhibition 2024.

I attended the SOI show in 2019 right before the pandemic was declared. It was so overwhelmingly moving that it became one of the main reasons why I decided to become an author. And now the little moth in Shine has taken it full circle.

All of this to say that I met the most incredible lady on the train from Paris to London. Brenda is a volunteer on the Ukrainian front, was a teacher for 17 years and is still in touch with former students who welcome her in their own homes. She also set up a food bank and ran it for several years while asking herself why it was even necessary. I told her about my much less impressive life too, about Shine, the wedding and the then upcoming show in Lincoln, and we talked about overcoming fear. The last thing I heard her say before parting ways was "So, you're living the dream". I said yes. I am.

Bruno Valasse's exhibition 'Stars Only Come Out When it’s Dark' is up at Shelf Editions until the end of September, where he also has prints for sale. 'Shine' is available to buy now, published by Tundra Books.

August Highlights 2024!

27/8/2024

Briony May Smith

Congratulations to Briony whose latest picture book, Tiny Jenny, hit the shelves in the US this month (Anne Schwartz Books / Penguin Random House). It was also selected as an Amazon best picture book for August!

Born to a family of wrens, Tiny Jenny is a wingless fairy who has mischief in her heart. When the forest animals complain to Mr and Mrs Wren about her, Tiny Jenny sets off in search of her real fairy family. But it turns out fairies are far from welcoming. Can Tiny Jenny resolve the dilemma she faces and find out where she truly belongs? Tiny Jenny is a modern fairy tale with a loveable, brave-hearted protagonist, that's rich with Briony’s trademark atmospheric and detailed illustrations.

Ya-Ling Huang

'Anna's friend Zane is coming to tea soon – but when is “soon”, exactly? While Anna waits, Granddad teaches her how to tell the time for herself...'

Ya-Ling has teamed up with author Vivian French again to illustrate Telling the Time with Anna, the next book in a first skills series (Walker Books). This charming picture book introduces the concept of time to little ones, and is filled with lots of clocks for children to practice telling the time as they read.

Lo Cole

It wasn’t only Banksy creating a stir with some rhino artwork this August, as Lo Cole’s Lionel (Rocket Bird Books) charged into bookshops this month. The companion title to Doris features a large blue rhino who is desperate to join in with all the fun, but often with some hilarious consequences. Lo’s bold and joyful artwork and brilliant characters make this picture book a real delight.

Coralie Muce

This dynamic cover by Coralie Muce for Hero Wanted! perfectly captures Mark Power's latest rip-roaring adventure (Bloomsbury), with wonderfully characterful illustrations throughout.

Laura Ellen Anderson

The second book in Laura’s illustrated fiction series Marnie Midnight takes flight on 29th August. Marnie Midnight and the Great Critter Contest (Farshore) sees our favourite little moth Marnie and her friends take part in the annual Great Critter Contest. With detailed black and white illustrations throughout this second Marnie adventure is truly BEE-utiful and packed full of mini-beast magic! Can you suc-SEED in securing your copy?

July Highlights 2024

29/7/2024

Moera

Coldplay’s music video for their latest track, Feels Like I’m Falling in Love, features gorgeous animation in a zingy pastel colour palette by Moera. You can watch the full video here.

Also by Moera and hot off the scanner are these cool characters in pen and ink, which would work brilliantly for black and white fiction, don’t you think?!

Rachael Dean

As a fan of the original story, Rachael Dean was thrilled to have the opportunity to illustrate the cover of Anthea Simmon's modern re-imagining of the beloved classic 'The Secret Garden'. The Secret Garden Rewilded is published by Andersen Press.

Hanako Clulow

Hanako Clulow has teamed up with author Sabine Adeyinka to illustrate the cover of Three Cheers for the River School, the third book in Sabine's adventure series set in a boarding school in Nigeria. Published by Chicken House.

Alice McKinley

Voyage to Mermaid Mountain is the fourth book Alice McKinley has illustrated for author Jack Ryder and a sequel to last year's 'Wish'. Once again Alice brings to life Jack's fantastical world of magical mystery, with returning characters, mermaids and a pirate ship. Out now from Hachette Children's Books.

Katie Hickey

Meet the experts for one last time in The Birthday Bike, the fourth and final title in 'The Repair Shop' series written by Amy Sparkes and illustrated by Katie Hickey. Katie’s warm, atmospheric illustrations have captured the nostalgia of Amy’s picture book story beautifully once again. Published by Walker Books.

Awards!

2024 Lollies

A huge well done to authors Sam Copeland & Jenny Pearson and illustrators Robin Boyden & Katie Kear on the news that 'The Underpants of Chaos' has been shortlisted for the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards in the aged 9-12 category. Voting is open and you can cast your vote for this genuinely hilarious middle grade romp here.

A Lammy for Poppy!

Congratulations to author Nina LaCour and illustrator Sònia Albert whose middle grade novel The Apartment House on Poppy Hill has won the LGBTQ+ Children’s Books Category at the 36th Annual Lambda Literary Awards!

2024 New Brunswick Book Awards

We’re over the moon for Sara O’ Leary, author of The Little Books for the Little Brontës, who has been awarded the Alice Kitts Memorial Award for Excellence in Children's Writing this month! Whilst this is a writing-specific award, Briony May Smith’s ‘achingly beautiful’ illustrations get a lovely mention in Quill and Quire's review:

“The Little Books of the Little Brontës is, in a word, gorgeous. A sublime blend of tender and thoughtfully playful writing by O’Leary, and bucolic, rosy-cheeked mixed media illustrations by Smith, this is an exceptional picture book.”

June Highlights 2024

24/6/2024

Sònia Albert

Sònia Albert has once again illustrated a striking cover in limited colour palette and accompanying interiors for Varsha Shah's third book in her series: Ajay and the Treasure of Thar (Chicken House).

Camilla Sucre

Congratulations to Camilla Sucre on the publication of her third picture book collaboration with Ella Philips. My Grandma’s Magic Recipes: Summer Sunshine (Simon & Schuster) features Zee and Grandma harvesting their own-grown tomatoes and exploring the sunshine and plant power of the Summer season.

Lo Cole

Lo Cole's graphic editorial style was a striking choice for the YA novel Apocalypse Cow by O.R. Sorrel (Guppy Books) and the resulting cover, with its clever image interplay is a truly standout YA cover for this funny/zombie/rom-com/end-of-the-world mashup!

Author Corner

Jo Simmons

Congratulations to our author Jo Simmons whose teen comedy The Reluctant Vampire Queen (Hot Key Books) has been shortlisted for the teen category of the Lollies awards for funny fiction.

Dominque Valente

Don’t miss the brilliant Super Sunny Murder Club anthology (Farshore, illustrated by Harry Woodgate). Featuring short stories from a wealth of bestselling authors, including our own Dominique Valente, it’s the perfect summery mystery read.

May Highlights 2024

28/5/2024

Katie Hickey

Congratulations to author Rachel Ip and illustrator Katie Hickey on their beautiful book The Wild Outside. This is a celebration of nature told through the eyes of young Tulip who yearns to know the names of the flora and fauna beyond her doorstep. Published by Hachette Children’s Books.

Lo Cole

Our favourite little red elephant has headed stateside this month as Doris by Lo Cole was published by our friends at Boxer Books/Union Square. Selected as a Kids’ Indie next in bookshops, Doris has been garnering many fans across the pond, including this lovely review from Kirkus:

"Kids will enjoy devising riffs on the word elephant and will be inspired to create their own artworks in which they try to “hide” conspicuous Doris. Doris is most endearing, and the dazzling illustrations give off an Elmer the Elephant vibe…. A witty discourse on fitting in.”

Paola Escobar

Paola Escobar has captured the feeling of home in her illustrations for The Perfect Place, a heartwarming picture book about discovering our sense of self and the perils of perfectionism. Written by Matt de la Peña and published with G.P. Putnam's Sons Books For Young Readers.

Cindy Wume

Finally we have some lovely editorial images done by Cindy Wume for Bayard Magazines. Based around a story about gardening they showcase Cindy’s exuberance of line and expression perfectly.

Illustrator Insight with Bruno Valasse

28/5/2024

Bruno Valasse's debut author-illustrated picture book Shine has just published with Tundra Books. We asked Bruno if he could tell us a bit about how the story came to life and delve into his printmaking process...

Early character development for The Moth

Shine‘s original title was The Moth. Yes, very descriptive and obvious! There were different ways to kickstart an authored-illustrated project whilst thinking about what this project could turn into. I tend to plan things, make lists and narrow down tasks to be done, but this wasn’t working to develop stories that excited me. The key moment for the book to move forward came when I focused on making.

Character development and colour research for The Moth

This was back in 2021 – while I was studying the Children’s Books Illustration program at Anglia Ruskin University – and as Covid lockdowns started being lifted and restrictions were implemented. I started spending most days in the print room, getting away from desk and screens, and started to think with my hands. I fell in love with linocut, risograph and screenprinting. I’d tried these techniques before, but never as a tool for exploration and experimentation, and it made me realise how making – and the hours put in it – sparks and develops ideas. Making before thinking. Or thinking through making.

Initial linocut experiments for The Moth

Some moth characters emerged out of pure interest in them and as I cut the linoleum, prepared tracing-paper originals to be printed on the risograph machine and cleaned screens. All that time spent in the print room working and chatting with people, as well as receiving feedback from peers also had a huge impact on the project.

Initial risograph experiments

Some childhood memories had been disentangling themselves in the back of my head, as I also started reading folktales and fables about moths. It turns out there has been a long-lasting relationship between humans and moths, from munching on our wool jumpers to entering our language in the form of proverbs and poetry. ‘Like a moth to a flame’, does it ring a bell? Well, moths would end up burnt for being attracted and getting too close to the fire, but they survive nowadays because most of our lights are artificial and harmless. This turned out to be fertile ground for ideas and metaphors.

I also remembered going back home at night in Mexico city, climbing up two flights of stairs from which you could see the sky, most often overcast. Sometimes, especially after heavy rain, I would be mesmerised by the sight of stars in that same, usually greyish sky. And I was also terrified to think that I could be lifted up from the ground, closer to those stars, and I would never be able to come back down. That memory felt vivid and relevant at a time when everyone was scared and the world had been turned upside down in a split second.

The print below was the key to combining my own attraction to stars with a mischievous moth: what if the kid in the story was a moth who is afraid of the dark and its dangers? That was the first exciting story idea in the process of making Shine.

Initial screenprints, exploring characters and atmosphere through the overlap of 3 colours, texture and tone

I am really drawn to characters whose traits play a part in their story, may be a paradox and even help solve it. Tomi Ungerer’s bats, snakes and flying kangaroos, all have a characteristic that makes them repulsive or unappreciated by most. But those same traits become useful in solving an issue in the story and for other characters to end up accepting them. Ungerer’s Adelaide –my favourite book as a kid– tells the story of a strange, winged kangaroo who’s an oddity in her community as well as in the one she migrates to: modern day Paris. She proves her worth when saving some children from a fire thanks to her ability to fly, the same trait that had her being suspect when going through customs.

'Adelaide: The Flying Kangaroo' by Tomi Ungerer

The moth in Shine is paradoxically afraid of the dark, as moths usually come out during nighttime – although they stay close to lights and fires. I wanted to tell a story about fear that could solve issues of loneliness, isolation and community, but also identity and courage. I now have a permanent sticky note on the wall with acronyms, two of which are WDIWTS – what do I want to say – and SDT – show, don’t tell – to remind myself that my words need to steer away from the obvious, and have some counterpoint. The interplay between text & image, both telling different elements of the story and being potentially contradictory.

The physical existence of those notes – and sketchbook material – helps me keep in mind those things that matter to me, as I feel I can get lost in the process and steer away from the ideas, feelings and elements that I wanted to use in the first place. These notes help me remember the origin of the story and it’s a way for my past self to insist on what needs to be kept through every revision and turn the project may take.

Some tracing paper layers and overlay of inks, which helped me define tones to hide or reveal elements in the sequence of the story

The image below is an example of a road I did not take but helped me figure out what I wanted the end of the story to be: the finding of a community, a safe haven and the discovery of what made the moth start the journey. Oneself’s inner light:

Digital overlay of layers for process image that I ended up not printing but was key in defining the end of the story

I find making artwork while developing the story lifts some of the pressure of coming up with a fully formed narrative from the outset. Below are tiny roughs for an initial storyboard, in which a caterpillar would grow and find the courage to turn into a moth. The story drifted away from that initial version quite a bit!

Initial storyboard roughs

Once I was happy with the story, I was set to screenprint Shine in a concertina format, with 13 spread panels on each side including covers. That meant I would have to print 2 full sheets of paper on both sides and align 3 colours each time. That equals 12 pulls of a squeegee per book.

I went back to risographs to get a – vague – idea of how the screenprints could turn out, and define the colours I could use.

Risograph details, using fluo pink, teal green and golden yellow

Original layers planned for risographs, prior to adapting them for screenprinting & prints drying

Here comes a fairly technical bit! The main issue when adapting the layers I had made for riso into layers I could use for screen-printing were the marks and textures. The riso machine can record and reproduce pencil marks quite easily, but screen-printing is a high contrast technique. That means your layers are turned into white and black areas, no greys.

Screen-printing proofs and happy accidents...

While trying to figure out how those layers would translate onto the screen, I went to print some cheap tests and on one of them the printer used a setting that created a fine halftone – like the little dots out of which images are made in black and white newspapers. The issue of preserving my marks was potentially solved: the more cluttered the dots, the darker the area. That halftone worked perfectly with the mesh on the screens I had access to, otherwise I could have gotten a moiré effect – like when you look at a pattern on a screen – or a total mess.

Once that was sorted, I printed a limited edition of 25 concertina books, one of which was on display at Candid Arts in London, for our graduation show. They then went on to be on displayed at the Children’s Books Fair in Bologna.

Details on which you can see the halftone

And that is the story of Shine. A vivid childhood memory that sat alongside a drawing of a mischievous moth on a sketchbook page, and gave me the urge to share how all of that felt like.

Shine has now been published by Tundra Books in English, and will be out in French with La Pastèque in the autumn.

Limited edition of 25 screenprinted concertina books

April 2024 Highlights

30/4/2024

Katie Hickey

Katie Hickey’s gloriously atmospheric art was the perfect choice for the cover of Lucy Strange’s gothic mystery, The Island at the Edge of Night (Chicken House Books).

Bruno Valasse

Bruno Valasse's debut author-illustrated picture book Shine publishes this month (Tundra Books). Shinetells the story of a little moth who is afraid of the dark but drawn to the stars. Can he find his inner strength and overcome his fears?

We are so excited to see this gorgeous project hit the shelves! The story is told in few words, allowing Bruno's rich illustrations to take centre stage. The vivid colour palette and layered textures are a treat for the eyes, making this a very special book to own.

Kirkus Reviews has given a STARRED review:
"A gentle look at fear, darkness, strength, and light. Valasse’s textured natural world, filled with lush foliage in teal, rust, and mustard renderings, has a classic feel, while the spare story veers quietly through the moonlight. The work’s apt title encompasses both the moth’s journey of self-discovery and the luminous art."

Camilla Sucre

Spring is in the air and what better way to celebrate than with this sunny picture book illustrated by Camilla Sucre. My Grandma’s Magic Recipes: Spring Bloom, written by Ella Philips (Simon & Schuster) is a joyful celebration of food, family and the magic of cooking together. The second in a series of four seasonally and recipe themed picture books, Camilla’s art is bold and beautiful and will brighten up any April showers day.

Alice McKinley

Alice McKinley has captured the magic of Rachael Chivers Khoo's new middle grade book, with an eye-catching cover and endearing black and white interiors. The Magician Next Door (Walker Books) is a cosy adventure featuring a flying house and is about discovering where you belong.

Rachael Dean

We can hardly believe it, but this is the sixth collaboration between Jacqueline Wilson and Rachael Dean! And we think it might be our favourite yet - who doesn't love a good ghost story? The Girl Who Wasn't There (Penguin Random House) features Rachael's fantastic illustrations throughout, including a full colour spooky artwork hidden beneath the dust jacket...

Robin Boyden

It has been a bumper couple of months for Robin Boyden who has seen 3 of his books hit the shelves during March and April.

The first to shout about is Mow Don’t Grow (Oxford University Press) a colourful non-fiction title which Robin wrote and illustrated. This informative ‘how to’ shines a light on sustainable and wild-life friendly methods of gardening around the world and encourages young readers to get outside and give gardening a go with a series of ‘Top Tip’ pages.

Robin has also contributed cover and interior art to the second book in the bestselling time-twisting Wonder Team adventure series from Leah Williamson, captain of the Euros-winning England team! The Wonder Team and The Pharoah’s Fortune is out now with Macmillan Children’s Books.

And another series collaboration for Robin is as the cover illustrator of Tom Mitchell’s funny and fast-paced adventure books published by Harper Collins Children’s Books. How to Stop the End of the World is out now!

Phil Corbett

Fans of Perigold and Woofrik can now return to Pawdor with a new Kitty Quest adventure. Kitty Quest: Sinister Sister (Razorbill US and Simon & Schuster UK) is the third comic caper in this brilliant series written and illustrated by Phil Corbett. Expect epic sibling rivalry, the return of a formidable foe, and a yarnivore monster terrorising the streets of Padport! All in a day’s work for the heroes of Kitty Quest!

Lisa Pinca - New Artist Signing!

18/3/2024

When Lisa submitted her portfolio to us we were immediately drawn to her stylish illustrations. We loved the bold use of colour in her younger pieces and the overall sophisticated feel to her portfolio. We particularly loved the beautiful detail and pattern she incorporates into her artwork, and her confidence to play around with the use of space and interesting compositions.

Lisa is keen to work across children's picture books, fiction and illustrated non-fiction. Check out a selection of her work below, or view her portfolio to see more.

We are delighted to welcome Lisa Pinca to the portfolio and can't wait to launch her portfolio at London Book Fair and Bologna this year.

If you'd like to discuss any projects or Lisa's upcoming availability, please contact her agent Amy Kitcherside at: [email protected].

February 2024 Highlights

27/2/2024

Yuzhen Cai

Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm by Siobhan McDermott (Hachette Children's Books) is a breathtaking, magical fantasy series inspired by Chinese culture and folklore. With striking cover artwork by Yuzhen Cai and intricate cut-out style interiors, it's no wonder Waterstones chose it for their Children's Book of the Month. Get your hands on an exclusive edition with a decorated edge in Waterstones now.

Nicola Baker & Rachael Dean

This leap year sees the publication of a very special collaboration: Pickled ink author Nicola Baker’s debut middle grade adventure: Finding Hope (Simon & Schuster) will be leaping its way onto shelves, with stunning cover and interior illustrations by our artist Rachael Dean.

Finding Hope is the first in the Whistledown Farm series and is heartwarming story of city-girl Ava, who goes to stay on her uncle and aunt’s farm and the farm adventures she encounters at Whistledown Farm. Rachael’s characterful artwork brings Ava and the farm beautifully to life and the Springtime flowers, lambs and chicks are giving us all the happy Spring vibes! Congratulations Nicola and Rachael on such a perfect Pickled ink package!

Rachael Dean

It's been a busy month for Rachael, as the second book in another ongoing series also hits the shelves! The Thames and Tide Club: Squid Invasion by Katya Balen (Bloomsbury) is a fun-filled, mudlarking adventure brought to life by Rachael's brilliantly funny illustrations.

Robin Boyden

Robin had great fun illustrating the latest spooky middle grade by Kathryn Foxfield. Things that go Bump (Scholastic Books) is an enjoyably scary page-turner packed full of Robin’s bold black and white illustrations.

Paola Escobar

A Plate of Hope written by Erin Frankel (Penguin Random House) and beautifully illustrated by Paola Escobar, is a moving picture book biography about the life of chef José Andrés, who founded the World Central Kitchen organisation following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

Since then José and his team at the World Central Kitchen have been at the frontlines of relief efforts helping people on the ground following natural disasters and refugees fleeing violence and poverty. A Plate of Hope tells his story and hopes to inspire children to help their own communities.

Eve Coy

Congratulations to Smriti Halls who has a new picture book out this month. Our Gorgeous Baby (Walker Books) is a charming and humorous story about the chaos a baby wreaks on its new family and the unconditional love they have for it no matter how smelly, noisy and sleepless things can get.

With stunning illustrations in vibrant hues of pink and blue by Eve Coy, Our Gorgeous Baby is a love letter to slurping burping babies everywhere!

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