 | Yuzhen CaiPaper 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 DeanThis 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
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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 BoydenRobin 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 CoyCongratulations 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! |
