children’s books 
A bit of good library news for a change. Gateshead Library has just re-opened after a £2.5 million redevelopment. It's brand new children's library is now home to a few of Simon Bartram's illustrations from his book, Bob's Best Ever Friend in supersize on the walls. Simon, who lives locally to this important resource for the community, was on hand to do some Bob events for the opening weekend.
Simon Bartram is represented by Arena
Arena is proud to introduce another new artist, Kristyna Litten. We were immediately attracted to her limited colour palette and strong eye for composition. She recently graduated from Edinburgh College of Art where she developed a unique visual language which combines hand drawn elements, type and printmaking. Kristyna is already busy writing and illustrating her debut picture book, Chickens Can't See In The Dark, which will be published by Oxford University Press in 2012.
Arena would like to introduce new recruit, Aleksei Bitskoff. A former LCC student and graduate of Camberwell College of Arts' MA Illustration course, Aleksei creates surreal, yet engaging worlds which captivate children and adults alike. We couldn't resist his fantastical creatures and mad monsters and we're not the only ones; Templar Publishing has already commissioned him for their forthcoming Monstrous Book of Monsters.
‘Dinosaur Cove: Attack of the Lizard King' - illustrated by Mike Spoor, has been chosen as one of six books in the Richard and Judy Book Club, as part 'Children's Book Club', 'Read Together' recommendations! Follow link to see the recommendation www.richardandjudy.co.uk.
Mike Spoor is represented by Bright Agency
A big welcome to Steve Horrocks who his our latest signing! Originally from Merseyside, Steve moved to California with his wife in 1995 to work for a major feature animation studio and over the years has still pursued his passion for creating and illustrating on a personal level. Following great success in comics and animation, he has just finished his first childrens book and we think, with his beautiful drawings, that this is the beginning of a wonderful future in the children's market. Steve works digitally but likes to keep a traditional feel to his work.
Steve Horrocks is represented by The Organisation
Steve May's hilarious illustrations for Cartoon Kid, the first title in a new series written by Jeremy Strong has just been published by Puffin Books. Steve's characters from the book also featured in a recent Times Newspaper article to encourage pupils to join in the CAMPAIGN FOR FUN, which searches for the most fun school in Britain.
Steve May is represented by Arena
Bright Author and Illustrator Sue Hendra, has her title 'Dave' short listed for the Bishop Stortford's Picture Book Award 2011, along with another one of Bright's Author and Illustrators Rebecca Elliot for her title 'Milo's Pet Egg'.
Fantastic Frankie and the Brain-Drain Machine, is published this month and features Alex T Smith's hilarious illustrations on the cover and throughout the book. This is Anna Kemp's first young fiction title telling the story of "F-for-failure" Frankie's escapades. He discovers that the headmaster has plans to turn the students into robot-like super-brains and this is his chance to save the day and change F-for-failure into F-for-fantastic! It's really worth checking out Alex's fantastic interpretation of the crazy characters: Frankie's friends, Neet and Wesley, Alphonsine, the French nanny and Colette, the poodle.
Fantastic Frankie and the Brain-Drain Machine is published by Simon & Schuster and available from all good book sellers.
Alex T.Smith is represented by Arena
Sue Hendra's fantastically written and illustrated 'Norman The Slug With The Silly Shell', published by Simon and Schuster; has been selected to be listed in the World Book Day pre-school leaflet as one of only 12 picture book recommendations. There will be 15,000 in print for use in 14,000 registered pre-school settings and for 500 BookStart co-ordinators, and will be distributed in January 2011. Watch out ‘Barry’!
Sue Hendra is represented by Bright Agency