JONNY DUDDLE DRAWS DINOSAURS
We celebrate the 10th anniversary of Jonny’s bestselling picture book, Gigantosaurus with the publication of a brand-new book, Doodle with Duddle: How to Draw Dinosaurs, published by Templar Publishing.
FRANCES CASTLE ILLUSTRATES ANIMALS IN WARTIME
The Imperial War Museum’s new colouring book featuring over 25 beautiful hand-drawn scenes by Frances celebrates the amazing stories of how our animal friends have helped humans throughout wartime.
Did you know that over 16 million animals served during the First World War alone? 250,000 pigeons helped deliver important messages during the Second World War! Dogs’ abilities to sniff out hidden mines and to locate wounded people on the battlefield, or bombed out houses have made them invaluable during wartime. Since ancient times animals have helped humans in marvellous ways, showing their incredible bravery, strength and loyalty.
“You can’t help but be enthralled by the stories behind these heroic animals and the unbelievable situation they embarked on, managing to project their characters in simple line drawing has been a fascinating challenge,” said Frances, whose eye-catching and graphic style is perfect for this project.
This is Frances Castle’s second colouring book collaboration with the Imperial War Museum, following on from their World War Two Planes Colouring Book, published in 2023. She’s also illustrated other projects for them including their EXPLORE! A Kid’s Guide to the IWM London.
Frances Castle is represented by Arena Illustration.
Alex Vs Axel: The Impossible Quest
ALEX VS AXEL by best-selling author, Sam Copeland, showcases Dotty’s creative versatility from the stunning cover and lettering right through to the interiors which include a fabulous fantasy map.
We are so proud that Alex Vs Axel: The Impossible Quest is also Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month for May!
Alex is a normal, everyday boy living a normal, everyday city. Axel is a monster-slaying hero, living in a world of magic. Unfortunately, when the two boys mysteriously swap worlds, each of them ends up being mistaken for the other.
Alex has zero experience of heroism, he can’t even climb the rope in a gym but he is thrust into an epic quest to defeat the evil Felonius Gloam who has stolen the Book of Lifetales and is using it to unravel the very fabric of the world of Aérth. Axel would love to be saving the world… but instead he has to win a chess tournament (when he doesn’t even know how to play) AND pass a maths test!
Can the two boys complete their Impossible Quests and fine a way back to their own lives? Dotty Sutton’s characters leap off the page using dramatic lighting to full effect. This book is a wonderfully funny adventure about family, friendship and finding your inner confidence and strength and shows the reader that heroes come in many forms.
Dotty Sutton is represented by Arena Illustration.
EUAN COOK ILLUSTRATES MISSION MICRORAPTOR
We’re celebrating the publication of the first book in a thrilling new all-action environmental adventure series by debut author, Philip Kavvadias, published by Chicken House.
MARIE-ALICE HAREL – BRITANNIA COIN DESIGN
The Royal Mint commissioned a modern interpretation of the icon, Britannia to celebrate the unwavering symbol of strength and resilience.
FRANCES CASTLE – MOVIE POSTERS
The Heart Shopping Centre in Walton-on-Thames celebrates the history of film with these eye-catching walkway banners.
The retail centre was once the site of a pioneering British film studio which released the first film adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and where eminent film figures such as Douglas Fairbank Jr., Bette Davis and Rock Hudson filmed.
Each movie banner had to be instantly recognisable and colourful to celebrate the history of the site’s past and Frances Castle certainly came up with the goods by creating these very bold illustrations depicting 12 iconic films from the 1930’s through to the 2010’s.
Frances Castle is represented by Arena Illustration.
STEVE MAY ILLUSTRATES NEW FICTION ADVENTURE
We celebrate the publication of Sammy and the Extra-Hot Chilli Powder, the latest adventure by Charlie P. Brooks, masterfully illustrated by Steve who brings his comic magic to this brilliant read.
BEVERLEY CORALDEAN – NEW WORK & INTERVIEW
We’re excited to unveil Beverley’s stunning new cover samples with beautiful hand drawn lettering and we caught up with her recently to discuss these and learn more about her creative process.
ALEKSEI BITSKOFF ILLUSTRATES MARVIN AND THE BOOK OF MAGIC!
Back by popular demand! Aleksei teams up with Jenny Pearson for another fun-filled adventure for Barrington Stoke.
GAIA ALESSI ILLUSTRATES ALIYA TO THE INFINITE CITY
Gaia captures the magical and adventurous spirit of this action-packed story from debut author, Laila Rifaat.