Lorena Alvarez : Noon Balloon (Parragon)

Over the city, high above the sea, into a storm, and through a sky full of airplanes, the Noon Balloon is off on a magical journey. Read along as the boy, girl, and little dog fly away for a truly magical adventure from the hidden treasures of Margaret Wise Brown, author of the children’s classics Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny.

Having joined Bright in 2011, Lorena Alvarez has gone from strength to strength in the publishing world – developing a bold digital style that has become incredibly sort after. Her ability to create animated and personable characters within colourfully intricate scenes never ceases to stun readers!

Published 26th December 2014 – Buy The Noon Balloon here

Lorena Alvarez is represented by Bright Group

Mountwood School for Ghosts cover illustration by Alex T Smith

Toby Ibbotson is the son of award-winning author Eva Ibbotson and Mountwood School for Ghosts is his debut novel about ghosts going to school to learn a thing or two about being scary. The story is based on an idea conceived with Eva, and planned out in detail by the two of them before her death. Alex T Smith was delighted to be commissioned by Macmillan to illustrate this cover along with the reissues of four of Eva's well known children's novels: Which Witch, The Secret of Platform 13, Monster Mission and The Beasts of Clawstone Castle.

Alex T Smith is represented by Arena

World Book Day Illustrator: Alex T Smith

Alex T Smith is the official illustrator for World Book Day 2014. He was thrilled to be asked to provide the illustrations for this year's promotional material. The brief was great fun, picking up on all of Alex’s favourite things to draw, appealing to children from nursery age to ten years old. Watch out for Alex as he tours the country this month visiting book shops, festivals and children's learning centres.

Now in its 17th year, World Book Day is the biggest celebration of books, reading, authors & illustrators of its kind, for children of all ages in the UK. Designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, it is marked in over 100 countries worldwide.

The major aim of World Book Day is to encourage children to discover the power of reading for pleasure by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own. Every year, over 14 million £1 book tokens are distributed to over 46,650 educational establishments nationwide (nursery and pre-school through to secondary) – one for nearly every child in full-time education in the country.

Richard Johnson

A wonderful illustration commission came in for Richard Johnson and we are pleased to be able to show you the results! Usborne publishing asked Richard to contribute to their fabulous new three book anthology, 'Stories for Bedtime', and Richard's incredible work does not disappoint! Packed with classic stories, it's a cracking publication and Richard's work shines throughout. He even get the cover of the box! I urge you to get a copy as it'll become a firm favourite at bedtime!

Richard Johnson is represented by The Organisation

Sweet Juice

Publicis Dublin have commissioned character designers Juice to work on a campaign for The Natural Confectionary Company.
Working to a relatively simple concept, Art Director Austin Richards asked Juice to design animal characters showing how you can mix and match the jellies. Each jelly is a different animal, and by mixing them you are treated to varied combinations - both in the look of the animal and the taste. "With a little imagination, children can create all sorts of different animals, each one as fun as the last".

Juice is represented by Illustration

Anna Hymas

Anna Hymas was thrilled to be invited to illustrate the Family Trail for The National Portrait Gallery's BP Portrait Award 2013. As a rising star in the world of children's publishing Anna was asked to design a family guide to engage Children with the exhibition.

Anna Hymas is represented by New Division

Menagerie for Emma Children’s hospital

Jean-Manuel Duvivier has produced a wonderful series of illustrations for Emma Children's Hospital in Amsterdam.  Jean-Manuel's fantastic images feature a menagerie of beautiful animals, and are used as murals which create a friendly and calming environment for young patients.

Jean-Manuel Duvivier is represented by Eastwing

Neal Layton: Mammoth Academy TV Series in Development

Alex T Smith’s Ella and Primrose Now on Me Books

Me Books have just launched Alex T Smith's enhanced ebook editions of Ella and Primrose, narrated by actress and comedian Lucy Porter. Me Books have developed a special patented ‘draw and record’ technology allowing children to create interactive hotspots and record their own narration and sounds. The result is a brilliantly entertaining new way for families to enjoy reading stories together. These unique and personal editions can then be saved and treasured for years to come.

Barbara Bongini for Usborne

Italian artist Barbara Bongini has been working away on a great series of original books from Usborne publishing. Fairy Ponies tells the tales of a little girl, Holly, and the magical world of the fairy ponies. Barbara's ability to create fabulous images in both colour and b&w have proved hugely successful in these books, and we can give you a sneak peek in this lovely article from Usborne: https://usbornepublishing.tumblr.com/post/43642014368/away-with-the-fairies

Barbara Bongini is represented by The Organisation