Pinocchio in pop-ups

Leading children's book illustrator, Richard Johnson, has recently produced a magnificent pop up book based on the classic tale of Pinocchio, for Templar publishing. It really is a stunning piece of work, and it sure to be a big hit. His beautifully rendered imagery jumps out of the pages, bringing the story to life in an exciting fresh way. It is an exciting addition to the Templar catalogue, which already includes Richard's successful 'Alice in Wonderland' pop up book. Well done Richard!

Richard Johnson is represented by the Organisation

You, Me and Thing

Alex T Smith's delightful illustrations adorn bestselling author, Karen McCombie's You, Me and Thing: The Curse of the Jelly Babies published by Faber this month. This is the first in the series about a strange, small something that lives at the bottom of Ruby Morgan and Jackson Miller's back gardens. Alex's illustrations are a perfect foil for this story about friendship, secrets, magic and BIG trouble.

Alex T Smith is represented by Arena

Monstrous Book of Monsters

Jonny Duddle and Aleksei Bitskoff have teamed up to illustrate The Monstrous Book of Monsters, published by Templar this month. The book is written in notebook form with pop-up and lift-up elements for readers to delve into. It's packed with plenty of foul facts on how to spot and avoid monsters, including defensive tactics, monstrous infections, monster myths and monster mysteries.

This is Aleksei's debut picture book, and Jonny's second book with Templar, following his hugely successful picture book The Pirate Cruncher.

Jonny Duddle and Aleksei Bitskoff are represented by Arena

Graphic Fiction by Aleksei Bitskoff

Aleksei Bitskoff  has been working for BARNAS in Norway, whose magazines are distributed to 20, 000 children every month.

He has very successfully given popular bible stories the graphic novel treatment. Here is some of his artwork from Moses and the Brave Midwives.

Aleksei Bitskoff is represented by Arena

Adam Stower Sketchbooks

Adam Stower's sketchbook work is featured in the Summer issue of Illustration magazine. He explains his fascination with sketchbooks and the role they play in helping him to develop story ideas and characters:

"I love using sketchbooks. They allow me to draw freely, un-fettered by any specific purpose or the parameters of a brief. I will often begin a doodle without a clear idea of what it is I’m drawing. They take on a life of their own and I’m frequently surprised by what they become. It’s one of the many delights that make me a fervent fan of sketchbooks."

Adam Stower is represented by Arena

Squirty bath Books

Laila Hills has been in high demand recently and has just completed work on these fabulous waterproof 'Squirty Bath Books' for Campbell books. Adorable gifts to make bath time fun for your little ones! Bold, bright and simple, they are just perfect, and if you give them a squeeze, they'll shoot water at you! Laila Hills is represented by The Organisation

Award Winning Alex T Smith

Alex T.Smith is represented by Arena

Lee Wildish shortlisted for the Red House Children’s Book Award 2011

Lee Wildish is shortlisted for the Red House Children’s Book Award 2011, for his illustrations in the stunning picture book ‘Dragon Stew’, written by Steve Smallman & published by Little Tiger Press. Young audiences predict what is about to happen when five bored Vikings go looking for an adventure, packed full of amusing illustration and character, this book is not one to miss!
www.redhousechildrensbookaward.co.uk. Lee Wildish is represented by The Bright Agency

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