Claude in the Spotlight by Alex T Smith

Published by Hodder in April, Claude in the Spotlight is the fifth book in the popular Claude series written and illustrated by the very talented Alex T Smith. Claude and Sir Bobblysock's gentle stroll through town leads to leg kicking and bottom shaking as they dance their way into the theatre and straight into a local variety show. The winning prize is all the cakes you can eat from the delectable Mr Lovelybuns Bakery, how could they resist? But someone else, a dastardly and very naughty man has plans to scupper Claude's moment in the limelight and bag all the cakes for himself! The dynamic duo are thrown into a perilous world of ghostly apparitions, giant rabbits and voluptuous vikings. Alex's cheeky 'carry-on' humour encourages reluctant readers and rewards their parents with some well earned, laugh out loud moments.

Alex T Smith is represented by Arena

Just Published: The King of Space by Jonny Duddle

At last the wait is over, Jonny Duddle, author of bestselling The Pirates Next Door, has a new picture book published by Templar this month. The King of Space is an intergalactic adventure, set on a Moog Farm on a small moon in the Gamma Quadrant. Rex may seem to be your average mini galactic citizen but he hatches an evil plan to become KING OF SPACE and conquer the known universe (and some bits we don't know about too). There are lots of aliens, warbots, a kidnapped Princess and dung blasters too! Here are just a few of the spreads as a taster but you'll have to buy the book from your local bookshop to find out more.

Jonny Duddle is represented by Arena

Chris Garbutt: JibJab Letter X – Extraordinary X by StoryBots

'Extraordinary X' is a kids music video that Chris Garbutt designed and art directed for JibJab's StoryBots ABC project.  Chris had to interpret the existing StoryBot characters and bring to life the letter 'X' in over twenty different ways for this one minute short. Here are some of our favourite key frames from the video. Chris Garbutt is represented by Arena

Tado’s Red Nose

Tado were over the moon when the guys at Comic Relief got in touch with them and asked them to design this years Red Noses, ‘The Nose With Toes!’
They worked on the ideas and characters with the team at Comic Relief who then took care of the design and production work. They’ve been a long time coming and we hope they’re going to raise loads of money for the brilliant causes that Comic Relief help. You can learn more about how to get involved in your own fundraising activities and do Something Funny For Money, the charities that benefit from the amazing efforts of everyone, and check out all the fantastic DiNOSEsaurs Red Nose Day goodies you can grab yourselves to contribute on the Red Nose Day website. Tado is represented by Debut Art

News from Bright Agency

It’s an exciting year ahead for Bright and its artists with the showcasing of new talent, a range of illustrated titles being released and Bright’s 10 year Anniversary!

One of our most successful artist’s books is available now to buy – Sue Hendra’s’ No Bott, ’ published by Simon & Schuster. This wonderful story tells the tale of Bernard the Robot who loses his bottom on the park swing, and sets off to find it. Every time he gets close, it disappears again! Bird was using it as a nest, but it was too heavy; Bear used it in his drum kit, but it was too tinny; the Squirrels built sandcastles with it…and now it looks as if they’re sailing away in it. Will Bernard EVER get his bottom back?!

Also, one of Bright’s original Author/ Illustrators Rebecca Elliott, who has been represented by Bright since the early stages of her career and has a string of successes behind her – Rebecca has been published by Bloomsbury, Lion and Macmillan already, is now ‘revealing’ an amazing new hilarious tale of Naked Trevor, published by Templar this month !!

Digital News: Benji Davies’ ‘Bizzy Bear’ series has been made into an app by its publisher Nosy Crow! This bear is the busiest bear on the block! With a lovely series of books about his adventures on the farm, playground, on holiday, at work and even on board a pirate ship! These robust little board books are perfect for toddlers and will make a fantastic children’s resource in digital media.

In the Art Licensing world – Yasmeen Ismail has a new range out with The Art File entitled ‘mutterings’ – a hilarious collection of cards about what our dogs are truly thinking!... all new for 2013.

Happy New Year!

Just Published: Deadly! Illustrated by Neal Layton

Neal Layton is represented by Arena

Dominic Trevett – Karl Pilkington’s “The Further Adventure’s of an Idiot Abroad”

The latest Karl Pilkington book "The Further Adventures Of An Idiot Abroad" was released recently, illustrated throughout by Dominic Trevett . Dominic worked closely with the lovely folk at Canongate Books to produce an array of charming illustrations, maps and hand written elements to embellish each page and help document Karl's adventures across the globe as he attempts to undertake his Bucket List of '100 Things to Do Before You Die'.

Dominic Trevett is represented by Debut Art

Steve May Wins Gold Award: Images 36

Steve May is represented by Arena

Marta Antelo for Adelaide Hospital

Marta Antelo was commissioned to illustrate a mural for the women and children's Gamma suite at Adelaide hospital.

The aquatic scene features a friendly mermaid, a smiling whale and an array of happy fish.
The image looks wonderful on the wall and makes for a welcoming environment for children having tests, helping to reassure them. Marta Antelo is represented by Eastwing

Hotel Premiere Classe

A range of comical characters produced by Chris Boyd illustrate these stories for children. Commissioned by PONK for Hotel Premiere Classe in France, the images which are being used in a leaflet include Le Petit Poucet (Tom Thumb) and Cendrillon (Cinderella) - with a slightly modern twist!

Chris Boyd is represented by Illustration