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
Lucy Davey has 3 more beautiful book jackets to add to her ever growing list of commissioned covers. Here are the first 3 in the Maria Lang’s series she’s working on, out now. We’re loving her clever use of composition and her trademark stunning colour palette. Lucy Davey is represented by the Artworks
As part of a one man show exhibiting Simon Bartram's artwork, The Illustration Cupboard will be hosting a Family Day on Saturday 27th April at 2.30pm. This is a great opportunity to meet Simon, creator of the popular books about Bob, Man on the Moon, who will be reading and signing - the Arena team would love to see you.
The Art of Simon Bartram show will be on from 24th April to 12th May at the Illustration Cupboard, 22 Bury Street, London SW1Y 6AL.
Alex T Smith's exciting new picture book 'Primrose', is published by Scholastic this month. Primrose is a princess who just wants to have fun but the King tells her off for climbing trees and the Queen shrieks when she catches her jumping on the bed with Percy the pug. She isn't allowed to dig in the garden or cook cakes in the kitchen, her life is boring, boring, boring! This is until Grandmama comes for a visit and reminds everyone in the royal household how important it is to have some belly-laughs. This book is very pink, feisty and a lot of fun - it's available in hardback, paperback and the ebook is narrated by Lucy Porter through Me Books. Alex T Smith is represented by Arena
Tom Cole has blown us all away AGAIN with this series for the "James Herriot Memoirs" commissioned by Littlebrown. As you can see the series of 4 covers fit together to make one panarmaic landscape, beautiful. New to the industry Tom proves how diverse you can be whilst still keeping true to a unique style. We didn't think that Space Race could be beaten so quickly. Everyone is jealous of your bold and confident colours. Well done Tom can't wait to see what's next.
Paul Catherall illustrates a book cover for George Orwell's classic novel 'Down and Out in Paris and London' for Penguin Books. Catherall combines an expert eye for composition and colour with consummate draughtsmanship to create striking and iconic images. He is renowned for his clean, sharp linocuts of architectural landmarks and draws his inspiration from mid 20th century poster designers such as Tom Eckersley and Edward Wadsworth.
Pietari has been working with Random House on their Vintage Classics series.
His beautiful illustrations have given a new lease of life to these beloved Children's books by Arthur Ransome.
‘It’s been an exciting start to the year for Bright artists with a lot to follow in 2013. Take a look below at all the latest news from Bright Group International:
We are extremely excited and proud to announce that Ada Grey, one of Bright’s newest stars has been chosen by Bloomsbury for their new royal baby book ‘Shh don’t wake the royal baby!’ Due for release to coincide with the birth of the royal baby. Ada has also been signed up to a two book deal with Little Tiger Press - we are very excited to see Ada’s progression with us this year, stay tuned!
Nicola O’Byrne’s debut picture book, ‘Open Very Carefully’ has been published this month by Nosy Crow and is available to buy on Amazon Now! This funny tale for young children is about a very grumpy crocodile trapped in entirely the wrong story – a must read for your kids!
We’re sending big congratulations over the pond to our US agent Kirsten Hall and to our UK based artist Shelagh McNicholas for their book, ‘Tea Time with Sophia Grace and Rosie’ making its debut on the Ellen Show! The book, published by Scholastic was quickly put together by those involved to feature Ellen’s favourite guests, Sophia Grace and Rosie.
And finally our wonderful Ben Mantle has won the 2013 Bishop’s Stortford Picture Book Award! Competing against 50 other picture books, ‘Callum’s Incredible Construction Kit’ published by Egmont won the votes and affections of over 1300 school children.
James Brown was commissioned by Abacus to create a commemorative jacket for the classic 'Master Georgie' by Beryl Bainbridge. In celebration of their 40th Anniversary Abacus are reissuing 18 of their best selling books, each with a specially designed cover. James Brown is represented by New Division
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.
Barbara Bongini is represented by The Organisation
