Tag Archives: Illustration

Bookchat: Adam Hargreaves

I am so very excited to say that Adam Hargreaves is on the blog today! I think if someone had told me when I was young that one day I’d be talking to one of the creators of the Mr Men, I would never have believed them!

Adam is the son of original Mr Men creator, Roger Hargreaves. Not only has he continued the work of his father, Adam is also a painter, creating beautiful oil on canvas landscapes. I was delighted to be invited to interview Adam following the publication of his first book from his very own series, Molly Mischief: My Perfect Pet! The adventures of Molly are bound to delight young and old alike. I read the story aloud with my five year old niece who laughed out loud and announced that Molly was exactly like her!

Molly is a wonderful character – full of life, mischief and mayhem – exactly what an inquisitive little girl should be. Her first adventure centres on a trip to the zoo, where Molly becomes inspired to find a pet more perfect than her own little mouse, Polka. The antics that follow as Molly tries to find her ‘perfect’ pet are very funny and utterly endearing. Try as she might, none of the animals she ‘borrows’ from the zoo quite fit at home, from a hippo to a giraffe to an elephant. Eventually she realises that maybe her pet mouse, Polka, is more perfect than anything else – much to the relief of her family (except maybe her brother…!). Molly Mischief: My Perfect Pet is exactly what a children’s story should be – funny, full of imagination, with a valuable lesson to be learned. And perfect for sharing!

Welcome to the blog Adam and congratulations on the publication of Molly Mischief! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it – as did my five year old niece who said ‘Molly reminds me of me!”. It’s a wonderful story and feels like an absolute classic. Can you tell us about your inspiration for writing it? The inspiration for Molly comes from the wonderful ability that children have to imagine something and for that to also be real for them. I particularly remember this when my kids were young. My son Jacob would dress up as Batman and then we would have these surreal conversations about what Jacob was doing in another room in the house. I wanted to capture this power of imagination in a character. Molly can be or do anything she wishes.

This is your first children’s book outside of the Mr Men. Was creating Molly a very different experience from working on the Mr Men? The creation of the idea for Molly Mischief was obviously quite different, but writing and illustrating Mr Men books has given me a lot of experience which I have been able to apply to writing Molly. Over the years I have developed a sort of process that fits to anything I am trying to write.

Can you tell us about the creative process behind Molly? I hand draw everything and then scan the black line drawing into my computer where I colour the illustration as I like the flat finish I can achieve that way. I have a pretty good idea of the page layouts from the start, so don’t often need to make any major changes to composition later on. It took a while and a few variations to pin down exactly who I wanted Molly to be (and she went through various name changes before Molly Mischief, but now she is a Molly I can’t think of her in any other way), but once I had given her a mischievous nature then everything fell into place. Strangely, even for lots of different versions of drawing her, she has always had the same outfit.

When I was young, my sister and I would literally spend hours drawing the Mr Men; some drawings were more successful than others! Molly Mischief is wonderfully drawn and I particularly love her mischievous expressions. What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators and artists to help them develop their creative talent – particularly when it comes to storytelling? The more you draw the better you get, so keep practising and then, as you get better, the more fun it becomes. Drawing is all about observation, so it is important to look at things very hard when you are trying to draw them.

What adventures can we expect from Molly in the future? I am writing a second story about Molly which explores the advantages and pitfalls of being a superhero. And her superpowers, of course, involve a lot of chaos and mayhem for her family.

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions. I’m looking forward to reading Molly’s next adventure (and so is my niece!)

Adam Hargreaves will be introducing Molly Mischief, including a live draw-along, at the Bath Festival of Children’s Literature. Sunday 1^stOctober, 1.30pm.

For more information visit www.pavilionbooks.com. With thanks to Pavilion Books for sending me a copy of this wonderful book.

New review: Help! I’m a Genius by Jo Franklin

Leave a reply

More fun and hilarity is to be had in this second instalment of the Help! series featuring Daniel and friends written by Jo Franklin. After the success of Help! I’m an Alien and like all true aliens, Jo is well on the way to achieving her dream of world domination!

Help! I’m a Genius by Jo Franklin with illustrations by Aaron Blecha

Daniel Kendal has the smallest brain in his family and the smallest brain in the world. He knows absolutely nothing about anything. Everyone is shocked when he is mistaken for a genius and selected to compete in the National Brainiac Championships. What can a pea-brain like Daniel do to avoid making a fool of himself? And will his friends Freddo and Gordon the Geek help him?

Daniel thinks he has no chance when by a strange twist of fate he ends up representing his school in the National Brainiac Championships, an inter-schools contest. After all, he’s nothing like his super-clever parents or his best friend Gordon the Geek. And it’s Gordon and his other best friend Freddo who he turns to for help with hilarious results. From a disgusting diet regime (radioactive pond weed anyone?) to a skull-stretching device (to make room for a bigger brain of course…) the three friends try everything to fill Daniel’s brain with facts, to no avail. Coupled with the news that his family might be moving to America, Daniel’s headaches go from bad to worse! As the date of the competition draws near, Daniel realises he’s just going to have to make a big fool of himself in front of everyone – or rely on his friends to help him cheat!

Laugh-out-loud moments and humiliation abound as Daniel tries to find a way to ‘win’ the competition. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the quirky cast of characters again – even Freddo with his interesting bodily functions! We see more of Daniel’s family who still drive him mad –and the daily dilemmas he faces feeling like the odd-one-out in his family – something all readers can relate to. There’s even some Dad-dancing brilliantly brought to life by Aaron Blecha’s illustrations which complement the story throughout. It’s not all slapstick though, with the more ‘serious’ thread of the possible relocation of the family to America due to Daniel’s Dad’s new job. This adds greater pressure to Daniel, as his sister Jess is convinced if he wins the competition they’ll be able to stay in England. The tension mounts and Daniel’s self-awareness may just be the biggest barrier to realising he’s not as dumb as he thinks he is! Help! I’m A Genius is a very funny read and Daniel learns another valuable lesson this time about believing in yourself, even when you don’t feel good enough. I’m looking forward to the next instalment!

Find out more at www.jofranklinauthor.co.uk . With thanks to Troika for sending me this book to review.

Perfect picture books published by Pavilion!

Leave a reply

I’m delighted to be reviewing these four very different, but all very gorgeous picture books, published by Pavilion on the blog today. My New Room by Lisa Stickley; Just like Daddy by Lucy Freegard; Little Red by Lynn Roberts-Maloney, illustrated by David Roberts and Woolf by Alex Latimer, illustrated by Patrick Latimer are a wonderful example of the amazing picture books available for children’s enjoyment today.

In My New Room by Lisa Stickley, we meet Edith again, after her first outing in Handstand! This time Edith has a new bedroom and her toys are each helping her settle in. Featuring wonderful characters such as Gary Guardsman, Clarissa the Cow, and Major Ted, we discover that having a new bedroom can be an exciting time for everyone – even the toys! And a big bed isn’t as daunting as you might first feel, especially if you’ve got all your special toys around you. I absolutely LOVE Lisa Stickley’s unique style; childlike illustrations with bold colours and wonderfully imagined scenes.

The storytelling is gentle with a light touch of humour; just the right tone for turning what can seem like a life-changing event into a joyful one. All the toys have to adapt and find their new place in the room, but they’re all there just waiting to welcome Edith and make her feel at home. This is a really lovely story and a great addition to your picture book collection! Find out more at www.lisastickleystudio.com

Just Like Daddy by Lucy Freegard is one of the best picture books I’ve read celebrating the relationship between a child and their Daddy. I’m certain this will have made it’s way into lots of Daddies hands over the last weekend for Father’s Day! Full of charm and warmth, the story reminds us of the very special relationship between a father and child and all the magic and fun they have together. Whether on the fair rides, reading stories or even tug of war, this little one is going to be just like daddy – brave and fearless! And not only this, Daddy will always love his child – even through the tantrums and the tears.

I loved that we’re reminded how fleeting those early years moments can be and how precious memories are for parents and their children. Colourful and lively illustrations bring the story to life and capture how wonderful a Daddy can be – and how much love a child can have for their parent! Find out more at www.lucyfreegard.com.

Little Red retold by Lynn Roberts-Maloney, illustrated David Roberts

I absolutely adore this series of re-imagined fairytales, each set in a different time period including Sleeping Beauty set in the 1950s. Little Red is, of course, a version of Little Red Riding Hood with incredible illustrations giving a wonderful twist to the tale, featuring artwork and characters inspired by the 18th Century. A little chap called Thomas takes the central role of Little Red. He lives with his parents who preside over the local inn and who make the most amazing ginger beer, enjoyed by an interesting mix of visitors! Little Red sets off to visit his Grandma and the tale unfolds, taking a few unexpected turns along the way. Detailed images beautifully depict quite a scary forest, with scary inhabitants, giving a darker flavour to the story perhaps more akin to the original fairy tale. However, there are also humorous moments that lighten the mood and of course, ensure the wolf does get his comeuppance – but not how you might expect!

Little Red is a great way to introduce younger readers to fairy tales but with more artistic flair and interest – and perhaps even a lesson in what life might have looked like in the 18th Century! Find out more at www.pavilionbooks.com.

Woolf by Alex Latimer, illustrated by Patrick Latimer

A wonderful story with a simple narrative; a perfect parable for acceptance, tolerance and diversity. The tale starts with a he-sheep and a she-wolf finding love together. They have a son who loves his home and is happy being both sheep and wolf. But as he grows up he realises how different he is to the flock of sheep and pack of wolves he meets. Trying to fit in, Woolf pretends to both wolves and sheep he’s in disguise, but his plan only works for a short time and he gets bored of just being one thing. Woolf is more than this but instead of making him happy, it makes him sad. Finally his parents help him see that he is special and unique, and thus encouraged Woolf finds new friends who accept him for who he is.

Woolf is a fantastic picture book for demonstrating the difficulties we face fitting in sometimes, and how with a little bit of love and encouragement we can overcome them. Given the stark differences between wolf and sheep, children will instantly recognise the problem this could create and identify with Woolf trying to find friendship, and the lengths he goes to, to fit in. The narrative springs to life through great illustrations, capturing Woolf’s character perfectly as he plays the part of both a wolf and a sheep. With a positive message about accepting yourself just as you are, this is a great picture book to have in the classroom and at home. Find out more at www.alexlatimer.co.za

With thanks to Pavilion for sending me these books to review.

New Review: A Story Like the Wind by Gill Lewis illustrated by Jo Weaver

Leave a reply

A Story Like the Wind written by Gill Lewis and illustrated by Jo Weaver is out today, published by Oxford University Press. Gill was inspired to write A Story Like the Wind after seeing an image of a young Syrian refugee playing his violin in front of a barricade of armed police at a border control. Gill says: “Stories are powerful things. They can travel through time and space, carried through spoken and written word and through music and the visual arts. We need them now more than ever.”

A Story Like the Wind by Gill Lewis illustrated by Jo Weaver

A small boat drifts on the sea. Far from home, the people inside have lost everything. But as their boat spins slowly on the rising sea, they share a song and a story. A song and a story that keep hope alive in their hearts. A song of freedom and a story like the wind….

Rami is just 14 years old. He has escaped the war in his home country and is trying to make his way to freedom on a tiny boat that is now drifting on the open sea. All he has in the world is his precious violin; all he has is hope. And it is with this violin that he shares a story of hope with his fellow refugees; all of whom have lost their homes to the war that rages and are clinging desperately to life. The story he shares is a fable; an ancient tale of a white stallion and a boy called Suke fighting against tyranny. It also tells of the birth of the violin and the power of music to overcome. The fable prompts each refugee to recall memories of family and home, reminding them of the love that surrounds them, even in the darkest of times.

A Story Like the Wind is utterly beautiful; the words and illustrations perfectly intertwining to create a celebration of love, life and hope. The story evokes a timelessness reminding us that throughout the ages people have fought and overcome oppression. The refugees share the same fears and suffer the same hate as Suke and his stallion, but they also share the same love and desire for freedom. In quiet moments of reflection from each refugee, Gill Lewis captures the heartbreak they have suffered and the devastation of war, but also reminds us why life is to be celebrated. A man remembers meeting the love of his life; brothers poignantly remember their family home; a mother recalls the birth of her precious son. Even in the midst of the darkest time, the music of life is a powerful melody that you can almost hear as you read this story.

‘We must all sing it, for those we have lost, or left behind. We must sing it to those who do not know they need it yet. We must keep the song alive.’

Jo Weaver’s absolutely stunning charcoal illustrations give life to Rami, the music and the memories, beautifully portraying the light against the dark. A Story Like the Wind reminds us we have so much to be thankful for – not least our freedom. Suitable for younger readers but a story everyone should read; if any book is going to inspire a response to the refugee crisis, it is this one.

For more information visit www.gilllewis.com and www.joweaver.co.uk. This book is endorsed by Amnesty International. Thank you to Oxford University Press for sending me a copy of this book to review. Read my interview with Gill Lewis here.

Perfect picture books for tiny countryside explorers!

Leave a reply

Just in time for spring! These two lovely new picture books from Nosy Crow and The National Trust are all about encouraging young readers to look and see in the countryside.

Colours: A Walk in the Countryside by Rosalind Beardshaw, features a little boy and a little girl going for a walk and seeing what colours they can spot. On each page, a colour is identified and then the reader is encouraged to see what else they can find in that colour. With cheerful and vibrant illustrations, the two lovely characters and all the creatures they meet are brought to life on the lovely ramble through the countryside.

The final page brings all the colours together and young readers will delight in seeing what they can find for every colour of the rainbow! It’s an interactive read that could easily be reflected on your next walk through the countryside, encouraging children to notice the wonderful nature and wildlife all around them.

Look and Say what you see on the Farm by Sebastien Braun is a lovely and informative book encouraging youngsters to join in with animal sounds, spot various farm objects and practice saying words together. Interactive seek and find elements add will keep little ones thoroughly engaged and they’ll learn all about life on the farm.

The illustrations are bright and lively and each page describes the role of the different areas of a farm; from milking the cows to bee-keeping. Lots of questions will get the reader thinking and make this is a lovely book to share!

With a clear font and accessible vocabulary, Colours: A Walk in the Countryside and Look and Say what you see on the Farm could be enjoyed by very young children and those just learning to read. Perfect springtime reads, they would make a great addition to any young reader’s bookshelves.

For more information visit www.nosycrow.com or www.nationaltrust.org.uk

With thanks to Nosy Crow for sending me these books to review.