In the well-mannered spirit of Mr Panda, I'd like to express my thanks to The Daily Telegraph's Emily Bourne for writing a brilliant review of Mr Panda's second book, I'LL WAIT, MR PANDA.
Monsters from Bryony School Reception Class
I love receiving post from schools via my publisher. Here are some amazing depictions of the Monster in the Hood, by Bryony School's Reception Class! Thank you for sharing these with me, Bryony School!
Guardian's Best New Children's Books
I am absolutely thrilled that The Queen's Handbag features in today's Guardian 'The Best New Children's Books' supplement, celebrating the 10th birthday of Independent Bookshop Week!
Monster in the Hood is Storytime Mag's Book of the Month
A peek inside Monster in the Hood
THE MONSTER IN THE HOOD is a triple-twisted tale about fear, misconception, expectation & most importantly, friendship.
Lifeboat Illustration Auction is happening NOW
A couple of my prints are available to bid on here: http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/lifeboat
This amazing auction is selling original illustrations, limited edition prints and signed books by some fantastic children's authors and illustrators.
All the money raised is going straight to The School Bus Project who are converting buses into mobile schools that will provide vital education & support to the refugees trapped across Europe.
***UPDATE*** The auction has now closed. Congratulations to the winning bidders!
My role as Patron of Swindon Libraries Children's Services
I am excited an honoured to announce the news that I've been made Patron of Swindon Libraries Children's Services.
As a local Swindon resident, I feel passionately about the values of libraries to our town.
Swindon Libraries provide an amazing and invaluable service, and I look forward to supporting my local librarians by taking part in events and promoting the great things they offer our community.
Thank you, Swindon Libraries, for this wonderful opportunity.
Monster in the Hood Lessons for EYFS, KS1 & KS2
Maddy Barnes (English consultant, author, editor and blogger) has devised some fantastic lesson plans and activities for the newly released Monster in the Hood, which can be found over on Madeleine Lindley Ltd's teaching resources blog, here: http://blog.madeleinelindley.com/things-always-scary-seem/
Go take a look!
Monster in the Hood Contest Entries
Wow! I was so overwhelmed with the amount of entries for the Monster in the Hood colouring contest that I decided to pick 6 winners, instead of just 1. I'll be announcing the winners throughout the week on Twitter, and I'll post all six winners here on my site a little later. Each winner will receive a signed copy of Monster in the Hood. *UPDATE* The winning entries are below.
The winning entries!
Monster Launch 30th May at Waterstones
Come and join me for an interactive story telling session at Waterstones, Salisbury. We'll be celebrating the launch of 'Monster in the Hood'. This a free event, suitable for all ages. Waterstones, Salisbury has chosen Monster in the Hood as their 'Picture Book of the Month' of June! For more details on the event press HERE. See you there!
My Cover Illustration for The Famous Five 70th Anniversary
It brings me great pleasure to reveal my cover illustration for the 70th Anniversary Edition of The Famous Five 11: Five Have A Wonderful Time, by the legendary Enid Blyton - out in May!
Please Mr Panda wins Oxfordshire Picture Book Award
I'm really pleased and honoured that PLEASE MR PANDA has won the Oxfordshire Picture Book Award for Best Picture Book!
This is such fantastic news!
Highly commended is Oliver Jeffers' brilliant Once Upon an Alphabet.
Winner of Best Secondary Novel is The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson.
The winner of Best Primary Novel is the Astounding Broccoli Boy by Frank Cottrell Boyce and Steven Lenton.
Drawings from Diss Corn Hall
Last Saturday, I held an interactive story-telling session and how-to-draw activity at Diss Corn Hall in Diss, Norwich. It was a lot of fun! Here are just some of the talented kids' drawings. Thank you to Diss Publishing Bookshop for providing books.
National Doughnut Week in aid of The Children's Trust
7th - 14h May is National Doughnut Week!
National Doughnut Week aims to raise money to support The Children’s Trust, the leading charity for children with brain injury, so that they can continue to provide much needed rehabilitation work at their specialist centre.
Bakers across the whole of the UK are uniting for this cause and donating money earned from their doughnut sales to The Children's Trust. I'm not so sure my homemade doughnuts would be all that edible, but I’m glad I can contribute with an illustrated one or two.
To find a participating bakery near you, please visit this page: http://nationaldoughnutweek.org/search.php#
For more information on The Children's Trust, please visit their website: http://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk
Enjoy your doughnuts! But remember to say PLEASE!
The Queen's Hat and Queen's Handbag Lessons
Maddy Barnes (teacher, English consultant, author, editor and blogger for Rising Stars) has devised two fantastic lesson plans - one is for THE QUEEN'S HAT and the other is for THE QUEEN'S HANDBAG. Maddy has kindly allowed me to share these on my blog. Below are screenshots of each lesson plan. More lesson plans and ideas can be found HERE.
And here is the plan for THE QUEEN'S HANDBAG.
Doughnuts for all at the Bologna Children's Book Fair
This year's Bologna Children's Book Fair had its highlights. Signing copies of PER FAVORE SIGNOR PANDA at my Italian publisher's stand was definitely one of them.
Zoolibri has an absolutely fantastic list of picture books. They've translated some modern beauties by the likes of Klassen, Jeffers and the recently-translated 'A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BEAR SPOTTING by the stupendously talented duo, Michelle Robinson and David Roberts. It's a huge honour to be part of Zoolibri's list.
It was amazing to meet illustrator, Maria Moya, at the stand. I was very touched by Maria's gift - a bespoke drawing of one of her wondrous characters reading PER FAVORE SIGNOR PANDA. Her work is magical.
Below are some photos of my signing, complete with doughnuts! It was great to meet the awesome team behind the big 'Z'.
An illustration for me, by the very talented Maria Moya.
L'omino del Blu (The Little Blue Seller) by Maria Moya
Ti andrebbe un dolcetto?
Mr Panda Yoga Classes Rolled Out in the UK
Today, the first Mr Panda yoga classes will take place across the UK.
The craze started in California, and now it's set to take the UK by storm. As of today, no less than 1,546 UK gyms will start holding Mr Panda yoga classes.
Each class will be led by Mr Panda, and you'll be stretching to the sound of doughnut themed songs, like 'I Would Do Anything for Doughnuts' by Nutloaf and 'Donut Worry, Be Happy' by Bobby McDough and 'Ice Me Baby' by Vanilla Icing. If that doesn't wet your appetite, low-fat baked doughnuts will be handed out at the end of each class. Quote PLEASE for your first free session.
Have fun!
Tweet or Instagram and tag all your 'panda yoga' antics with #MrPandaYoga to @MrSteveAntony for a chance of winning a signed copy of PLEASE MR PANDA.
Check out these of photos of Mr Panda Yoga from around the world.
Monster in the Hood - A Bookseller June Highlight
It's always a thrill to discover a review, and it's even more exciting when it's the first review of an upcoming book. Below is a press cutting from The Bookseller. MONSTER IN THE HOOD was one of Fiona Noble's June highlights. MONSTER IN THE HOOD is out first in the UK on June 3rd.
My Guide to the Bologna Children's Book Fair
Are you an author or illustrator heading to Bologna for the first time?
Maybe you're hoping to show your work to a publisher. If so, this blog post is for you. It's by no means a definitive guide, but it's honest and frank, and it's based on my own experiences of visiting the fair. If you’ve just discovered this blog post by searching for tips, allow me to briefly introduce myself. My name is Steve Antony and I’ve written and illustrated lots of books including the Mr Panda series, The Queen Collection, Green Lizards Vs Red Rectangles, Unplugged and more. I illustrated Tim Minchin’s When I Grow Up and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, adapted by Peter Bently. In 2010 I visited the fair for my very first time, as an unpublished uni student, and I couldn’t fine any tips (or even that many photos!) online. I really didn’t know what to expect, which is why I wrote this blog (back in 2016). Now I go every year, mainly to meet friends and soak up all the illustrations.
Ok. So first, here are some facts. The Bologna Children's Book Fair is the biggest children's book fair in the world. Literary agents, publishers, translators, business developers, licensors and licensees, packagers, printers, distributors, bookstore owners, librarians, teachers and publishing services providers all flock to the event each year. All in all, around 1,200 exhibitors fill the halls. The fair attracts over 25,000 visitors from all over the world, and over 90 countries are represented there.
Many illustrators and authors visit the fair hoping to meet with publishers. I was one of them.
Based on my own experience, here are my tips for anyone hoping to get a foot in the door at this year's fair.
1. Be prepared
Take business cards. You'll probably need no more than 50, but take 100 just incase you happen to start 'accidentally' dropping a few.
Put your favourite pieces in your portfolio.
If you've written and illustrated a story, present it in the best possible way. You could take a dummy book. Getting a one-off dummy book printed is easy, if you know where to look (blurb.com and lulu.com are just a couple of online book printers) or you could put it together yourself. Alternatively, create a PDF of your book and stick it on your smart tablet, if you're taking one. If you are taking a smart tablet, just be aware that some publishers might like to see your work in print.
You've left it too late to create a dummy book? Don't panic! I know from experience that sometimes all a publisher needs to see are a couple of good drawings, a sketch or two and the text (if you've written your own book).
Whatever you do, don't underestimate your sketchbook. Take it with you. Yes, it's great to present your work in a polished and professional way, but editors love to see sketches. They love to see how you come up with ideas. Something in your sketchbook might catch their eye.
You'll need something for jotting down notes.
Wear something that makes you feel confident. Lucky underwear might help.
And mints, take some mints.
2. Take lunch, especially if you're a vegetarian
I learned this the hard way. The canteen is great if you love meat (and if you don't mind waiting ages for it). Carry a bottle of water, too.
3. Get a map (and lots of other freebies)
Ok, so you're all prepared, you've just entered the fair and you're feeling pretty good. Get a map. They're free, and they're normally at the entrance, but you may have to ask somebody at the info desk for one. There is so much to see at the fair, and you probably will get lost, even with a map. You'll also find that exhibitors are literally giving things away - leaflets, brochures, tote bags, stickers, magazines. My publisher, Hodder Children's, were giving away PLEASE MR PANDA tote bags last year. Take things. When you arrive back home you'll be glad you did.
4. The Illustrator's Wall
Now that you have you're map, you're all set to explore the fair. One of the first things you'll see is the Illustrator's Wall. Everyone passes the Illustrator's Wall. It's a long sea of 'Look at me!' artwork. Illustrators stick on postcards, posters and business cards. Go ahead, stick something on the wall. Heck, stick a few things on the wall. You'll get a buzz from doing it. Just make sure your email address is on whatever you stick to the wall. You never know, your work might just catch a publisher's eye.
5. Choose the right publisher
In other words, do your research. There are several things you can do to get your work in front of an editor, but be sure to pick the right publishers to approach. Don't just pick any publisher. It's sometimes difficult to know exactly who the right publisher is. Just ask yourself, 'Who would I like to publish my work, and why?'
Some publishers are more commercial than others. Some publishers are more highbrow than others. Some don't publish rhyming books. Some focus on series' and character brands. If you're an author-illustrator, is your work fiction or non-fiction? Some publishers don't focus on non-fiction. Some only publish non-fiction. If you're an illustrator, who would you love to illustrate for, and why? Do you mainly illustrate in black and white? Do you think your work is best suited to illustrated chapter books; or comic books; or graphic novels?
You don't necessary have to stick to one country. I know authors from the UK that have secured deals with overseas publishers.
6. Get in line
Some publishers set aside 30 minutes or so to meet with illustrators and authors. Word gets around real fast about these open invites, and the queues soon build up. Keep an eye (and ear) out for these opportunities. Make sure you get in line early, or you might just miss your big break. Ask publishers. Sometimes that's the only way you'll find out about these sorts of opportunities. There's normally a person stood at the front of each publisher's stand who you can ask. Last year, many publishers did this, including Nosy Crow, Oxford University Press, Hachette Children's and several others (including overseas publishers).
7. Introduce yourself
Not all publishers set time aside to see hoards of illustrators, but that shouldn't stop you from asking if you can make an appointment. Just make sure you do this on day one, because most publishers will already have a jam-packed schedule, and some editors only stay at the fair for a couple of days. When I visited the fair in 2012, prior to being published, I approached several publishers, and I did manage to book a few appointments. If you do this, make sure your work is either visible (even if it's just slightly poking out from under your arm) or easy to pull out from your portfolio. The person you're speaking to might like what they see. As a result, they might be more inclined to offer you an appointment.
If they aren't able to see you, kindly ask who to send your work to.
If you're lucky, they might give you a direct email address. If they do, ask the person you're speaking to for their name (or just look at their name tag). Don't forget this tip. Even if you don't manage to see many publishers, at least you'll know who to contact. I have a small stack of publishers' business cards from doing just that. When you get home, contact each publisher. Mention the name of the person you spoke to. For example, 'I spoke with Jack at your stand at Bologna and he recommended that I contact you.' Personalising your emails goes a long way. Just be aware that publishers will be dealing with lots of post-Bologna business, so it may be a while before you get a reply (if you get a reply at all). One thing I've learned about getting published is that you have to be very patient.
8. Describe your book in one sentence
Imagine you've just just bumped into a publisher (in the long queue to buy some meat at the canteen, let's say) and you literally only have one minute to pitch your book. This is when a one sentence synopsis can come in very handy. I can describe each of my books in one sentence. Can you? For example, PLEASE MR PANDA is about a seemingly grumpy bear that won't give his doughnuts to anyone who doesn't use the magic word. MONSTER IN THE HOOD is about a city monster who everyone is scared of, except for a brave trio of animals who discover things aren't always what they seem.
If an editor is intrigued, they might want to hear more.
9. There's no need to queue for the loo
The line for the loos are ridiculously long. But what most people don't seem to realise is that that you never have to wait to use the loos near the entrance.
10. Mingle and let serendipity happen
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity, right? It's true. You never know who you might bump into. You might meet someone that knows someone that knows someone, and that someone could end up publishing your work. I know it's sometimes hard to network, especially if you're on your own. I am not naturally outgoing, but during my visit to Bologna in 2012, I mingled and spoke to all sorts of interesting people. Bologna Children's Book Fair is buzzing with energy and inspiration. People who go there are passionate about publishing and sequential illustration and children's books, so you're in the best possible company, and most publishers are really friendly. Be sure to carry your business cards at all times, even in the evenings.
11. Will you be offered a book deal at the fair?
If you are offered a deal at the fair, don't sign the contract on the spot. It's always good not to rush into things. You don't necessarily need an agent (I know some published authors that aren't agented) but you might like to seek advice from an one, or you might know someone else in the industry you can ask for advice.
It's extremely rare to get offered a book deal at the fair. What normally tends to happen, if a publisher expresses an interest in your work, is this. The publisher will probably ask you to email them a PDF or some JPEGS of your work. This could possibly mark the beginning of a conversation that may very well lead to a book deal.
It's ok to feel deflated if you don't manage to speak to any publishers or if the publishers you did speak to just weren't that into you. It's all experience, and I guarantee you that the experience you gain from your visit will prove to be invaluable in your journey towards publication. I didn't speak to one single publisher during my first visit to Bologna in 2011 because I was too nervous, but I did come away feeling super-inspired by the amazing work I saw on display throughout the fair. In fact, shortly after arriving back from my first visit, I came up with THE QUEEN'S HAT, and I truly believe that it was the inspiration I took from the fair that helped spur me on to complete the book. THE QUEEN'S HAT turned out to be my first picture book publication.
My first book deal didn't happen as a result of visiting the fair. But I did meet my agent, Elizabeth Roy, at the fair during my second visit, in 2012.
I do know several authors that secured book deals as a direct result of meeting a publisher at the fair. And I do know a few that were offered deals at the fair, so it definitely does happen.
12. Explore
There is so much to take in. There are talks and demonstrations and galleries. Try and make the most of what's on offer, and be sure to look at the fair's programme. The Illustrators Exhibition is always worth a look. One of the things I really love about the fair is exploring all of the different countries' stalls. It's fascinating and inspiring to see so many different types of picture books. Just bear in mind that most of the action happens in the first three days. The fourth day, things are much quieter and some publishers are already packing up.
13. Visit the city
Bologna is beautiful. For my first visit, I stayed in a hotel not too far from the fair. As a result, I really didn't see much of the city, and it didn't help that my Italian was limited. I stayed well and truly within my comfort zone. Now, I stay in the city centre. It's so nice to stroll through the streets and soak up the atmosphere. I'm not much of a foodie (give me pizza and I'm happy) but if you like eating out, you'll be spoiled for choice.
14. Have fun
Last but not least, have fun! You're going to Bologna! See you there!
Here's your checklist just to make sure you've got everything before entering the fair:
- portfolio
- business cards
- something for the Illustrator's Wall
- sketchbook
- one sentence synopsis (if you've written a book)
- a list of publishers you'd like to see
- something for jotting notes
- dummy book (optional, but recommended)
- food and water
- mints
- your pass to the fair
Hey, maybe I will see you there! Below is a photo of me at a book signing at my Italian publisher ZooLibri’s stand.
If you’re still reading then you might like this blog post with lots of photo’s of the Illustrator’s Wall. And here’s a blog post about my Bologna book spree for a refugee children’s charity, with my friend Elena.
Catch Up: World Book Day, Beatrix Potter, 'Betty' fudge, China and more!
It's not even been two years since my first book, THE QUEEN'S HAT, was published, and, already, I've just finished my TENTH author-illustrator picture book.
The Japanese edition of GREEN LIZARDS VS RED RECTANGLES arrived last week.
Reading Betty in Hackney schools for Pop Up Festival.
A spread from 'THE QUEEN'S PRESENT'. Yes, she visits China (and other countries) on Christmas Eve, in search of the perfect present.
But writing and illustrating books is only part of my job as an author-illustrator. Some people tend to think that I sit at home all day drawing and writing. This couldn't be further from the truth. I probably spend about half of my 'work time' drawing and writing. The rest of the time I'm out and about holding events up and down the country and sometimes overseas. Also, a great deal of my time is spent carrying out mundane administrational tasks. Sometimes I can spend a whole day filing receipts or responding to emails or organising my schedule.
The past 22 months have been jam-packed, but the last few months have been especially busy, and, unfortunately, I came down with a horrible flu virus last week. It was probably my body's way of telling me to stop! And it did make me stop, which sadly led to the cancellation of a few of my author events. Fortunately, I'm feeling a little better now, and this week I've been organising the year ahead. As far as school events go, I'm pretty much fully booked now until October.
I'm currently working on a brand new book, which I'm super excited about because it's so different and it explores relatively unchartered territory.
It's been a while since I updated my blog with photos, so here are a bunch of photos from the past month. Somehow, I've managed to juggle 30 events along with the completion of my 10th picture book. I've travelled to the Lake District for Beatrix Potter's 150th anniversary, I've been all over the place for World Book Day week, I took BETTY GOES BANANAS on the road, and I even travelled to Beijing.
Mr Panda in Beijing.
Betty on the Great Wall.
Drawing Mr Toucan for Salisbury Library.
Reading in Salisbury Library.
Some budding artists drew Mr Toucan.
Drawing the Monster from the yet-to-be-published MONSTER IN THE HOOD at a BETTY GOES BANANAS pyjama party in Salisbury.
The French edition of BETTY GOES BANANAS IN HER PYJAMAS arrived last week.
All set for an event in London.
Roly's Fudge in Salisbury kindly gave me some BETTY banana fudge.
Delicious!
Pyjama Party
MONSTER IN THE HOOD isn't out in the UK until June, but that didn't stop me from reading it during my BETTY tour with OUP.
They loved it - phew!
Roly's Fudge
Visiting schools in Hertfordshire.
Burdett Coutts School in London named one of their chicks after me (back, right)!
With Philip Ardagh, Tracey Corderoy and Benji Davies at Wray Castle. It was The National Trust's very first children's book festival.
I couldn't resist.
For the National Trust event, I stayed next door to Beatrix Potter's house.
Exploring the guest house with Sophy Henn.
The National Trust's Book Shop
Wray Castle
Gill Lewis, Philip Reeve, me and Sarah McIntyre, at the World Book Day Roadshow
Philip Reeve, Sarah McIntyre, Steven Butler, Gill Lewis, me and Megan Rix (and Bella).
Signing books for the World Book Day Roadshow
I attended a fundraising event held by The National Literacy Trust and Boots, where I picked up Zookeeper Zoe, a book to help children with their sight.
The fundraising event was a smart affair. Many photos were taken by the official photographer. I took one quick snap before leaving my London hotel room. A blue suit and bow tie, with brown brogues (not pictured).