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 In 2010 I visited the fair for my very first time, as an unpublished uni student, and I couldn’t fine any tips (or even that many photos!)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).
PLEASE MR PANDA's on the Kate Greenaway Longlist! See the full list here.
Amazed, excited and honoured to be on the KATE GREENAWAY LONGLIST alongside these guys! This is an absolute dream, especially when I think of just how long and challenging it has been to realise my dream of being an author.
Guernsey Children's Book Week - 1,482 Doughnuts, 14 Schools and 1 Amazing Library
This is me, moments before my 14th and final school event in Guernsey: a small island in the English Channel, just off the coast of Normandy. It's where Victor Hugo wrote Les Misérables. It's where rare golden goats graze. It has historical castles, sandy beaches, cobbled streets and quirky shops.
I was there for Guernsey's Children's Book Week: a week to celebrate the sheer joy of books, filled with fun and inspiring events organised by Guernsey's fantastic School Library Service.
Almost a year ago, the library invited me to take part, and weeks before my arrival I knew exactly which schools I'd be visiting. All of the nitty gritty details, including all the tech stuff, like laptops, screens, papers and pencils, were clarified well in advance. And the hotel? It was perfect; and only a short walk from the island's indie bookstore, Press Shop.
All there was for me to do was remember my memory stick and Top Secret sketchbook.
My mission was to visit fourteen schools in five days. Authors, Tommy Donbavand and Nick Cook were there for the week, too. Tommy had a head-start, as he was there for Doctor Who day, which took place on the Saturday before Children's Book Week. Tommy's written for Doctor Who, and he's the author of many books including the successful Scream Street series (now a stop-motion animated series on CBBC).
Gaming guru and author of Cloud Riders, Nick Cook, wowed everyone with his tornado machine: a machine that actually creates mini twisters! I was there to read my books; draw pandas, corgis and toucans; and eat imaginary doughnuts all week.
On the Thursday, the three of us were interviewed by BBC Guernsey presenter, Jenny Kendall-Tobias, alongside the library events organiser, Elizabeth. It was a really fun (and funny) conversational interview that's definitely worth a listen. Afterwards, we took part in a panel event and a glittering awards ceremony, held in the town library, where winning entries to an art contest were announced. I awarded three talented children with signed copies of PLEASE MR PANDA for their zany, innovative doughnut designs. There was a healthy doughnut complete with vegetables, an amusing pig-faced doughnut, and an amazingly constructed abstract doughnut which won 1st place.
One of Tommy's winning entries to his 'draw a monster' contest was a fantastically monstrous caterpillar called a CaterKiller.
The week was packed with school events. Each morning, a librarian collected me from the hotel and accompanied me throughout each day. I mainly based my school events on THE QUEEN'S HAT, BETTY GOES BANANAS and PLEASE MR PANDA. I taught the pupils how to draw pandas, toucans and corgis with shapes and letters. They had great fun screaming along with Betty and spotting the butler in THE QUEEN'S HAT. Every school was well prepped for their event, so the pupils were already very familiar with the characters and stories. This makes author events so much better, because the pupils are already invested in the characters. This allows us to expand on each story by making up new characters and situations. And they were excited and interested to see how each story began. Ultimately, each of my visits were about inspiring kids to read, create and use their imagination.
For my lunch breaks, I was treated to a spot of sightseeing by each librarian who accompanied me. On Monday, Alan gave me a mini guided tour of Vale Castle: a famous, historic local landmark which also features in THE GUERNSEY GOVERNOR"S GLOVES, a brilliantly executed picture book created by Miss Kimber's Class from Vauvert KS1 that tells the tale of how a pair of windswept gloves took the Governor on an impromptu tour of the island (a bit like another story I know).
For Tuesday's lunch break, Emily drove us to the West Coast, which had suffered a minor battering from the tale end of Storm Imogene (pictured below). We also braved a freak hail storm to take a very quick 'book bench selfie'. The bench was based on the local classic, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page by G B Edwards, and it was painted by local artists Charlie Buchanan, Lauren Perry and Sam O’Neil (pictured below).
On Thursday, Ellie took me to see the island's rare and mysterious Golden Guernsey: a breed of goat named after its golden fleece. Alan had kindly given Ellie directions to a small holding where we found the golden goats quietly grazing (pictured below). I love discovering new animals, and I love adding rare and endangered animals into my stories.
I had Friday's lunch in the airport. It was sad to say goodbye to Guernsey. I had such a great time. In fact, this has to be one of the best book tours I've ever been on, which is all down to the super-organised and hospitable librarians of Guernsey.
I definitely plan on returning.
Below are several photos from each of the schools I visited, along with photos of Vale Castle, golden goats, and the aforementioned 'bookbench'. But first, here is a list of some things I didn't manage to snap.
- A band of bearded folk singers that suddenly popped up behind me, Tommy and Nick in the hotel bar.
- The cute, shaggy sheepdog that suddenly turned evil when I tried taking its photo.
- A big independent toy shop. Independent toy shops are hard to come by these days.
- Dolphins. According to the paper, a pod of dolphins were spotted on the coast.
- Sark island: a tiny island between Guernsey and Jersey that has no cars and a population of around 500!
Spotting butlers at Le Rondin School.
One wing of Le Rondin entered a tasty-fruity-treat contest. These are the finalists' creations.
Reading I'll Wait, Mr Panda.
Another wing of the school made hats. These are the finalists' hats.
And the third wing made doughnuts.
Here are two of the talented winners with their respective prizes!
A page from THE GUERNSEY GOVERNOR"S GLOVES by Miss Kimber's class.
A page from THE GUERNSEY GOVERNOR"S GLOVE by Miss Kimber's class.
Blanchlande Infants were dressed in around-the-world costumes.
Drawing pandas.
Reading The Queen's Hat.
Beautiful vistas were everywhere.
Stunning.
Wood for sale and an honesty box. Ellie had to explain to be what an honesty box was. I asked 'Is it where people post their confessions?' It's basically where people help themselves so long as they leave some money. Amazing.
Golden Guernsey
Eggs for sale, and an honesty box.
Golden Guernsey
This was a beautiful viewpoint.
Showing pupils how to draw pandas with shapes and letters.
Panda drawings!
Where's the butler?
Daleks had invaded the library.
Press Shop had a great window display.
This was in the island's paper every day of the week.
No, that's not dandruff, it's hail. Me and Emily attempting to take a 'bookbench selfie' in a freezing hail storm, but the bench is totally obscured.
Reading Betty Goes Bananas.
Pupils made their own hats.
The West Coast
Vale Castle
Vale Castle
Vale Castle
My private jet.
Baileys cheesecake. Yum!
Heading home. Goodbye Guernsey!
Guernsey, here I come!
I'm heading off to Guernsey tomorrow morning to take part in a weeklong celebration of children's books, otherwise known as CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK! My schedule is crammed with school & library visits, panel events and even a spot on BBC radio.
Every year, the school's library service arrange for a number of authors and illustrators to visit all Guernsey schools to talk about their work, and, this year, I'm one of them! And I'm in great company, too! Tommy Donbavand, author of the Scream Street series (soon to be a TV series) and many other books, including Fangs, Vampire Spy, and Teacher Ate My Brains, will also be making the school rounds, and so will Nick Cook, the author of over 40 gaming titles as well as two books on storm chasing: Cloud Riders and Breaking Storm.
It's set to be an exciting and eventful week. Right, I had better start packing!
Guernsey Press
Green Lizards Vs Red Rectangles in The Guardian 'politics' piece
My picture book about war and peace, Green Lizards Vs Red Rectangles, was highlighted in a brilliant article written by Imogen Russell Williams for The Guardian, which explores 'politics in picture books'. The article, which also features work by Michael Foreman, Chris Riddell and Shaun Tan, can be read HERE.
From Taiwan: A Mr Panda video 熊貓先生
The Taiwan editions of PLEASE MR PANDA and I'LL WAIT, MR PANDA respectively reached number one in the children's charts in Taiwan. Here's an advertisement for both books. I love this. Mr Panda has his very own webpage in Traditional Chinese HERE.
「你想吃甜甜圈嗎？」 熊貓先生耐心且有禮貌的詢問動物們要不要吃甜甜圈。 企鵝和臭鼬毫不客氣的指定甜甜圈的顏色， 鴕鳥下巴抬的高高的，甩頭不理人， 大鯨魚想要全部的甜甜圈，還要求熊貓先生拿更多來...... 卻被酷酷的熊貓先生一一拒絕了。 熊貓先生捧著滿滿的一盒甜甜圈，一個都還沒送出去。 到底有誰可以吃到這些甜甜圈呢？ ● 作者簡介 作、繪者/ 史蒂夫‧安東尼 ...
Why I wrote a picture book about war
So, how did I come up with GREEN LIZARDS VS RED RECTANGLES: A STORY ABOUT AND PEACE?
Back in December 2012, a painting on the cover of an art magazine caught my eye. The painting was ‘8 Red Rectangles’, by Kazmir Malevich. I was strangely transfixed by it, but I couldn't quite figure out why I found it so stimulating, and this played on my mind.
8 Red Rectangles
The next day, I awoke with a clear image in my head of lizards lounging on red rectangles (lizards were fresh in my mind because I'd been drawing them, along with other reptilians, at a local safari park).
Lizards and rectangles were an odd combo, but something about this image of reptiles and shapes was strangely appealing, so I headed straight to my studio to figure out why.
I drew lizards. I drew rectangles. I drew lizards sat atop rectangles and rectangles being lifted by lizards. The lizards multiplied as did the rectangles, until I ran out of space on the page. I was scratching my head - it seemed totally nonsensical that I should feel a story coming on. What exactly are these lizards and rectangles trying to tell me? How can these two very different entities exist in the same book to form a story?
And THAT’s when it hit me. They don't want to coexist!
The lizards and rectangles are completely different. They can’t seem to find a way to relate to each other, to make space for each other. But the one thing they clearly have in common is THE PAGE on which they both exist. They’re in the same book, which means they HAVE to co-exist whether they like it or not, unless.... war!
I played around with this war of shapes and reptiles. I sketched clever ways of showing the two adversaries pushing each other off the page. I had no idea how the two would eventually find a way to fit nicely (and peacefully) on the last page, but I knew they would, somehow.
“The more I drew, the more I pondered the complexities of war - the unfairness, the futility. Not all of the lizards and rectangles want to fight. They’re just caught up in the chaos of it all.”
The more I drew, the more I pondered the complexities of war - the unfairness, the futility. Not all of the lizards and rectangles want to fight. They're just caught up in the chaos of it all. Some are fleeing for safety. Some are trapped. Some are unknowingly harming their allies (some lizards are pushing a rectangle over without realising they’re squashing their teammates on the other side).
One brave lizard questions it all, but he is mercilessly silenced by a towering rectangle, and this leads to an even larger war.
Eventually, ‘enough is enough’ cries one red rectangle. The lizards and rectangles are too tired to fight anymore. They gather for a truce, and they finally find a way to co-exist (or rather, I finally manage to figure out a creative way to fit them nicely on the same page).
The lizards are green, the complimentary colour to red - an irony which made total sense. Finding the right hues was a bit tricky because I'm red-green colour-blind (another irony) but I got there in the end.
So, two days after stumbling on an inspiring piece of art, I had what I felt was a powerful and important (yet not too heavy-handed and strangely fun) story concept about war and peace. It took me about one month to finish my dummy book, which was just in time for my class's graduation show.
GREEN LIZARDS VS RED RECTANGLES was one of three books I exhibited at my classes graduation show at Foyles in London back in February 2013 (the other two were PLEASE MR PANDA and THE QUEEN’S HAT). I knew it was a bit ‘out there’ (I remember showing it to someone for the first time and seeing their perplexed reaction to the title and imagery).
Two years later, the book was published by Hodder Children’s in the UK. Scholastic published it in the USA. It’s also available in a number of other countries, too.
Creating this book was a fun and challenging exercise in design. More importantly, it allowed me to do something I have always wanted to do which is to tackle an important issue within a picture book. I have to thank my UK publisher, Hodder, for believing in this book in the first place. They admitted it was a brave step for them - it’s their first and only picture book about war.
Upcoming event with The National Trust
I'm very much looking forward to taking part in the National Trust's first Children's Book Festival on Saturday, March 5th at Wray Castle in The Lake District, UK. Please find more details HERE.
The Monster in the Hood is about to rock your world
The woods are SO 2000.
Waterstones, Salisbury
This monster lives in a gritty neighbourhood deep in the city. And everyone is scared of him. Everyone except an exceptionally brave trio of street-smart friends, that is.
But you should NEVER, EVER judge a book by its cover, especially if the book happens to be about a rumbly, grumbly, and very hungry monster.
I cannot tell you how excited I am about this book! I don’t want to give away too much, but it’s SO much fun to read out loud - and although it’ll make you SCREECH and SQUEAL I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the fuzzy one-eyed monster.
The book won’t drop until June in the UK via Oxford University Press - but I wanted to let you know that you can now pre-order it online HERE.
Storytime Magazine
Photos from 2015
What a year it's been! I feel incredibly blessed to have had so many fantastic opportunities. The year started with a trip to NYC to promote Please Mr Panda and it ended with a musical adaptation of The Queen’s Hat, by the London Symphony Orchestra. My Shaun the Sheep raised £15,000 for charity, The Queen's Hat won Evening Standard's Oscar's First Book Prize and Betty Goes Bananas book one and two, and Mr Panda book one and two, topped charts overseas. I held countless events at libraries, bookstores, charities and schools. And I made a load of new friends, too.
In no particular order, here are a bunch of photos from 2015.
Mr Panda and that Hat at the Ideal Home Show at Christmas
Me and Julia Patton holding each other's books after our signings.
Book store, Bangzo, kindly invited me to do a spot of book signing at their stand in the Ideal Home Show at Christmas. Of course, I accepted!
Sadly, I didn’t get much time to shop (which was probably a good thing). But that didn’t matter because I had a fantastic time meeting authors, catching up with friends and meeting lots of nice people who stopped to say hello.
I wished lots of Merry Christmas's inside copies of THE QUEEN'S HAT and PLEASE MR PANDA, and I read PLEASE MR PANDA to an audience of Christmas shoppers.
This is a super short blog post, but I just thought it’d be nice to share these photos of my afternoon.
Also, it was snowing there. Fake snow. It was amazing.
It was great to meet (from left to right) Andrew Davis, Angie Lake & Myra King.
Reading Please Mr Panda
London Symphony Orchestra perform The Queen's Hat
Me and the hugely talented composer/presenter, Rachel Leach.
I feel incredibly honoured that the London Symphony Orchestra's Autumn concert was based on my debut picture book, THE QUEEN'S HAT. The spectacular concert took place twice on Tuesday and twice on Wednesday at London's famous Barbican Theatre. I attended the Tuesday morning performance alongside teachers and hundreds of pupils who came wearing hats of their own, ranging from sporty caps and smart trilbies to pointy witches and wizard hats.
As Her Royal Highness dashed after her bonnet, followed by hundreds of guards, the orchestra performed incredible music that really brought to life each London landmark in the windy chase. Featuring music by Walton, Elgar, Mussorgsky and Rossini amongst others and two brand new songs written by composer, Rachel Leach, alongside large animated images from the book, this really was a feast for the eyes and ears.
I especially liked the two new songs written and performed by Rachel Leach. 'Catch that Hat' and 'The Queen's Hat'. In fact, 'Catch that Hat' is very catchy indeed. It's currently playing on a loop in my head. Hearing these songs reminded me of when I use to write songs. I really enjoy songwriting, but in my early twenties I gave up pursuing a career in music because in the end I kept gravitating more towards writing stories and illustrating. Plus, I never really quite knew where to place myself in the field of music. And because of the issue of translating picture books, I've moved even further away from rhyming. But I absolutely love the thrill of songwriting, and watching Rachel and the LSO has hugely inspired me. I couldn't help but think how amazing it would be to collaborate with musicians to turn a story into a musical (what can I say, I've always been a dreamer).
The event was organised especially for schools by LSO Discovery: an education and community programme that makes the London Symphonic Orchestra relevant in the lives of thousands of people beyond the concert hall by holding workshops, projects and masterclasses. Each school that attended had been given a THE QUEEN'S HAT project pack prior to the concert. The pack contained fun learning activities alongside useful information about the concert. It was clear to see that the pupils thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I was impressed with how well prepped they were, especially when I realised they were all singing along to the two new songs!
Congratulations to everyone involved. It was a truly amazing concert and I loved every second of it.
Photo courtesy of London Symphony Orchestra's Twitter
Class transformed into Mr Panda's production Site
I love seeing how teachers use my books in the classroom. THE QUEEN'S HAT is proving very popular for teaching geography, creative writing, pronouns and even music (thanks to the London Symphony Orchestra's recent adaptation of the book).
Now it seems that PLEASE MR PANDA is working its way into the learning environment, too, in spite of Mr Panda's permanent glower. Plus, it appears to be presenting the perfect excuse for teachers to dine on doughnuts during recess! I know this because I've seen the tweets.
Some classes have decorated paper doughnuts (Pollock would be proud) and others have made wacky doughnut chains to decorate their classroom with. Some teachers have conducted fun reenactments of the manners-themed story to really drive home the book's message of not forgetting that elusive magic word. Other teachers have focused more on the black and white animals featured in the story. At a recent school visit, one pupil proudly pointed out that Mr Panda does not like doughnuts because pandas like bamboo.
But just the other week I was blown away with what one particular school did with PLEASE MR PANDA. Not only did they transform a class into a fully operational doughnut production site, but they also cleverly delivered a series of lessons that related to different parts of their modified classroom.
With help and inspiration from his creative peers, Mr Thompson turned his class into an interactive doughnut factory. To the right are some photos of the class.
Burdett-Coutts & Townshend Foundation CE Primary School was a abuzz with fun activities based on Mr Thompson's inventive expansion of my book.
There were many fun and educational tasks to be carried out in order for the factory to run smoothly and effectively. But first, the pupils had to apply for their preferred job role by filling out a simple application form. And I can gather from the photos that there were many jobs on offer.
There's the customer-service based role of answering the phone and taking orders. There's the role of mixing ingredients and not burning doughnuts in the oven. There's the task of operating the cash register. And there's the doughnut truck driving role.
I'm guessing a cleaner was required at the end of each shift to sweep up the mess, or perhaps that role got lumbered with the teacher and TA. Every job has its perks though (yes, I did notice the real-life doughnuts in the photos).
Each role has it's own lesson, but what's wonderful is that they've all got one thing in common. They all encourage pupils to cooperate and work together as a team, and this is probably the best lesson of all.
Doughnut factory duties aside, the children also created an amazing gallery of chalk-drawn characters from the book (the lemur, the ostrich, the penguin, the whale, the skunk and the titular panda). You can see some of them on the wall in one of the photos.
I'd like to thank Mr Thompson and the school for allowing me to share these photos on my blog. Now that I've posted this article, I have a feeling that Mr Panda's doughnut factory is going to expand, like a franchise!
Oh, and if you do remodel your classroom, don't discard your materials because doughnuts are set to feature in the next two manners-themed Mr Panda picture books!
Thanks again, Mr Thompson, for tweeting me your photos. I look forward to meeting you and your class in World Book Week next year!
A Very Special Visit to The Alligator's Mouth
Illustrated by the one and only Chris Riddell!
On Saturday, Richmond was buzzing with rugby banter. Footpaths carried a heavy stream of supporters to the big match (or the pub) and just about every other pedestrian had a Kiwi accent.
I, however, was not going to the match (or the pub). I had a date down at The Alligators Mouth in a quaint, little side street a side-step away from the river of Rugby fans.
The Alligators Mouth is new independent children's bookstore in the heart of Richmond run by a friendly trio of passionate booksellers: Tony, Margaret and Mark. I heard rave reviews about this shop not long after it opened, which if I can remember rightly from my conversation with Tony, was May this year. Since opening, they've had special visits from the likes of Jacqueline Wilson, Axel Scheffler and Chris Riddell, and that was in one day!
Naturally, I couldn't wait to visit.
I was particularly excited to discover that the shop had managed to acquire some copies of the not-even-officially-published-yet GREEN LIZARDS VS RED RECTANGLES, which presented the perfect opportunity for me to incorporate the battling reptiles and shapes into my event.
Another nice surprise was a call from my friend, Jane Elson, author of award-winning A ROOM FULL OF CHOCOLATE and Carnegie-nominated HOW TO FLY WITH BROKEN WINGS, to say that she was coming to my event, which meant I had at least one guaranteed audience member!
But thankfully, I had more than one audience member. Phew! I recognised retweeters, and I met some big fans of Mr Panda, including a mother who is planning a Mr Panda themed party for her child's 1st birthday.
Me, Jane, our books and the Alligator on the bag.
It was a brilliant event. I read most of my books. We took a crazy trip with The Queen across the United Kingdom, spotted the butler (and an alien, surfing police officers, Mo Farah and more) and we drew Mr Panda with shapes and letters.
After my event I bought some books for myself (of course!) before devouring an entire margerita pizza in the restaurant next door.
All in all I had a great time. What a fantastic shop!
Thank you to Mark, Toni and Margaret for having me, and for finding me a Sharpie to sign with! Thanks also to Jane for coming along (and taking photos). But mostly, thank you to all who came for making the event so enjoyable.
So, If you're reading this in London (or even New Zealand), take note, The Alligator's Mouth is well worth a visit (and so is the restaurant next door).
Below are some photos of my event, taken by Jane and Mark.
Spotting the butler!
The Draw 50 Books by Lee J. Ames fostered my love of drawing
Last week, a parent asked me a question while I was signing THE QUEEN'S HANDBAG for his son.
He asked for advice on how to foster his 8 year old's love of drawing. My advice was something along the lines of 'borrow how-to-draw books, have fun, and keep on drawing'. But I wish I had a better answer. Something more specific. Sometimes it's hard to come up with bite-sized answers to big questions.
And this got me thinking.
What helped me when I was 8?
What 'how to draw' book was my 'go to' source of inspiration? Suddenly it all came flooding back to me.
A 1980's Draw 50 book. Click to enlarge
The 'Draw 50' books by Lee J. Ames! I was obsessed with them!
They helped me learn to draw! And there were so many of them!
Draw 50 Famous Cartoons
Draw 50 Famous Famous Faces
Draw 50 Boats, Ships, Trucks and Trains
Draw 50 Buildings and Other Structures
Draw 50 Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Animals
And so on.
I loved drawing the famous cartoons, like Dagwood, Blondie, Hagar the Horrible, Scooby Doo and Felix the Cat.
I loved drawing the famous faces of Charlie Chaplin, William Shakespear, Muhammad Ali and Elizabeth Talyor.
These books were hugely popular in Alamogordo Library, which made it all the more exciting to come across 50 new things to draw!
I borrowed them week in and week out.
The 'Draw 50' books were filled with deceptively simple line-work and iconic imagery, and I loved that about them.
(Deceptively simple line-work and iconic imagery? Wait a second, could it be that Ames' influence is permanently etched into my creative psyche?)
I enjoyed drawing people in the minimalistic way that Ames did. With Ames' guidance, I could encapsulate the character of an icon with a series of simple strokes. This makes me think of THE QUEEN'S HAT books. How many times did I have to draw the Queen before getting it right? Countless drawings were discarded before I devised the few deft lines that somehow captured her character.
A 1980's Draw 50 book. Click to enlarge
I enjoyed drawing iconic cartoon characters, just like the characters in 'Draw 50 Famous Cartoons'.
Fred Flintstone, Felix the Cat and Yogi Bear are all very distinct. What is it that makes them so distinct, so unforgettable? How is it that their personalities pop off the page? Is it their expression? Is it what they're wearing? Maybe it's in their posture? Or is it just how they're drawn?
And isn't it amazing how a simple line can convey an emotion? This is something else I learned from Ames' books. You have to get that line just right. If you don't, the whole picture is off.
Sometimes all it takes is a tiny mark of the pencil to turn a grumpy face into a, well, less grumpy face.
So, yeah, these were the books that helped me learn to draw better when I was a kid, and they made quite an impression on me.
And they are still in print! At least I think they're still in print, based on the fact that a whole load of new-ish editions are listed on Amazon. Not only are they still available to buy or borrow, but Ames went on to illustrate even more 'Draw 50' books, so now you really are spoilt for choice.
Draw 50 Famous Caricatures
Draw 50 Endangered Animals
Draw 50 Aliens, UFO's Galaxy Ghouls, Milky Way Marauders, and Other Extraterrestrial Creatures
Draw 50 Animal Toons
And so on.
So, the next time someone asks me for advice on how to foster their 8 year old child's love of drawing, I'll know exactly which books to recommend - the Draw 50 books by Lee J. Ames!
Oh, and the Ed Emberly drawing books. But maybe I'll save them for another blog post.
(I'd like to say a special thank you to scrapbookolie98 for sending 'Draw 50 Famous Cartoons' from the States.)
For Teachers: Lesson Ideas From Around the World
From decorating doughnuts to acting out plays to learning about geography and jungle themed Reading Corners, TEACHERS from the UK to Australia have invented CREATIVE LESSON PLANS and FUN ACTIVITIES based on my books.
In response to the many emails I've received from teachers, I've created a web page devoted to lessons and activities especially for teachers, librarians and booksellers.
Most of these lesson and activity ideas are suitable for KS1 (ages 5-7) pupils, but they can also be tailored for younger pupils. I have indicated a recommended age group next to each lesson based on my experience from school events, but you can tailor them for just about any age group.
Press HERE to visit the corner of my site that's especially devoted to teachers and librarians.
Have fun!
Broadwater Primary School pupils showing off their new headgear in a musical parade. (Photo by Emerson Wimsey)
The Queen's Handbag TOTALLY reimagined by school pupils
Year 3 of Ramsey Junior School in Cambridgeshire totally reimagined my latest release, THE QUEEN'S HANDBAG, in the most creative way!
By replacing HANDBAG and rewriting my synopsis (and adding other famous landmarks from around the world) they made up their very own royal adventures.
The teacher simply created a small booklet of blank pages. On the cover of the booklet is THE QUEEN'S *BLANK*. On the back is my back-cover synopsis for THE QUEEN'S HANDBAG (below). But the teacher cleverly omitted key words so her pupils could then use their imagination to fill in the blanks.
The pupils filled the blanks in with words like GOLDEN POTS, NINJA MONKEY, SPITFIRE, HELICOPTER, CHEEKY HORSE and GOLDEN BANANA.
Click to enlarge
Then they wrote and illustrated their very own adventures, which include lots of other famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
Some even added their very own final 'butler' scene just like in THE QUEEN'S HANDBAG and THE QUEEN'S HAT.
I think this is such a brilliant idea! I'm mightily impressed by all of these funny, imaginative and totally bonkers additions to THE QUEEN series!
Below are some photos of the class's work. Absolutely Amazing!
