Maurice Sendak

The illustration and children's book world has lost a major figure with the death of Maurice Sendak.
He influenced the techniques of many, many illustrators over the years and his books have been enjoyed by adults and children alike.

I remember the fuss that was made after the publication in 1963 of  his classic Where the Wild Things Are.

'Experts' in child development were adamant that children would be terrified and have recurring nightmares if shown this book. Nearly fifty years later this book is still popular and I'm sure the nightmares have proved to be non-existent.

The beautiful pictures below by Maurice Sendak are from some of his books I still have on my shelves.

Where The Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak 1963

Where The Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak 1963

Thr Griffon and the Minor Canon - Maurice Sendak 1963

The Bee-Man of Orn - Maurice Sendak 1964

The Bee-Man of Orn - Maurice Sendak 1964

Outside Over There -Maurice Sendak 1981

A Catty Display

Here are some illustrations from various books of mine featuring the cat.
I've used different techniques for each illustration. Pen and ink, watercolour, and digital.

I'm really a dog person, though.

Annie's Chair

I've recently received copies of my book, Annie's Chair, which has been published in a new Chinese edition.
The publisher is Beijing King Ear Images.  It looks a beautiful production!

I believe this edition is not available in Australia but copies are selling online from here.

Here are some pictures from the book.

Arnold Lobel

I have a small collection of books illustrated by Arnold Lobel.

He was an artist who was an important influence when I was starting out as a book illustrator. I've always admired his work and still do.

Arnold Lobel worked on a wide variety of books and always imbued his illustratrations with warmth and wit.
 He created splendid pigs as in The Book of Pigericks (1983) and of course he was well known for his Frog and Toad series of books (from 1970).

These works below are just some of my favourites.

Happy Christmas!

Illustration by Deborah Niland

Happy holidays!

Delightful paintings

I love these simple paintings from old Japan.
Unfussy and elegant.
Superb.

A Favourite Book

I like to hang on to children's books that have impressed me.

The one I've chosen today, dates from 1971, and is called The Pedlar of Swaffham.  It's written by Kevin Crossley-Holland and illustrated by Margaret Gordon.  It's published by Macmillan.

The story in this book is based on an East Anglican folk tale set in the 15th century.

I love the illustrations!  They are influenced by the style of the woodcut, and are a perfect match for this medieval tale.
Margaret Gordon has illustrated two books similar to this one, The Green Children and The Callow Pit Coffer..
They were also written by Kevin Crossley-Holland

As well as the books I've mentioned, Margaret Gordon illustrated The Wombles written by Elizabeth Beresford.  The famous Wombles of Wimbledon.

A Well-Travelled Hippopotamus

There's a Hippopotamus on our Roof  Eating Cake is the first title of a series of books featuring a well- rounded and jovial hippo who has a sweet tooth.
These books have been popular for decades
Along with their English language editions, all of the hippo titles have now been translated into Chinese and published by Sichuan People's Publishing House. 
Available from 2011.

The cover looks very colourful.  I hope these books will be enjoyed by another generation of children!

A Tall Man Library Display for Book Week

From Fremantle City Library a wonderfully colourful creative display for Book Week.

Check out the gorgeous pictures based on the illustrations in The Tall Man and the Twelve Babies!

Thanks Bree, for sending me the photos!

Children's Book Week 2011

Now we're in the middle of Book Week and there are so many wonderful books to read!

Last Friday The Tall Man and the Twelve Babies written by my nephew, Tom, and his mother, Kilmeny and illustrated by me, was awarded a prize in the CBCA Awards for 2011.
All the books and award-winners can be found here.

Tom and I were thrilled to have received an award, and Kilmeny would have been as proud as Punch of her talented son.
Thank you to the publishers Allen & Unwin who believed in this funny story and were totally supportive.

I'd like to acknowledge the dedicated work from the members of the CBCA who have done a magnificent job in encouraging and extending the reading habits of children.  Also to our fantastic teachers/ librarians who promote reading and work tirelessly for good literacy standards.

Nicola from Swallowcliffe School in South Australia has sent me a photo of herself dressed up as a Book Week character.  She has chosen The Tall Man.  Doesn't she look fabulous!

Well done Nicola!  I'm sure the kids were delighted!