Little something...

The weather isn't the best in the UK right now, but here's a new illustration to warm us up a little.

Seven Stories - Rhyme Around the World Exhibition

My work in the Rhyme Around the World Exhibition

Seven Stories has relaunched this summer after undergoing a huge refurbishment to celebrate their 10 year anniversary.

I'm extremely excited to have my illustration from the Over the Hills and Far Away - A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes from Around the World  (Seven Stories and Frances Lincoln, 2014) in the brand new exhibition, Rhyme Around the World. This fabulous exhibit invites families to step into their favourite and nursery rhymes and discover new ones that are shared across the world.

In this multi-sensory show, there is the opportunity to explore the original artwork commissioned by Seven Stories for the Over the Hills book, collected by Seven Stories co-founder, Elizabeth Hammill.

Story-time in the Attic space

My sister Robyn reading her favourite children's book

Exploration in the newly designed book shop

*** NEW BOOKS *** 'Everyone Feels' Series

Here are some sneaky peeks of some work I have recently completed for QED Publishing (Quarto Publishing UK imprint).

This is a four book series written by award-winning author Moira Butterfield. Each book focuses on a different emotion (Happy, Sad, Angry and Scared), looking at why children may feel a certain way and how they can deal with their emotions.

A little more info from Amazon:
Every title features two stories, each told from a child’s point of view, which involve common scenarios or situations. For example, the main characters interact with each other through the series, sharing experiences that readers can easily relate too.

These sensitive stories reassure young readers and provide them with a vocabulary which helps them to express and understand their feelings as they grow up and encounter different situations. 'Story words' in each book explain words simply and gently.

Beautiful, fun illustrations from an award winning illustrator, plus supporting text for parents and teachers ensure children get the most from the books.

Looking forward to all four books coming out in 2016.

Hiccups! proofs are in..!

Photo of the Hiccups! proofs

Hurrah!! They are in!

I was very happy to recently receive the colour proofs for my next picture book with Frances Lincoln. The title of this book is 'Hiccups!', and it is the very first book where I am both the author and illustrator... eek!!

This little story was inspired by two special people and two special dogs in my life... My niece May and her dog Max, and my bestie Beth and her dog Osca.

Without giving too much away, the story follows the two main characters who are working through a rather irritating/tricky issue together. As inspired be the relationship between May and Max, and Beth and Osca, it's all about the strong bond between the two of them... and you can find out a little more when it comes out in Spring 2016...

To be continued...

Summer Reading Challenge has started!!!

Both myself and author Margi McAllister are very excited and proud to have '15 Things Not to do with a Baby' included in this year's list for the Summer Reading Challenge run by The Reading Agency. This is the UK's biggest reading promotion for children. Those participating could have the opportunity to become a Guinness World Record title holder.

You can sign up for this year's challenge by popping into your local library, selecting six books of your choice, collecting stickers and other awards along the way.

If you live in Sunderland, you can check out See it do it, to stay up-to-date with events taking place at libraries across the city.

And don't forget to grab a read of '15 Things Not to do with a Baby', of course.  :)

Happy Reading!! x

The Independent on Sunday

The Independent on Sunday

On a journey from Sunderland to Liverpool last Sunday, I was extremely happy to receive messages on social media telling me that I was in The Independent, with 15 Things Not to do with a Baby being listed as one of the '12 Best Children's Books of 2015'.

I've been totally overwhelmed with people's responses to my first picture book and this news has absolutely topped it off... with a full spread in the paper and a HUGE image from the book. It is such an honour to be amongst talent such as David Walliams, Tony Ross, Jacqueline Wilson, Nick Sharratt and Sally Gardner.

Here is the review of the book in the article...

Review by Rebecca Davis, Saturday 28 March 2015

Older brothers and sisters will appreciate Margaret McAllister and Holly Sterling’s 15 Things Not to Do with a Baby (Frances Lincoln, £11.99), a humorous take on the conflicting emotions that younger siblings can inspire.

The 15 illustrated tips range from not letting the baby play with an elephant to more worryingly-plausible suggestions, such as not wrapping the baby in brown paper with a view to popping him or her in the post. It also offers a few handy hints about what you should do with a baby and will prove a useful tool in teaching toddlers the benefits of caring and sharing.

15 Things Not to do with a Baby's list of achievements to-date: 

• Books for Keeps - Book of the week in January
• Books for Keeps - New Talent
• Book Trust - Books we like: February 2015
• The Reading Challenge - Listed book for the Summer Reading Challenge
• The Independent - Listed as one of the 12 Best Children's Books of 2015

15 Things Not to do with a Baby - Launch at Seven Stories

Celebrating with my 7 year old niece, May.

May checking out the entrance display at Seven Stories.

Had the most amazing evening of my life last night at Seven Stories, National Centre for Children's Books for the launch celebration of my first picture book, '15 Things NOT to do with a Baby', written by award winning author, Margi McAllister. It was a overwhelming turn out by many of our family, friends and supporters.

I would like to thank Margi McAllister for writing a dream of a text, full of fun and silliness! Thank you to Janetta Otter-Barry and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for believing in the book, trusting in me as a new illustrator and making it a reality. Thank you to Andrew Watson from Frances Lincoln, for being a fabulously talented designer to work with.

Thank you to Elizabeth Hammill and Seven Stories for their ongoing support of me as an illustrator and friend. 

A combined thank you to Nicky Potter and the Seven Stories team for organising such an amazing launch celebration. It was completely magical night.

A very special thank you to my agent Kathryn Ross and partner in crime Lindsey Fraser for simply being the best!!

Lastly, I would like to thank those family, friends and supporters who couldn't join us on this special evening!

As an added note, I am happy to share that I have been announced as Books For Keeps 'New Talent' this month. You can read their fabulous review of the book here... http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/210/childrens-books/reviews/15-things-not-to-do-with-a-baby

We have also been announced as one of the Book Trust's 'Books we like: February 2015'.


Other reviews of the book:

Book Trust http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books/view/34170

Mirrors Windows Doors http://mirrorswindowsdoors.org/wp/review-15-things-not-to-do-with-a-baby/

Parents in Touch http://www.parentsintouch.co.uk/Book-reviews-fiction-age-2-to-5-page-14

Red Reading Hub https://jillrbennett.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/family-matters/

The Bookbag http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=15_Things_Not_to_Do_with_a_Baby_by_Margaret_McAllister_and_Holly_Sterling

Books In My House https://littlebooktastic.wordpress.com/2015/01/21/15-things-not-do-do-with-a-baby-written-by-margaret-mcallister-illustrated-by-holly-sterling-frances-lincoln/

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at Seven Stories

Meeting HRH the Duchess of Cornwall

HRH signing the Seven Stories guest book

On Wednesday 28th January I was honoured to receive an invitation to attend a visit by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall to Seven Stories, National Centre for Children's Books. The Duchess is a passionate supporter of initiatives and organisations that promote literacy and the enjoyment of books and reading, so Seven Stories was the perfect place to have included in a visit to Newcastle.

The Duchess enjoyed a tour of the building and we then had the opportunity to meet her over a cup of tea in the bookshop. She signed the Seven Stories guest book and was presented with a specially signed copy of 'Over the Hills and Far Away' by Elizabeth Hammill, which she said she would enjoy reading to her grandchildren.

This visit marked the start of an important year for Seven Stories, who are celebrating their 10th birthday in the summer. Keep your eyes peeled for many exciting events to follow this year, starting with a refurbishment of the building in the spring.

Photographs courtesy of © Damien Wootten Photography.

Illustration Friday - Sea

Full illustration

Close up

Noah and Bear having more fun together this Christmas.

Illustration Friday - Light

Noah brought Bear a little light to help him see in the dark wintery night.

It's that time....

Yes, it is that time of year! ...time to decorate your Christmas tree. Mine will be up and running tomorrow. Thought I'd share this illustration to help get us all in the Christmassy mood.

Although it is nearly the Christmas break, I've still got deadlines to meet beforehand. I'm currently working on my first picture book that I have both written and illustrated, so this is all very exciting.

Also looking forward to my first picture book to be launched in January 2015 called 15 Things Not to Do with a Baby. This wonderful text was written by the amazing Margaret McAllister and is going to be published by Frances Lincoln.

Will keep you posted about our book launch. Sounds like it is going to be very exciting!!

Illustration Friday - Smooth

"I'm going to brush your tail until it is silky smooth," said the little girl.

Sara Ogilvie Workshop at Paper Dove

Sara showing the group her prints and explaining about her working process.

Paper Dove designer, Caroline Gordon getting stuck in with mono-printing. 

My experimental mono-prints based on Sara's beautiful Russian Dolls.

Sketchbook development from Sara's new book 'Meet the Parents'.

Last week at Paper Dove was full of fun and excitement with a visit from my favourite illustrator, Sara Ogilvie (the illustrator of 'Dog don't do Ballet'). 

I first met Sara at the 'Take Five Illustrators' exhibition opening in 2012 at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh, whilst studying for my masters degree at Edinburgh College of Art. Since then I have been fortunate to work with her at other talks and workshops at both Seven Stories and Edinburgh College of Art. This time I'm lucky enough to work with her at my new workplace.

During the morning session, Sara gave an inspiring talk about us where she finds inspiration, her creative process, her approaches to different creative projects and creating books for children.

After lunch we had a messy session in the print room, experimenting with the potential of mono-printing and screen-printing. As a group we came up with some interesting characters based on some observational drawings of Sara's collection of old toys.

I am looking forward to arranging her next visit soon!

Illustration Friday - Voice

This Illustration Friday post was fitting for celebrating both World Book Day and the completion of my first full picture book with Frances Lincoln.

It has been a crazy time getting the book ready for Bologna, but it is finally finished and has been sent to repro. Here is a little vignette from an interior page where a brother and sister are lovingly reading their favourite book together.

Happy World Book Day!!

Illustration Talk - The University of Sunderland

As part of the Seven Stories 'Picturebook in Progress Project', I was asked to present an illustration talk at The University of Sunderland. This wonderful project aims to inspire young artists to follow into an illustration career. What a great project to be apart of!

During the event I discussed my artwork for the 'Over the Hills and Far Away' book, my transition from being a student to working in the professional world of illustration, my working methods/techniques, my experience of working with publishers, editors and book designers, and my new job at Paper Dove.

At the end of the talk, the students had the opportunity to look at some of my original material, work in progress, and published pieces, seeing a project from the very beginning to the very end.

If you are in Newcastle on the 25th January, make sure you get yourselves to the Picturebook in Progress Gallery Opening at Seven Stories and view the artwork of some of the UK's best loved illustrators.

With special thanks to Alison Barratt, David Wright and Carey Fluker Hunt.

Illustration Friday - Pattern

Here it is... Finally I can contribute to this week's Illustration Friday topic, 'Pattern.' This is an illustration from my first publication with Walker Books, 'The Book of Bedtime Stories'. 

I created the repeat pattern of the baby's clothing in the gorgeous print rooms at Edinburgh College of Art... lots of mess, fun and experimentation!

My first publication!!

I am so happy to finally announce my first publication with Walker Books! This beautifully designed treasury showcases ten amazing stories written by members of Mumsnet and Gransnet that were chosen by former Children's Laureate, Michael Rosen.

Ten upcoming artists and illustrators created a series of images for these short stories including me (of course) and a lovely friend of mine from Edinburgh, Cate James.

You can but the book from Walker Books here.

Macmillan Prize 2013

I am finally updating my blog! It has been so busy with the degree show but here is a little post about the Macmillan Prize 2013. 

I was extremely happy to hear that I was awarded Highly Commended for the prize this year, for my picture book 'Hiccups!' This is a book that I have enjoyed writing and illustrating as one of my main projects during my masters course at Edinburgh College of Art (2011-2013). 

Here are a couple of photographs from the private view of the exhibition which was held at the Foyles Bookshop Gallery in May.

ECA Degree Show Preparations 2

Some of my pieces waiting to be hung.

Eilidh Muldoon painting her table for the show. 

Philip Longson planning his layout for the wall space.

Eilidh Muldoon with her first pieces up and hanging.

One of our little MFA1 helpers, Jessica Kettle who dares to be sleeping in my bed.

Over the Hills and Far Away Competition

I am very happy to announce that I have just WON the Seven Stories and Frances Lincoln national illustration competition, 'Over the Hills and Far Away.' My artwork will be included in a new nursery rhyme collection to be published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books in the Autumn of 2014.

This anthology is a fresh and inclusive collection of nursery rhymes that has be gathered together from cultures across the English speaking world. Children and families will be introduced to the many diverse voices that speak to the very young in verse - offering readers new sounds, new sights and new ways with words.

The double page spread that I chose to illustrate was an African American and a Maori lullaby. Elizabeth Hammill (Co-founder of Seven Stories) stated that my artwork 'subtly and distinctively wove the two verses together by capturing a night that, like the father's embrace, is immersive and comforting and a place for imaginings of the possibilities that the galloping horses offer. There is a tenderness too in the father/baby relationship that is true and moving. The father/child are both specific to these rhymes but absolutely universal too.'

The collection will also include some 70 illustrators from across the English speaking world including: Michael Foreman, Robert Ingpen, Shirley Hughes, Jane Ray, Bob Graham,
Nick Sharett, Eric Carle, Axel Scheffler, Shaun Tan, Emily Gravett, Catherine Rayner,
Polly Dunbar, Sara Ogilvie, Jessica Ahlberg, Mini Grey, Yasmeen Ismail, Joel Stewart,
John Lawrence and Kevin Waldron.