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...

Borders Book Festival, 2015

With my wonderful agent Kathryn Ross outside Harmony House

Melrose Abbey, looking through Harmony Garden

Last weekend I travelled to Melrose to host my very first festival event at the Borders Book Festival. 

BBF is set in the National Trust for Scotland's glorious Harmony Garden, offers a vastly diverse programme of events for all ages and is organised by a friendly and passionate group of people.

I was honoured to be amongst such talented authors and illustrators in this year's programme, such as Vivian French, David Almond, Nick Sharratt and David Melling.

The wonderful families who took part in my storytelling and drawing event discovered how I created my characters for 15 Things Not to do with a Baby, had the opportunity to create some of their very own and had a sneak preview of my next book to launch with Frances Lincoln Children's Books in Spring 2016. 

The event was followed by a book signing in the Harmony Garden Bookshop where we had the opportunity for a little more chatting...!!

Enthusiastic families getting down to some illustration 

Little faces!

Harmony Garden Festival Bookshop

Thank you very much to Borders Book Festival for the invitation and the brilliant organisation! Look forward to being back in Melrose again soon!

Included in the Summer Reading Challenge 2015

I am happy to announce that my first picture book, 15 Things Not to do with a Baby (written by Margaret McAllister and published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books) has been selected for this year's book collection for the Summer Reading Challenge 2015, Record Breakers.

There are two lists - one for younger children and one for older readers. You will find 15 Things in the collection for younger readers (ages 4-7).

The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK's largest reading event for children and is organised by the charity The Reading Agency. If you would like your children to be involved in this year's challenge, pop into your local library, sign up, select your six book titles and collect stickers and other rewards along the way. You can do all of this for FREE... so go and get signed up!!!

Happy reading!