'Hiccups!' - coming May 2016

Eeek! So, it's not long until my next picture book 'Hiccups!' is published with Frances Lincoln Children's Books (Quarto Publishing)... date for the diary is 5th May! 

I thought it would be nice to share a few special facts about this book...

• I created this book for my final major project whilst doing my Masters at Edinburgh College of Art (2012/13)
• It is the first book where I am both the author and illustrator
• The little girl's character is based on my niece
• The dog is based on two cheeky little dogs that I know called Max and Osca

So for many reasons, this book is particularly special for me.

You can pre-order Hiccups! from Waterstones here... https://www.waterstones.com/book/hiccups/holly-sterling/9781847806741

My first copy

Dutch edition

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...

PDSA Christmas Cards

Samples of my christmas card designs for PDSA have finally arrived in the Paper Dove Studio. It is also nice to find my illustrations on the cover of the 2014 Christmas catalogue.

All profits made from the sale of these cards will help to support PDSA in serving sick and injured pets... so get ordering!!

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.

Illustration Friday - Talent

Illustration Friday - Teacher

Here is a little taster of something that I have been working on over the summer. For purpose of this week's Illustration Friday topic I am going to say that 'this little girl is teaching this cute dog how to behave nicely.'

There is more to these two little characters though.... I am being very daring and having a go at writing AND illustrating my own picture book, after much encouragement from friends, mentors and my lovely agent Kathryn Ross.

I wouldn't say that writing stories comes naturally to me, but I feel that things are finally starting to take shape. The main character is inspired by my little niece, which definitely keeps me entertained!