Dave Petzold I

'Seven Seas of Fleas' is Dave Petzold's debut picture book and has been shortlisted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia for New Illustrator Award. 

'Seven Seas of Fleas' is about a boy bored of washing his flea-ridden dog, who in his imagination forms a friendship with the fleas, published by Starfish Bay Publishing.

Ping Zhu II

 

The Strange Birds of Flannery O'Connor written by Amy Alznauer and illustrated in a very painterly style by Ping Zhu was published by Enchanted Lion Books June 2020. 

“I intend to stand firm and let the peacocks multiply, for I am sure that, in the end, the last word will be theirs.” Flannery O’Connor

 

It tells the story of Flannery O’Connor (March 25, 1925 – August 3, 1964) who was an American writer, known mainly for her short stories. As a child, Flannery became obsessed with birds and tried to teach her chickens tricks, which led to her appearance on Pathé news with a chicken walking backwards. 

When she was an adult, she bred peafowl and raised ducks, ostriches, emus, toucans, and any sort of exotic bird she could.

Ping Zhu's acrylic illustrations remind me of the work of Edward Hopper with flat blocks of colour.

Tereza Sediva

 I adore the style of this book; 'Mole In A Black and White Hole' by Tereza Sediva. Somehow it reminds me of Hedgehog in the Fog by Yuri Norstein, its main protagonist is so compelling. It is also wonderfully printy, complete with a scuzyness and fingerprints and somehow that makes you want to hold it.  Published in June by Thames and Hudson. 

                   

Matt Hunt

 

The Cat and the Rat and the Hat written by Em Lynas and illustrated by Matt Hunt. Simple familiar rhymes complemented by bold dynamic, graphic illustrations from Matt Hunt who works with mixed media and is inspired by old movies and cartoons. This book is published by Nosy Crow in July. 

Takako Aoki IV

 A glorious moth beamed lighthouse by Takako Aoki.

Lu Thea

 

Lu Thea has been experimenting and playing with paper cut printmaking recently and here is her combination for Spring. 

Takako Aoki III

 

Love this colour combination of hot pink and orange-red, composition by Takako Aoki.

Elaine Pamphilon IV

 

Elaine Pamphilon's painting of St Ives struck a cord this morning as the beach was full of cloud reflections, Enjoy your Sunday.

Nele Brönner

 

It's the first birthday of 'Lemon Child' by Nele Brönner published by North South Books.  A lovely quirky story about growing up. 'Little Toni' is still green and is quite happy on the lemon tree, as all of the others leap off into the world

Gérard Ifert

                                

  

In the 1950’s in Paris, geometrical and colourful,  shopfronts drew the attention of a young Swiss designer called Gérard Ifer (1928-2020). During his walks in the city, he captured these colourful compositions, and they have been published in 'Paris Colours: Gerard Ifert Ektachromes 1953-1954'.     

Gérard Ifert trained in graphic design and had a wonderful eye for images and you can find more here: 

"Perpetual development resides in nature, humanity instills its energy there, animated by the life project: to improve the current situation. Each individual thus becomes a bearer of hope for the future.” Gérard Ifert

Ellis Tolsma

 

A zing of Risso brightness from Dutch designer/ illustrator Ellis Tolsma.

My Book

 

This is the cover reveal for my first picture book, published by the wonderful Tiny Owl, 'Rock and Roll'.  It is released in the UK in September 2021 and in America in February 2022. 'Rock and Roll' tells the story of two boulders, both standing the test of time high up in the mountains, and has many subtle messages. The book is printed throughout with layers and layers of fossils. 

I'm looking forward to sharing more information about its story and creation with you in the summer.

Zachariah OHora II

'Goodnight, Veggies', written by Diana Murray and illustrated by Zachariah OHora, a gentle story of tired vegetables, but what have they been doing to get so tired? This book has wonderful vibrant, fun illustrations, and lovely words from poet Diana Murray. I will definitely adding this one to my collection it is absolutely charming. 

Alan Parker

 

A deliciously bright painting by Alan Parker.