In Hull (City of Culture, 2017) today, Lauren was named Children's Laureate 2017-2019.
I can't think of a better choice and knowing how enthusiastic she is about the subject of writing and illustrating, it should be a breeze for her. Go Lauren!
The sky as my telephone sees it…
In Honour of The Flyover and fish and chips…
Two views of the beautiful Hammersmith Flyover: one near the Apollo and the other from near the estate at the end of the bridge. There was once a good fish and chip shop beneath the flyover but it's gone. Happy National Fish and Chip Day.
WE HAVE A WINNER…
Thank you for all the entries naming insects for the competition to win the first copy of the new book.
However, there can only be one winner and the contest is just 24 hours young and someone has come forward to claim the prize. The correct answer is the humble BED BUG.
A global problem, the bed bug has afforded our winner the signed copy and much envy from fellow entrants.
Congratulations Agnela F from Goa in India.
Thanks again to everybody who entered.
(For the attention of Robert from Bowling Green, Kentucky: a mouse is not an insect but they can be very annoying all the same.)
Translation: Cimicidae.
There's a Bug On My Arm video trailer is NOW…
Ever had a stink bug land on your arm? Well, give it chance: it may turn out to be a different species altogether. You may even like it.
Huge thanks and appreciation to all those who played, danced and barked:
Pony Poo personnel:
D. Franklyn Crane (banjo)
Mister R. Smith (hands)
Lars Truly (guitarros)
Bessie (barks)
William Venturini (dancing legs)
Lauren Peachy (dancing legs)
Anna Glypter (walls)
Richmond Park (copse)
Soho Square (succulents)
Philo Phax (notes)
WIN the first copy out of the box of books…
The first box of There's a Bug On My Arm That Won't Let Go arrived the other day and the first book out of the box could be yours with a formless scribble by yours truly on the first page. Simply email me the name of your most reviled insect (no spiders please) and if it matches the S E C R E T A N S W E R then this particular book will be yours. First past the post wins. Competition must end by June 30th 2017.
Conditions: Relatives and friends of and the employees of Moon Tiger Mosquito Coils Pty Ltd. are not permitted to enter.
Izzy the Younger…
Izzy wins the prize for the best drawing of Catherine of Aragon. She didn't draw it for school, or because she was asked to. She just drew it because she wanted to. Go Izzy.
NEW picture book withstands ultra violet light test…
Copies of my new picture book There's a Bug On My Arm That Won't Let Go have arrived. They are full of vitamin D. For parasite-loving readers of all ages. Published Autumn 2017 (HarperCollins).
Observing the highway code…
Picture book launched at Little Book Room in Melbourne…
On Sunday Archie and The Bear was launched with a party at The Little Book Room in Melbourne.
I wasn't there, but I heard from the author Zanni Louise that it was a big success. I would have liked to hear her reading the book.
It was launched in a nice looking black room which goes well with the black bear. We did a limited edition print and in true Australian style it was the prize in a raffle. Thank you, Little Book Room. It's a good bookshop and it even has a cake shop next door.
One boy at the party asked how the pictures got from one side of the world to the other. The answer is in a big cardboard envelope, posted bear mail.
A good time was had by all.
Photos: Hayley Stephenson
A real page turner.