Dearest Chums ...

WARNING: I'm about to gush like Gwyneth Paltrow plunging down the Niagara Falls and no mistake..

I've been pondering this post for many weeks now, following a flurry of wonderful deliveries at Book Sniffer Towers.

SO in a mammoth extravaganza here are reviews by some authors and illustrators (and friends) so very dear to my heart I might just pop with pride. 

Troll Swap 

By Leigh Hodgkinson 

Published by Nosy Crow

Here for your delectation and delight is a modern day tale of mischief and mess!

Ever feel like you don't fit in? Well, that's just the problem Timothy Limpit the troll has, he's far too tidy and neat (a troll after my own heart). Fortunately Timothy meets Tabitha Lumpit who happens to be a girl with the manners of a stinky troll so together they embark on the great Troll Swap. 

A book with just the right balance of smelly burps and spick and span tidiness. Have you ever in your life seen such a bright and bonkers book jacket, it literally bounces off the shelf, Leigh's illustrations just get better and better. Grab a copy of troll swap as quick as you can!

We give Troll Swap 3 whiffy socks and some shake'n'vac out of 5! 

 

Smelly Footnote : OBVIOUSLY my own manners are faultless and I've not tooted in years 

Follow Leigh on Twitter @hoonbuton and check out her marvellous non-stinky blog here

Primrose 

By Alex T Smith 

Published by Scholastic 

Roll out the red carpet Sniffers this latest offering is a picture book worthy of a huge stamp of royal approval. 

Princess Primrose is a flame haired bundle of joyful frivolity but is her behaviour fitting of that of a perfect princess? HRH Grandma pays an emergency visit to teach the straight laced royals a very important lesson (in having fun!). 

Primrose is clever, entertaining, refreshing and most of all a jolly good chortle. 

This picture book will put a right royal spring in your step. 

Those Sniffers who are lucky enough to have a copy in their mitts may notice a certain familiar face in the form of Percy the royal pug who I am assured by Mr Smith himself is ever so slightly based on ME! Would you Adam and Eve it.  Actually-absolutely THE proudest day of my life!

DASHING

We give Primrose 5 plump pugs on a platter out of 5 

Actually-absolutely THE proudest day of my life!

I had to breath into a paper bag and sit on my comfy cushion for a good while when this little gem arrived on the doorstep. 

It is well documented that I am and always have been a HUGE fan of 

Alex T Smith, (read here...and here .. and here ) his work is clever, unique, charming and hugely tittersome, his characters and attention to detail are second to none and he is without doubt just an all round nice chap, you MUST follow Alex on Twitter @Alex_T_Smith - #bloominhilarious! #allhailprimrose #toot-toot

Bubble and Squeak 

Written by James Mayhew Illustrated by Clara Vulliamy

Published by Orchard Books

 

I always new my heart would be fit to burst if Clara and James created a book together they are without doubt a total dream team with a cherry on top. I had heard whisperings about Bubble and Squeak some time ago, a magical legend I dare not believe it until I laid my actual peepers on its magnificent pages.. It is a thing of purest wonder and joy. 

Roll up Roll up for a thrilling tale of dare devil adventure. With all the glamour of the golden age of the circus and a good smattering of mild peril Bubble the elephant and Squeak the mouse forge a very special friendship.

This beautifully written story is perfectly complimented with sumptuous and joyfully bright illustrations which are good enough to eat and bounce like a clown on a trampoline off the pages.

A picture book as sweet as candyfloss and as bright as a string of technicolor fairy lights.

We give Bubble and Squeak 4 hot dogs and a bucket of glitter out of 5 

Follow James and Clara on Twitter @claravulliamy and @mayhewjames also visit their blogs! here and here 

Mabel and Me Best of Friends 

Written by Mark Sperring Illustrated by Sarah Warburton 

published by HarperCollins 

An utterly charming story following the hilarious friendship between Mabel and her well meaning chum. Beautifully expressive illustrations bring this hilarious tale of misunderstandings to life. I have recommended this book over and over, it's just beautiful and funnier than a monkey in a fez.  

One to relish reading over and over with your very best friend. Congratulations to this dynamic new team who have created a very special book. Lets hope we see more of Mable very soon! 

We give Mabel and Me 4 love hearts and our last Rolo out of 5 

For a hilarious and touching insight into the creation of this book read this blog post by Sarah herself.. truly inspiring! 

Visit Sarah's blog here and follow her on Twitter @SarahWarbie 

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam 

Written by Tracey Corderoy and illustrated by Steven Lenton 

Published by Nosy Crow  

Move over Boney and Clyde, there's a new pair of mischief makers in town!

Two more lovable rogues you're not likely to meet, as Shifty and Sam turn their backs on a life of tricksy pinching to open a magnificent bakery. 

A sublime and chuckle-some rhyming text with illustrations good enough to eat. Move over Mary Berry, Shifty and Sam are the new patisserie du jour. This book will tickle your funny bone and have you immediately reaching for a sticky bun....or two 

We give Shifty and Sam  4 cream horns and a macaroon out of 5 

Read our full review here   

Follow Steven on Twitter @2Dscrumptious and visit his website here  and follow Tracey on Twitter here @TraceyCorderoy 

 With thanks to the publishers / authors and illustrators for sending me such a mind bogglingly fabulous array of pure gold picture book wonderment  - TOOT TOOT! 

Jack's Amazing Shadow! - An interview with the delightful Tom Percival

SO here it is, Jack's Amazing Shadow by ever so delightful and multi-talented Tom Percival. (He made the Oscar worthy book trailer himself - what a clever old bean! Crack open some pop-corn and watch it here )

Jack doesn't have a care in the world, days are all about playing and having fun with his best buddy who happens to be his very own amazing magical shadow. But when Jacks shadow gets up to mischief and Jack himself gets the blame they decide to go their separate ways. 

Will Jack and his shadow ever be reunited? 

Super cool edgy illustrations and a lively fast paced story make this book perfect for anyone who's ever wondered what their shadow gets up to when they're not looking!   

Well guess what sniffers, We are as lucky as a cat in a fishmongers because we've bagged an interview with Tom himself. What larks! 

Two-Toms

Here he is in the Book Sniffer Quick Fire Cannon

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

Jack's AMAZING Shadow is an everyday sort of book about a blue haired boy's adventures with his amazing magical shadow.

It was really good fun to work on as I changed my style slightly with this book. I used to use a lot of photographic elements in my images, basically making digital collages, but on 'Jack…' I drew and painted everything instead. I still composited the different elements digitally to give me a bit of leeway when it comes to the composition. I have huge respect for people who work purely traditionally as you can't just 'move the character over to the right a bit' if you feel the image is off balance. You just HAVE to get it right first time - argghh, the pressure!

The story came about after seeing how my eldest son, Ethan, reacted to his younger brother coming along. When Joey was a baby Ethan doted on him, but as soon as Joey became a toddler, Ethan realised that he now had a constant companion and I think this was a bit tricky for him to deal with. They get on brilliantly now, but we had a few 'ups and downs' along the way, including the infamous 'You are not my friend ANY… MORE!' incident, which I basically stole verbatim for the story. Although in real-life Joey didn't fade sadly away thankfully - he's made of pretty stern stuff!

Rather than using two brothers as my characters I tried to think of other relationships where you're kind of co-dependant on each other. I wanted to use characters that would enable me to include some good visual gags and make the story really fun and a bit more unusual than the basic 'best-friends' kind of story. After trying out a few ideas I decided that a boy and his shadow could work really well. I liked the idea that Jack's shadow is almost the embodiment of all the naughty things that Jack might want to do, but doesn't allow himself to as it immediately gave me a sense of his mischievous character.

I try to explore a singular theme with each picture book that I do, and in Jack's AMAZING Shadow, it's definitely about the highs and lows of a really strong friendship.

I really enjoyed working on Jack's AMAZING Shadow and hope that I can re-visit the characters further down the line as I have a couple more journeys that I'd like to take them on.

What was the last children's book you brought? 

Fantastic Mr Fox for my two sons. They love it!

What do you listen to while you are working? 

It depends if I'm drawing or writing. If I'm writing, I can't listen to anything at all as it throws my concentration. If I'm drawing it's usually something ambient or instrumental, classical sometimes too. I find music with lyrics a bit distracting now for some reason. I used to be fine with music on in the background, but now I find I like to wholly occupy whatever 'world' I'm working on/in

Who would you most like to collaborate with? 

I would LOVE to draw for Neil Gaiman. Although I'm a huge fan of Dave McKean and couldn't better his work, so it's probably best that it never happens!

What can you see out of your studio window?

I have a BEAUTIFUL view. I can see Rodborough common in one direction and Selsey Common in another. The hill sides are thick with woodland and I can always hear birds singing. I love it!

Who should we follow on Twitter?

@brainpicker

Which books have influenced your life most?

The Tim and the Hidden People. Flight path to Reading series of books by Sheila K McCullagh as they were the first REAL story books I read when I had grasped the basics of cats sitting on mats and so forth.

What are you reading now?

I've just re-read the Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter. I LOVE that book and re-read it every couple of years or so. I love the unsettling, magical worlds she created, all very rich. 

Are there any new authors/illustrators who have grasped your interest?

Not really 'new' in anyway, but Jon Klassen is fantastic. And this guy isn't a picture book artist, but Dermot Power who is a Film concept artist is a massive inspiration to me.

Do you have a favorite book character?

Hmm, tricky… I was about to write 'no one person stands out from the rest' but then I realised that they're not 'people' are they? I guess that goes a good way to answering your next question!

Were you a bookworm as a child and which children's books made a lasting impression on you?

Yep, very much so. We didn't have a TV in my house and I read all the time. The two books that made the biggest impact upon me were The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. The Devil on the Road by Robert Westal

What’s your favourite bookstore?

Again, tricky… There are so many great independents. My local children's bookshop in Stroud is a great place to browse around and Blackwells on Parkstreet in Bristol is fantastic. They do lots of bespoke window displays there and have a great bunch of people working there.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer/illustrator?

I have ALWAYS drawn pictures and made up stories. It's been my main source of entertainment through life. I trained as a graphic designer as I thought that illustration might be a bit risky as a career. I came from a family where money was always tight and I had no desire to take on a career that was likely to continue that pattern. Still, I kept on drawing all the way through uni and my first few jobs, so eventually I thought, lets just give it a go, I can always go back to graphic design if it doesn't work out. That was in about 2005 I think. I got the Skulduggery Pleasant illustration job not long after and that was pretty instrumental in getting me up and running.

When did you first consider yourself a writer/illustrator?

Illustration-wise it was probably when the Skulduggery books came out and I got my first letters from kids saying how much the liked the pictures and how they wanted to do that as a job when they grew up. That was a pretty cool moment in my life. Especially as I used to think that about so many illustrators work when I was younger, but you didn't have the internet and twitter etc then so it was pretty hard to voice your appreciation of people's work.

What is the hardest part of writing/illustrating a book?

Having the right idea and continuing to believe in it all the way through the process.

What are you currently writing/working on?

I'm working on four different picture book concepts which are all at various stages in the long journey to completion and a long form Y/A fiction concept which I'm about 1/3 of the way through currently. I'm making an animated eBook edition of Jack's AMAZING Shadow, which is taking a rather longer than I had anticipated! And I'm also doing a few animation projects to promote upcoming books that I've worked on. 

Do you have any advice for other writers/illustrators?

If you love it, you'll do it, there's not a great deal that I can say that would be of any real help, as everyones circumstances are different. But if I HAD to offer some general advice it would be that you need to do as much drawing/writing as you possibly can, practice until it's second nature and doesn't take any conscious thought. Learn to be as objective as you can about your own work, don't be afraid to acknowledge when something is either really good, or not as good as it could be. Be pleasant and polite, deliver work on time and to budget and if you can't for whatever reason, tell the relevant people as soon as possible! Finally and most importantly of all, don't compare what you do to what other people do, as there's NO POINT! I love this phrase 'Comparison is the thief of joy' it very much rings true with me, and I have to keep reminding myself of it. As long as you keep trying to improve, it really doesn't matter when anyone else is doing.

Here are some of of Tom's inspiringly insightful development sketches... Pop out and nab a copy of Jack's AMAZING Shadow tout sweet!

Why not visit Toms fabulous website here 

and be sure to follow him on Twitter @TomPercivalsays 

A BIG squeezy Sniffer THANK YOU to Tom for popping by! 

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam -

Move over Boney and Clyde there's a new mischievous duo in town and they are b-b-b-b-baaaad to the bone!

From the pen of Tracey Corderoy and the brush of the talented Steven Lenton comes what might just be my latest, favourite duo: hilarious robber dogs, Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam.

After falling on hard times and failing desperately as tip-toeing burglars the two miserable mutts hatch a perfect plan to dig into their neighbours pockets by inviting them over for a lavish tea party. 

Despite previously never having donned a pinny OR been near the kitchen, the loveable villains are determined to make their paw penned plot a success. 

Will their plan rise perfectly like a choux bun in a hot oven? OR will it fall disappointingly flat like a soggy bottomed fruit flan? I’d love to tell you but I fear I shouldn’t or I’ll spoil their tittersome plan. I can't help but wonder if Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam might not be better off starting a line in cakes containing files... just saying 

Now I think a good rhyming text is hard to come by but this chucklesome read scans perfectly, and on top of that, Tracey's fabulous text is brought charmingly to life by talented new illustrator Steven Lenton who presents us with the perfect, comical, canine duo. 

Lenton’s ability to design ingenious and visionary characters shines brightly on these pages and sitting and 'pawing' over the myriad of anthropomorphised animals is one of its great joys. (The multi striped, patched and coloured zoo spread might just have to be my favourite...complete with baby kangaroo in the swag bag).

With droolsomely-delicious end papers that are good enough to eat, and a subtle palette that works beautifully on the page, this has to be one of my top ‘tails’ of the year so far ! And on top of all that, it’s from that ‘ever so clever’ team at Nosy Crow.

Just one more thing…now I do like a moral behind a good picture book story and we all know crime doesn’t pay, so dig into your pockets, get down to your local bookshop and hand over the money...You won’t regret it.

Book Sniffer and Co give 

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam 

5 cream bones out of 5! 

An absolute TRIUMPH..The best swag in the bag! 

Pop by and visit Tracey's website here and PLEASE follow Steven Lenton on Twitter @2dscrumptious, check out his charming website here 

BRAVO AND CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH 

DISHY McLenton

An abundance of deliciousness....

Gather round Sniffers, I just wanted to give you a sneakiest peekiest preview of the delights you might find on this blog in the coming months...there is almost too much marvellousness to cram in but for you my dear sniffers I will endeavour to do my best....

Author illustrator features with..,
Benji Davies
Steve Lenton
Clara Valliumy and Shirley Hughes
Giles Paley-Phillips
David Melling and Mattius Adolphson
Tom Percival
And more....

And reviews and features on a a whole host of treasures, including Alex T Smiths Primrose, Mabel and Me illustrated by Sarah Warburton, The Dark illustrated by Jon Klassen and Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam illustrated by Steven Lenton!

The Sniffer horn of plenty doth over flow and my heart is fit to burst with delight!

Under 10's writing competition - with Buy-a-Gift!

Well I never thought I'd see the day! I've been asked to be a judge in a real life writing competition for tiddly peeps! 

SUCH FUN. (I think I'm more Louis Walsh than Simon Cowell .. but we shall see.)

How can I possibly pick a winner??!!

I am immensely pleased to be involved with this project because I too as a small pup loved to write and illustrate tiny books of my own. 

Any project which promotes imagination, creativity and word smithery gets my paw print of approval! TOOT TOOT  

Here is a bit more about this thrilling pen-n-inky competition. 

This is me writing my own story...blah blah blah 

BUYAGIFT GIVES YOUNG AUTHORS CHANCE TO HAVE THEIR STORY PUBLISHED AND RAISE MONEY FOR MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION® UK

Specialist gifting website Buyagift.com has launched a new competition to find the next J.K Rowling… under the age of 10! 

 Budding authors are invited to submit their stories on a set theme, with the chance to have their work judged by award-winning writer Giles Paley-Phillips and leading picture book blogger Emma O’Donovan (that's me..). 

The winning author will see their work made into a professionally published book and sold on the Buyagift website with all profits going to children’s wish granting charity Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK.

This is dishy Giles..

"With the Easter holidays now upon us, the experience day specialists wanted to encourage young people to stay active. “We’re all about  getting people out and about on experiences, so we wanted to give young creative minds an alternative to marathon TV sessions over the Easter holidays,” said Buyagift CEO Dan Mountain.

Children up to the age of 10 will be able to submit their short stories to be judged by an expert panel that includes famed children’s author Giles Paley-Phillips – the creator of popular stories like The Fearsome Beastie. (read Gile's blog here)

“I am hugely honoured to be judging this extremely exciting writing competition, which is set to inspire some budding new writers” said author Giles Paley-Phillips.

All entrants will be writing to a set title of The Unexpected Gift, with Buyagift paying all costs for the winning story to be illustrated and published.  The book will then be made available on the Buyagift website, with all profits going to Make-A-Wish.

The competition will run from April 3^rd – June 2^nd and the winner will be announced by the end of June. Entries should be emailed to submityourownstories@buyagift.com

VISIT the website .. AND ENTER HERE http://www.buyagift.co.uk/youngauthors

They also sell personalised books http://www.buyagift.co.uk/Unique-Gifts-Personalised-books-BN-123Zyl.aspx so you too can be in a real life book ... wouldn't that be dreamy! 

Proceeds of the sale of the winning book go to The Make a Wish Foundation,
 Make-A-Wish Foundation ® UK has been granting magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions since 1986. Our wishes are truly magical and can bring so much to a child´s life, providing memories that last a lifetime for both the child and their family. - See more at: http://www.buyagift.co.uk/youngauthors#sthash.4fJIGY6d.dpuf

Hoo Kid's Book Fest AND guest post by Jane Simmons

Just in time for the emergence of Spring tickets have gone on sale to one of the most exciting Children's book festivals on the block! You'll be agog and aghast at the interstellar line up - there are more fabulous authors and illustrators than you could shake a book at. It appears to me that it is quite frankly the must have ticket of the season! See what's on here...http://www.hoobookfest.org.uk/whatson.html 

The Hoo’s Kids Book Fest was started last year by five friends working in publishing, education and the arts and who all share a passion for children’s books.

It's location in Luton Hoo Walled Garden (designed by Capability Brown) has a wonderful rambling, magical atmosphere reminiscent of The Secret Garden. 

The festival features local artists and writers alongside well-known published writers and illustrators, with the aim of getting kids of all ages (as well as parents and grandparents) immersed in books and book- related activities. At a time when only 1 in 3 children own a book it has never been more important to promote reading and literacy.

Local schools are invited to get involved by creating themed artwork and installations that are displayed on the day – this year’s theme is Discover the World inspired by Lord Bute who founded the garden.

This year there is an amazing line-up including Sally Gardner, Lauren Child, Jackie Morris and James Mayhew and Philip Ardagh to mention just a few  - check out who’s coming at www.hoobookfest.org.uk  and get your tickets booked – they are selling like hot cakes. 

There’s so much going on including the first ever Famous Five appearance at a Festival. We are asking everyone to bring along books ( as fat as possible!) they have finished with and help build a book sculpture that will be donated to Oxfam.

It will be a day not to be missed with so many authors and illustrators in a very special place -  a brilliant day out for everyone!

In conjunction with the Hoo's Kids Book Fest we are lucky enough to welcome author and Illustrator Jane Simmons to Book Sniffer Towers - Jane has tried her hand at landscape gardening, futon making, teaching basket weaving and soft toy making but claims the only thing that has held her interest was the idea of writing and illustrating children's books. 

As a mature student, Jane studied illustration at Anglia University, Cambridge. During her course, her talent was recognised with several awards including the Association of Illustrators Images 20 Student Prize in 1995. 

The success of Jane's Daisy titles has been phenomenal. Her artwork is irresistible and Daisy, the little duck with big feet, is loved the world over. 

Here is Jane's guest post on some of the inspirations behind her creations. 

Jane Simmons's life in books.

I have often used the animals and people around me for my inspiration and when I look at some of my books it's like following a passage through my life.

 

COME ON DAISY was from the time I lived on my small boat in the Cambridgeshire Fens and lots of ducklings swam around it every morning. I sketched and painted them every day, just because they were there and from this Daisy was born.

 

The EBB AND FLO series came when we lived on a fishing boat in Cornwall with our dog and we went out in a dinghy up the rivers and creeks all the time. The backgrounds are taken from all around the Fal estuary and the boat Ebb and Flo lived on, is our boat.

  

BERYL GOES WILD came from when I looked after my parent's pigs. Until then, I had no idea how full of character pigs could be. I spent many hours sketching those lovely pigs and watching them snort and snuffle about. A friend borrowed a car that hardly worked so I could go to a wild boar farm a hundred miles away and I spent the day knee-deep in mud sketching wild boars. Then we kangaroo'd all the way home.

SHIP'S CAT DORIS 

is about our cat  and how he came to live with us all. We were converting the fishing boat that features in the book, in a boatyard in Cornwall, before setting sail across the channel and down to the Mediterranean.

 I now live in Normandy and my latest book, LILY GETS LOST is very much from here. The sheep and lambs are my neighbours, they wake me every morning bleating and bleating and bleating…..BAAAAAA!

Jane's most recent picture book Lily Gets Lost - Published by Orchard books is available to buy here

THANK YOU for popping by Jane! I wonder if a Pug might feature in your next book? ....

You can follow Jane on Twitter @TheJaneSimmons and find out more about her work on her website janesimmons.com 

WIN a family ticket to the Hoo Kids Book Fest 

Competition terms and conditions

We have 1 family ticket (4 tickets minimum one adult) to give away and the lucky winner will be chosen at random.  If you would like to win a family ticket to the Hoos Kids Book Festival just send an email to emma.booksniffer.odonovan@gmail.com with the heading "Hoo's Kids Book Fest" indicating that you would like to be entered into the giveaway.  This giveaway closes on the 12th April and the winner will be notified by email.

- 7 days of notification the winner(s) is required to email confirmation of acceptance of the prize to X, along with a postal address in the United Kingdom to which the prize can be sent.  If the winner doesn't provide such confirmation their entry will be disqualified and an alternative winner will be chosen.

-The winner(s) consents to their name being displayed on x

-The prize cannot be transferred and no cash alternative is available.

-The decision of X will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.