Introducing marvellous Illustrator Stephen Waterhouse

This time last year we were gadding about in Skegness with our kiss me quick hats on but where oh where shall we go on our Book Sniffer hols this year?

"We're all going on a...Summer Holiday no more blogging for a week or two."....
(that bit isn't true there's FAR to much sniffing to be done)

There's nothing left to do but reach for the nearest Altlas and pick a destinantion and it just so happens a fabulous pop-up Atlas landed on my doorstep this very week! 

If that wasn't coincidence enough guess who dropped in for tea! Illustrator Stephen Waterhouse, who created the jewel-like illustrations featured in this wonderful pop-up creation...

 

Well you know me I had the kettle on and the biscuits out faster than you can say Jack Rabbit and before long we were chatting away like old neighbours over the fence.

Tales on Moon Lane Twitter Illustrator Event

YES YES YES - it's well and truly festival season and there's a new cool Lit Fest at the block courtesy of the fabulous
Tales on Moon Lane .

We've managed to gain EXCLUSIVE access to two of the SUPERB illustrators appearing in the Picture Book Book Shop event (which just happens to be SOLD OUT)
.
The Book Sniffer (@maybeswabey) will be hosting a special once in a lifetime virtual on line interview / tea party featuring the most legendary Nadia Shireen AND Chris Judge

Alex T Smith - EXCLUSIVE preview!

TA-DA ...JAZZ HANDS...

I have a Book Sniffer exclusive just for you, YES an ever-so TOP SECRET peek back stage at Alex T Smiths brand new picture book gem Catch Us If You Can-Can, it's so top secret it doesn't even exist as a real book yet! (don't say I don't sniff out the best treats for you!) publishing on 2nd August (which also coincidentally happens to be Alex's birthday too toot toot)

STUCK in a tree with Oliver Jeffers

It's not everyday you find yourself stuck in a tree on Finchley Road, it's not everyday you find yourself stuck in a tree with Oliver Jeffers but today is one of those very days!

I've been a fan of Oliver's work for many many years now (human years not dog years!) and in a desperate bid to catch up with him while he was visiting the UK I wrote a blog entitled "50 reasons why Oliver Jeffers should appear on the Book Sniffer" - I didn't think in a million GAZILLION years that I would actually get to meet and interview the man himself - but I did.. can you imagine, what a treat and entirely thanks to magical Rosi from Harper Collins to whom I am eternally grateful. 

EXCLUSIVE - sneek peak at "Naughty Kitty" by Adam Stower

PUN ALERT: Warning this review contains puns so paws for thought before you read any furrther.

So the other day I just happened to be loitering in the offices of Templar Publishing when through a series of cats whispers it transpired that cool cat Adam Stower was going to be in the office that very afternoon talking to the creme de la creme of the Indy book selling industry about his work.

Me and Adam Stower!

I was aghast, Adam Stower, author and illustrator of Slam! and Silly Doggy in the office that very day, you’ve cat to be kitten me ...right meow?

THREE CHEERS FOR Rabbityness

Rabbityness - Written and Illustrated by Jo Empson, published by Child's Play

Much the same way as I enjoy doing "puggy" things like sniffing picture books and practising the art of he hand tied bow tie Rabbit enjoys doing rabbity things including jumping, hopping and whisker twirling,

But Rabbit also loves doing un-rabbity things like painting and making beautiful tunesome music!

When Rabbit suddenly disappears, no one knows where he has gone. (One hopes that he hasn't gone to the big hutch in the sky.. I am assured not but who knows!)

Rabbits companions are lost without his mesmerising melodies and magical paintings brigthening up the woodland. But, as it turns out, Rabbit has left behind some very special gifts for his friends to help them discover their own unrabbity talents!

Rabbityness celebrates individuality, encourages creativity and positively introduces children to dealing with loss in it's many forms in a sensitive, accessible and positive way.

A stunning, joyful contemporary debut picture book by former graphic designer and author/illustrator Jo Empson,

This beautiful modern rabbity tale is utterly charming and packed with soul, destined to be a classic of the future.
Vibrant to the point of bursting with vivid juicy colour.

We Give Rabbityness 5 shiny golden carrots out of 5!

LOVELY endpapers too...

If you like this you'll also love...

Star Gazers, Skyscrapers and Extraordinary Sausages

AND UUGGHH! By Claudia Boldt