Glaring into the crystal ball of 2013 ...

In a moment of utter madness I'd like to take a quick peek forward at 2013, so here are just a few exciting peeplettes which you should keep your eyes open for.

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam -  

Written by Tracey Corderoy and expertly illustrated by Steven Lenton - Published by Nosy Crow and arriving May 2013

'A bountiful, sniggersome, canine crime ridden romp.'

Have a sneak peek inside this book here 

It is hard to believe that it was only this time last year that I first interviewed Mr Lenton and now he's an interstellar star, speaking on panels with the likes of Axel Scheffler and more book deals than you could comfortably fit in a picnic basket. Three cheers for this wonderful new addition to the world of picture books. Full review to follow in 2013

Join Steve's fabulous Illustration Facebook page here

Captain Beastlie 

Written by Lucy Coats and Illustrated by Sniffer chum Chris Mould - Published by Nosy Crow, arriving on the horizon sometime soon ...

SNEAK PEEK 

" Move over Pugwash there's a new Captain on the high seas in this piratical gem of gargantuan proportions with rum barrels of laughs on every page. Walk the plank all ye who dare not pre-order this little treasure"

A proper good old tale of adventure and mayhem with a smattering of mild piratical peril and a monkey in a fez, what's not to like. Bravo Lucy and Chris. 

Paul Thurlby’s Animal book -

Written and illustrated by Paul Thurlby - Published by Templar Publishing arriving Spring 2013

The follow up to Paul's phenomenally successful Alphabet book (which you can read more about here) Animals is another beautifully produced work of art. With artisan prints on each page and a smattering of intriguing animal facts this book has something for everyone. A true design icon in the making. Visit Paul's website here 

Fasten your seat belt – here comes Dixie O’Day!

We are waiting in eager anticipation for Clara Vulliamy's sublime collaboration with her mother, the one and only dame of Children's Publishing Shirley Hughes. 
A brand new series featuring the one and only dashing hound in tweed (apart from me) Dixie O'Day and his sidekick Percy! Rip roaring-horn-tooting-dapper-dog-detective-tales. 
We quite simply cannot WAIT!

Visit Clara's wonderful blog  here  and read more HERE

FEATURE ON THE BLOG COMING SOON...A VERY EXCITING ONE! 

On the subject of blogs....and dogs, I have to give a special mention to wonderful Emma Chichester-Clark and her utterly inspirational and eye-bogglingly charming blog  Plumdog Blog. 
Delightful daily illustrative insights into the world of Emma's canine companion Plum. The incredible amount of work and sensitive characterization which go into each post will make your eyes water with total admiration. 

Visit Emma's website here 

Collaborative Blog post COMING SOON 

Image (c) Emma Chichester-Clark - featured on the Plumdog Blog

Don't forget to check out our new permanent spot in TBK magazine, and keep a beady eye on the App Puppy blog for our feature on developing apps with Matt 'lovely beard' Haworth and Chris 'the joker' Mould. Read More HERE

So all in all, a good year gone and an even better one to come. With more author/illustrator interviews and book reviews than you can shake a large stick at.

All Aboard the good ship Book Sniffer! Toot Toot we sail at dawn!