Gentleman Jim!

In 2011 a dazzling new talent smashed head long into the Book Sniffer gang of best-loved illustrators, it was Mr Jim Field and I'd just watched him receive the much coveted (Hugely

missed) Booktrust Roald Dahl Funny Prize, along with one of my very most favourite authors Peter Bentley for their collaboration on Cat's Ahoy!. 

5 years have since passed and I have happily observed Jim bounce joyously from success to success creating a cornucopia of brilliant, award-winning books with a  myriad of exceptionally talented authors to huge critical acclaim. 

There's no denying this chap is talented but boy-o-boy is he hard working. 2016 will be what can only be described as an annus mirabilis for Jim, as we see no less that 5 new publications coming from Hachette Children's Books alone. Beautifully designed collaborations with the likes of Kes Grey, Michelle Robinson and Rachel Bright have previously become instant household hits and their eagerly anticipated sequels are set to become firm family favourites.   

This week, after an excruciatingly long wait I was overjoyed to finally witness Jim and Julian Gough's first collaboration emerge from hibernation...presenting

Rabbit & Bear 'Rabbit's Bad Habits' . 

A deliciously produced, lavishly illustrated new series for emerging readers. Carefree Bear and omnipotent Rabbit make a most delightfully pairing providing the perfect canvas on which to unfurl a simple yet pant wittingly funny woodland tale of kleptomania, culinary mishaps, daring escapes, potential avalanches and the endurance of true friendship. 

Julian and Jim make a heavenly pairing and the exquisite balance of text and full page, spot colour illustrations make this the perfect book for devouring in one sitting. Barely in my hands for more than a few hours and I can hardly wait another moment for the next instalment. No bookshelf should be without a copy. 

Three cheers for illustrated fiction, limp carrots and occasionally eating one's own poo!  

FOLLOW Jim on TWITTER @_JimField 

Dearest Jim took some time out of his immensely busy doodling schedule to rummage through his plan chest and find us some fantastic character development sketches. It's always such a treat to see how characters evolve, and these two are set to steal the hearts (and winter food supplies) of many many readers not least ours! 

 EXCLUSIVE! 

Keep an eye out for a very special step-by-step guide to 'How to Draw Rabbit' and some never before seen sketch book sneak peeks in the next issues of WRD Magazine! 

I would strongly advise you pre-order these gems at your soonest convenience...

Quick Quack Quentin written by Kes Grey 

(Publishing Aug 2016) 

The Koala Who Could written by Rachel Bright 

(Publishing September 2016 )

OI Dog! Written by Kes Grey 

(Publishing October 2016 )

a HUGE THANK YOU 

to Jim Field, Rebecca Logan &

Hachette Children's Books 

for spending the time to help us with this feature! 

A wolf in bunny's clothing... SUSPICIOUS?

The award for MOST eye-catching cover goes to....

Wolfie the Bunny! What a treat and the insides are even better.

A beautifully graphic and bold illustration style from Zachariah Ohara works perfectly alongside the text  beautifully crafted by Ame Dyckman in this hilarious tale of confused identity, vegetarianism and supporting your local independent trader. 

When the Bunny Family arrive home to find a small but hugely adorably fluffy wolf cub on their doorstep they are duty bound to provide the little chap with a loving home. Dot Rabbit is a little more cautious because WHO ON EARTH would adopt a meat eating predator and not expect to get EATEN!!!!??? 

Sibling rivalry escalates as Wolfie grows up to become the perfect son, much to Dot and her friends dismay. Dot remains unconvinced until one fateful trip to the co-op when the circle of life almost see's the untimely demise of one of our heroes. 

Little readers will love having an insight into what might happen as the story unfolds and especially relish in the parents being non-the-wiser.

Beautifully subtle, unbearably stylish and full of fun! Perhaps not one for preparing a child for the arrival of a new sibling... unless also accompanied by plenty of carrots. 

LOOK OUT FOR THE SLOTH SHOP KEEPER! Perfection!  

BUY THE BOOK HERE 

EXCLUSIVE COVER REVEAL

Sophy Henn's Pom Pom Panda first stomped and barged his way onto my life in early 2015, Pom Pom Get's the Grumps was an instant hit and became a firm favourite, since then we have added Pom Pom the Champion to the family with all the eager determination of the first book. It's such a refreshing delight to witness this beautifully observed, no added sugar tip top full of charm chap become such an instant hit.  

It is an incomparable delight to be able to present to you an exclusive first peek at the cover for Sophy's latest Pom Pom adventure Pom Pom is Super! And here is it in all it's glory, a bright, bold contemporary and utterly engaging addition to every young Sniffer's book shelf. You won't be able to get your hands on Pom Pom is Super until August 2016 (I KNOW, almost unbearable) but I have no doubt it will be worth every second of that wait! Great work Puffin Books keep them coming! 

Also one to watch Pass it On! Publishing in February 2016 A delicious uplifting picture book about finding joy in even the smallest of things! Find out more here

VISIT SOPHY'S WEBSITE HERE

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