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Category: Featured illustrators

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The Hare-Shaped Hole is a beautiful, touching, and poignant picture book which gently explores themes of grief and loss.
Immediately touched by the gentle rhyming and expressive illustrations in this beautiful picture book.

'Hertle and Bertle were always a pair, though one was a turtle and one was a hare. They were utterly buddies, and best friends forever and whenever you looked, you would find them together... until quite unexpectedly... the end came.'

When Hertle disappears for good, Bertle can only see a Hertle-shaped hole where his friend should be. He pleads with it, get angry with it, but the hole still won't bring his Hertle back.
It seems like hope is lost... until Gerda the kindly bear finds him. She explains that he must fill the hole with his memories of Hertle. And slowly... Bertle begins to feel a little bit better.

Powerful and moving text from children's author and poet John Dougherty is paired perfectly with warm illustrations from the wonderfully talented Thomas Docherty in a thoughtful and sensitive approach to this difficult topic.

This moving picture book can be used as part of a gentle conversation about death and grief with children.

"A beautiful, gentle, rhyming exploration of grief and mourning." - Joe Coelho, Waterstones Children's Laureate.

Stunningly clever at dealing with grief in the same way as a child can do, by looking all around, getting cross and then by doing something about it, the memory lives and the grief can find its own way out.

Sue Martin - Children's Literacy Specialist


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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A fantastic, full-colour, read-aloud poetry collection for young children.         All aboard for Kalamazoo!

One ticket will let you… ride on an elephant, stay in a bug hotel, travel by train boat and plane, mingle with bears and minibeasts – and even meet an alien! All this and more, in 19 zippy poems to read aloud.

This is a fantastic and eagerly awaited poetry collection for young children, from the author of bestselling Zim Zam Zoom!, which was shortlisted for the CLiPPA Award and long-listed for the UKLA Award

I love poems to read out loud, poems which can be right for any time of the day and can be shared with  just one or many little people. What fun!  I loved the poems in  A Ticket to Kalamazoo ( such a good word!) and one of my favourites is  ‘Hug Day’.

'Is today a hug day?

A going on and on day?

An everything’s all wrong day?

You   need   a   hug!....'

Or maybe my favourite is Ginger-Pincher?

James Carter, the author, is a prize-winning poet, guitarist and educational writer. He travels all over the UK to give poetry performances and workshops and is the author of many best-selling poetry books including Hey Little Bug! and I'm a Little Alien. James lives in Wallingford, Oxfordshire.

Neal Layton is an author and illustrator whose images are prized for their spontaneity and inventiveness. His picture books include The Tree, The Story of Stars, and Oscar and Arabella. Born in Chichester, he was going to be a scientist but instead studied Graphic Design, gaining a BA at Newcastle and an MA in Illustration at Central St Martins. He lives with his family in Portsmouth, Hampshire.

Otter-Barry Books are unique, small independent publishers based in Herefordshire with a focus on culturally diverse and inclusive illustrated books, as well as a strong collection of poetry titles. They just produce such irresistible books of high quality.  They have been shortlisted for the British Book Awards Small Press of the Year, 2020, 2021 & 2022.

Sue Martin - Children's Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout, Stories across the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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I took this book to my favourite three-year-old who lives on a farm in Norfolk. The dark winter evening had already settled in. As I walked in the dogs barked and the ponies neighed.

‘Come in, come in,’ said a little voice. And at the sight of the book Santa’s Christmas Countdown in my arm…  ‘Can I read that book now, can I find out about Santa?’

And we sat down and read the book together, with fun and enjoyment, and an understanding that at times we all need some help. Santa certainly did with his elves. The book written by Kath Jewitt and illustrated by Sebastien Braun is a beautiful book with all that you would ever need about how Santa gets ready for Christmas.

Because Santa has lost his list of jobs to do! This large format board book tells a fun rhyming tale of Santa who is getting ready to deliver presents around the world. Children from 18 months to five will love this book. It has some wonderful touch and feel parts, especially his curly beard and velvet hat.

Congratulations to Townhouse Publishing for a wonderful book at Christmas time.

Sue Martin Children's Literacy Specialist

PS I had to leave Santa's Christmas Countdown in the farmhouse, by the fire, so it's ready for a special person who may just come down the chimney one day soon.

Part of Books Go Walkabout, Stories across the world.

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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A beautiful book...

 

Flooded is the funny and beautifully illustrated tale of animals who live in a city that is ever so slowly flooding.

The flood comes gradually at first. There is a sense of poignancy as many of us live in a place where we are slowly watching water levels increase.

All the animals ignore the obvious and go about their busy lives, disjointed from one another and preoccupied by their own problems.
Eventually, the flood water reaches a height that they can no longer ignore and they have to work together to save their city.
All the animals join together in a line and pull out the plug that is drowning the city.

This is an exceptionally illustrated story that teaches a message not to let problems fester and with a little team work and community spirit, no problem is insurmountable. 

Mariajo Ilustrajo is a highly talented Spanish author and illustrator, who lives in London and graduated in 2021 with an MA in Children's Book Illustration at Anglia Ruskin, Cambridge.

Flooded is part of an amazing portfolio of children's books Frances Lincoln part of Quarto Knows.

Sue Martin - Children's Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout, Stories across the world.

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Two new books for the Zeki series from Anna MacQuinn & Ruth Hearson.

Inclusive picture books which celebrate every day routines and shared time in early childhood. The illustrations are perfect for young children who will easily see the connections with their own daily lives. The text is just right for reading short sections and can easily lead to talking about the pictures.  A real delight in picture book series for home and nursery.

Zeki Rise and Shine

After a big sleep, it’s time for Zeki to wake up! His eyes, ears, mouth & nose, head, shoulders, knees & toes shimmy, shake and bounce into action. By the last spread, he’s ready for anything! An energetic companion to Zeki Sleep Tight, this is a perfect way to start the day.

After a busy day, it’s time for Zeki to slow down… One by one, his senses get ready to sleep. The room is hushed, the lights low – and after a dozy story, he’s already beginning to nod off.
A gentle companion to Zeki Rise & Shine, this is a perfect way to end the day.

Perfect gift for baby and parent. Celebrates all that is good about life as a baby.

Sue Martin - Children's Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout, Stories across the world.

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Taming the lion that roars deep within you! This is a picture book with a difference. In Timmy’s room, they could be just what they wanted to be, dress in sparkly costumes and sing until their heart soared. But when asked to perform at the school Timmy became withdrawn and that lion roared and roared.  A friend, called Nia came to the rescue and supported Timmy in all the shyness and fear. The lion’s roar is quelled, and Timmy realises that the lion is frightened too.

Beautifully descriptive with wonderful illustrations, a truly imaginative and engaging book about starting new ventures and being a small person with a big heart. A roaring lion can prevent anyone from being filled with adventure and good ideas.

Written and illustrated by Harry Woodgate, Timid joins other brilliant titles from Harry, such as Grandad’s Pride and Grandad’s Camper which won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Best Illustrated Book 2022

Published on Oct 13th 2022, by Little Tiger Press. Timid joins a wonderfully imaginative and engaging portfolio of books from Board Books to Chapter books.

Timid is perfect for home, school and nursery. With its vibrancy and uplifting story centred on a non binary main character. I shall definitely be taking this book to schools with me!

Sue Martin Children’s Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout, Stories across the world.

Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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There’s more than one way to say “bark!”. Comedy ensues in this not-quite-wordless picture book as different dogs, each with a different bark, learn to communicate with each other… and a cat.

Intriguing and, delightful pages with dogs of all shapes and sizes and all kinds of ways of saying ‘Bark!’

In fact you will learn how to say Bark in eight different European languages. And even more interestingly you will find ways of making yourself understood with common ground and a greater understanding.

Love the images and the intrigue of exploring the ways dogs can be soooo expressive!

'Sunbird Books is the home for innovative and original books for children. From board books to picture books to graphic novels, our titles represent strong, lively, and diverse voices that reflect children’s realities and feed their imaginations while nurturing up-and-coming writers and illustrators from around the world.'

These aims are very close to our hearts at Books Go Walkabout. The joy and importance of books in pictures and words is precious! Sunbird Books have a range of resources to accompany the books too.

Bork is a great book for all nurseries and early years.

Sue Martin Children's Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout, stories across the world...

Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Such a great book! Everyone who has ever had a cat, knows they are the best characters ever.

‘I love my cat. That shiny black fur. That tiny white ring, that goes right round the tip of her tail, I think it means she might be magic!’

Her name is Aditi or Adie, Adie Adster, she can climb up walls, open the door and do all sorts of magic things. She is perfect , well nearly. One day whilst helping her best friend the little girl, to eat her toast, she just digs her claws in  tooooo hard! And the little girl shouts.

Adie,Adie, Adster goes outside. But she doesn’t come back that day or that night or for a whole week. Everyone is very worried. Until one day, hiding behind the pots in the garden she reappears as if nothing has happened.

A beautiful story and a beautiful book, perfect for those of us with a ‘cat of character' at home.

Simon Mole, the author, has some great video clips and amazing online writing workshops. Definitely a good opportunity for teachers!

Sam Usher, the illustrator has created  fantastic images of the family, the cat  and brings the story to life with illustrations which flow with the story.

Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, part of the Quarto Group have an exciting portfolio of children’s books and I Love my Cat is a great addition.

Published on July 5th, this book is one to buy for the summer hols.

Sue Martin, Children's Literacy Specialist


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Meet Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon.

Another brilliant book in the Little People, Big Dreams series from Frances Lincoln Children's Books, part of the Quarto Group. 

As a child Neil just knew that he wanted to be a pilot and fly. He grew up as the oldest son of the Armstrong family from Ohio, USA. After studying aeronautical engineering and time spent in the navy, he became a pilot. From there, he was selected to take a trip to where no human had gone before – the moon! Along with his team, Buzz and Mike, he was the captain of the Apollo 11. And Neil took a giant step for humankind as the first person to ever step onto the surface of the moon.

This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the legendary astronaut.

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is the author with an amazing skill of telling the story in simple sentences which are fascinating to read. I am confidant that this also enables the reader to remember the facts more clearly too.

Christophe Jacques is the illustrator and the images on each page are well designed and engaging, they just fit the words perfectly. Even if you are not that good at reading you would be able to work out the message on the page, that's a real bonus!

Published on August 2nd 2022, this book will find its way into many classrooms by September. A wonderful series to have for the classroom, in the library for whole school talks on amazing people and for individuals who just want to read something really interesting. What else could hold the imagination like a trip to the moon!

Sue Martin Children's Literacy Specialist


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Africa is a treasure chest, too." Tante James says. ' Full of fruit and spice and precious wood like ebony. For thousands of years, trades sailed across the Red Sea to buy frankincense resin to make perfume.'

An incredibly insightful book about the importance of culture and a sense of belonging. A visit to the Trinidad for Paloma and her family starts conversations about how people from Africa first came to the Caribbean. They brought with them a few belongings like the combs that they still use.

At first Paloma doesn't feel she belongs, how can it be her family when they can't even understand what she is saying? But Tante Janet reassures her that the African family goes back thousands of years, to beyond a time when they were fighting the Romans!

Through the beautiful illustrations and engaging text on each page, this book draws you in to this amazing story of people, families and relationships through time.

Rachel Williams, co-publisher and managing director, acquired world rights from Caroline Sheldon at the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency. The picture book will be published in August. 

 Williams said: “Unflinching yet uplifting, Patrice’s story takes us through the dark days of colonisation and enslavement, to the emergence of a thriving, contemporary Africa of many faces, places and triumphs. A book every family should have to understand how the human story starts in Africa.”   As quoted in  The Bookseller

Patrice Lawrence, the author grew up in a house of books and knew how important they are to understanding so much.' Words build worlds. Words create people,' says Patrice. Booktrust article 2019 The Book That Made Me: Patrice Lawrence

Jeanetta Gonzales, the illustrator, has captured the feel and message of this story perfectly. She has a huge wealth of illustrations and hugely talented.

Magic Cat Publishers are a new and vibrant publishers, full of exciting titles now and even more in the future. Download a catalogue or check out their website.

Highly recommend this stunning book. I keep finding new and amazing quotes in each page!

Sue Martin    Children's Literacy Specialist

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.