Thursday 17 December 2015

Dr. David Waugh


"Delighted to have illustrated David's books,  
with excellent 
published results from YouCaxton "
Stuart Trotter
Publisher and Creative Director
Rockpool Children's Books

 Dr David Waugh is Senior Teaching Fellow at Durham University 
and an expert in Primary English. 
He has written 27 books on the subject and was an adviser 
for the National Strategies form 2008-2010. 
Until 2008, he was Head of Education at University of Hull. 
He has taught in four schools and was a deputy headteacher 
before working in higher education.


Featured in the PLATINUM School Partnership Newsletter
Durham University, School of Education.




Tuesday 6 October 2015

BOO! Telling Tall Tales



At Crown Street Art Gallery, Darlington, they are celebrating 
the immersive world of childrens picture book illustration, 
in their current interactive exhibition 
BOO! Telling Tall Tales.
It runs until the 29th of October.

'In celebration of 150 years of Alice in Wonderland, 
Chris Lloyd will give a ten minute talk on Lewis Carroll 
and connections to Darlington and Croft at our birthday party, 
which also celebrates 130 years of Crown Street Library. 
Join us, and a host of talented writers and illustrators, 
including Peter Barron and Paul Wick, Liz Million, and Stuart Trotter,
who will share the secrets of their success, 
on Friday 23rd October 2015, between 6.00 and 8.00pm.'  




Monday 21 September 2015

BOO! TELLING TALL TALES

The Art of the Picture Book Illustration Exhibition Programme
Darlington’s Crown Street Art Gallery

Magic, mayhem and monstrous morals abide in this interactive exhibition for children (of all ages), featuring illustrations from the world of children’s books, by popular authors and illustrators.
To join us in celebrating the world of make believe, fantasy and fairytales, suitable for both big kids and little kids, read on!

BOO! TELLING TALL TALES is inspired by illustrations from the immersive world of children’s picture books. BOO! TELLING TALL TALES mission is to lead children to read, unravel, draw, invent, and create their own tall stories, to enthral the most reluctant reader, entice the tiniest toddler, and beguile the biggest kid (however young or old).


BOO! BIRTHDAY BASH Friday 23rd October 6-8pm.
It’s Alice in Wonderlands 150th unbirthday, Crown Street Library’s birthday, and here at Creative Darlington’s Crown Street Art Gallery we are celebrating two years in this location. So Creative Darlington and Darlington Library have teamed together to mark the occasion. During the evening historian and author, Chris Lloyd will give a short talk on the enduring popularity of Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland and the inspiration for his writing, including connections to Croft on Tees and Darlington. Liz Million, Stuart Trotter, and Peter Barron together with Paul Wick, complete the line up of speakers giving a ten minute talk on their personal practice as an illustrator, artist, publisher or writer. Exhibitors will be on hand to answer your questions throughout the evening.
Suitable for adults, or those seeking a career in the industry.
FREE! Booking essential.



Grandma - Jessica Shepherd

Grandma - Written and illustrated by Jessica Shepherd

A beautiful, moving book, with wonderful illustrations.

Oscar loves Grandma, and their time together is always lots of fun. As she becomes less able to look after herself, she has to go into a care home. More and more children are encountering dementia and its effects on their families. This touching story, told in Oscar’s own words, is a positive and practical tale about the experience. The factual page about dementia helps children talk about their feelings and find new ways to enjoy the changing relationship. Jessica Shepherd’s sensitive first picture book has grown out of her experiences in a variety of caring roles.

http://www.childs-play.com/bookshop/9781846435973.html

Jessica has exhibited several pieces of her illustration from Grandma
at The Art of the Picture Book Illustration Exhibition
at The Crown Street Gallery in Darlington Library.
It runs until October 29th.


Rosie and Robin - Vivian den Hollander

Vivian den Hollander has created two adventurous stories for kids with funny lines and inspirational tools for parents; through the realistic images, children will be able to relate to Rosie & Robin and not only take notice of the funny side of the story, but also pay attention to the educational tips they get from the twins. Stuart Trotter’s images pay a big part in this; he has managed to show how much fun it is to clean and play responsibly. Den Hollander and Trotter’s successful first collaboration will hopefully lead to more wonderful books like these.
To read the full article....






Friday 14 August 2015

Rupert Bear - Followers AGM Warwick 2015


Further to the recent blog about the unique
Rupert illustration available through the raffle
at the Rupert Bear Followers AGM in Warwick,
here's the, almost, finished article.
It'll be beautifully framed and I'm sure will 
look fab on some lucky winners wall! 
 
But, to win the prize, you have to be a member of 
the Followers of Rupert to be able to buy a raffle ticket.
Details of the raffle, membership 
and subscriptions can be found 
Once again I look forward to seeing you all again soon,
and hopefully meeting new additions to the fold...and,
good luck with the raffle!
 
 
 

Wednesday 8 July 2015

Grandad's Island - Benji Davis


Rockpool Children's Books 
loves this new book by Benji Davis,
published by Simon and Schuster UK.
Fabulously rich illustrations, and a wonderful story.

'After the phenomenal success of the Storm Whale and
On Sudden Hill, this new book by Benji Davis deals
with the emotional topic of losing a grandparent.
Subtly told, this beautifully illustrated book tackles
a difficult subject with great sensitivity and depth.'


 

After the phenomenal success of The Storm Whale and On Sudden Hill, this new book by Benji Davies deals with the emotional topic of losing a grandparent. Subtly told, this beautifully illustrated book tackles a difficult subject with great sensitivity and depth. - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.co.uk/Grandads-Island/Benji-Davies/9781471119941#sthash.5NvCzKoS.dpuf
After the phenomenal success of The Storm Whale and On Sudden Hill, this new book by Benji Davies deals with the emotional topic of losing a grandparent. Subtly told, this beautifully illustrated book tackles a difficult subject with great sensitivity and depth. - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.co.uk/Grandads-Island/Benji-Davies/9781471119941#sthash.5NvCzKoS.dpuf

New look for the Hippo!


An exciting new opportunity
on the horizon for Rockpool Children's Books 
- more details in the coming weeks -
has meant we can take a look at our wonderful 
list and tweak, enhance, improve, freshen...




Monday 6 July 2015

Rupert Bear - Followers AGM Warwick 2015


Another year flies by and already the 
At this special annual event, 
(taking place at Warwick School on the 29th August)
there will be, once again, a bumper Rupert raffle
where participants have the chance of winning 
unique Ruperty items that are not available elsewhere. 
As in the past couple of years 
I shall be illustrating a unique piece of Rupert artwork 
for the 2015 raffle. The work is ongoing, 
and will be ready and framed for the event, 
but meanwhile here is the pencil rough
of the forthcoming artwork. 

To win the prize, you have to be a member of 
the Followers of Rupert to be able to buy a raffle ticket.
Details of the raffle, membership 
and subscriptions can be found 

I look forward to seeing you all again soon,
and hopefully meeting new additions to the fold...and,
good luck with the raffle!

Stuart - Rupert author/illustrator








Thursday 2 July 2015

Lotties Run by David Waugh


LOTTIES RUN - by David Waugh
Illustrated by Stuart Trotter

ISBN-13: 978-1909644557

Lottie’s Run is a novel for readers aged nine and upwards. It tells the story of a girl who is kidnapped by a gang of two men and a woman who demand that Lottie’s father, who is captain of England’s football team, enables opponents, Andorra, to score two goals against his team in a forthcoming match. The story begins with Lottie hiding from her captors in dark woodland at night, and tells the story of her escape and the kidnappers’ pursuit of her through a strange and unfamiliar land. Lottie is of mixed race, and although this is not generally significant to the story, there is some discussion about racism. She is a strong, determined character who battles against periods of despair as she overcomes various challenges by using initiative and by considering different options. Lottie is also good at sport and is academically able. The book should appeal to both boys and girls and includes a range of topics which may interest readers, including wildlife, football, the effects of being a celebrity, and attempts to communicate in French. There is a dramatic conclusion to Lottie’s adventure, which involves heroic acts and an ingenious, if painful, solution.

About the Author

Dr David Waugh is Senior Teaching Fellow at Durham University and an expert in Primary English. He has written 27 books on the subject and was an adviser for the National Strategies form 2008-2010. Until 2008, he was Head of Education at University of Hull. He has taught in four schools and was a deputy headteacher before working in higher education.

http://www.youcaxton.co.uk/lottiesrun/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lotties-Run-David-Waugh/…/1909644552


 

Flying Eye Books


Fabulous picture books published by

Flying Eye Books

for example...Hungry Roscoe by author/illustrator David J. Plant.
HUNGRY ROSCOE - ISBN: 9781909263536
Roscoe is a hungry raccoon and he’s fed up
with eating rotten junk out of the bins.
What he wouldn’t give for a lovely bit of fish or
some fresh, juicy fruit – and where better to find food than at the zoo!
An excellent idea. Except for the grumpy zookeeper
who’s intent on keeping Roscoe OUT. But Roscoe’s determined to eat,
and sure enough he’s come up with a plan
to disguise himself as a zoo animal . . . What could possibly go wrong?
Mayhem ensues in this deliciously funny tale
about a crafty raccoon by author/illustrator David J. Plant.



Friday 26 June 2015

The Lion Inside


An interesting blog featured on the Bookseller page, showing
illustrator Jim Field's creative process as he visualises the
picture book, 'The Lion Inside' written by Rachel Bright.

The Lion Inside

http://www.jimfield.co.uk/



Thursday 18 June 2015

Rockpool Children's Books Catalogue 2015 - 2016

Best Picture Book Catalogue yet!


New Rockpool Children's Books Catalogue!
Perhaps the best 
Children's Picture Book Catalogue 
yet from Stuart Trotter and
Rockpool Children's Books.

Stuart Trotter
Publisher and Creative Director
Rockpool Children's Books 


Sunday 11 January 2015

Jude Irwin Artist



Rockpool Children's Book editor, Jude Irwin, 
is also a very talented painter, 
and I'd like to draw your attention 
to her new Facebook page.