Hallowe'en Animation & Christmas Cards

I know this is a bit early, but I love Hallowe'en and I'm hoping that posting this animation on my blog now will remind me to do a better one in time for the end of next month. At the very least, the pumpkin should blink! It's been bugging me since I first did it & I've never quite found the time to sort it out.

My Christmas card range is rapidly growing. I've gone for two styles - graphic & darkly funny (often both). Hope they go down well. They'll be on sale at various fairs & also from this site. I'll post full details soon.

Mess Monsters

More good news! The Mess Monsters (& At the Waterhole) books are going to be reprinted by a new publisher - Albury Books. I couldn't be happier!

If You Love a Bear

Had some very pleasant news this week. I received a letter from Walker Books letting me know that If You Love a Bear is being reprinted. It's going to be part of a collection of ten bear-themed picture books and will be available from January 2014.

Here's a sneaky peek at the new-look cover. I love the new font and stronger blue.

Christmas Cards

This year I am producing my own Christmas cards. Finding printers & plastic bags to put the cards into was quite easy. I've been very lucky & found some places that have said they'll sell them & I've got plenty of ideas - although I wish they wouldn't ping into my head at three in the morning. But one thing I am really missing is an editor saying that it works or it doesn't.

It's surprisingly difficult looking at your own stuff objectively. I've tried the walking away & looking at the pictures a day or two later route, but that's just confusing me even more. All I can do is go with my instincts, I suppose, & see what happens. One thing I'm sure of is that I'm going to Christmasify the picture above. I think the grannies will look good with a Santa hat on!

Happy Fat Penguin

Just added a new link - Happy Fat Penguin! They make unique, handmade toys for children & each one is lovely. They're currently selling on folksy.com & you can go straight there by clicking on the penguin picture.