I’m absolutely thrilled that a book that I have illustrated has been put into the finals of the ‘Wishing Shelf Awards 2020’. The book is Archie Wood-Knot’s Wonder Web and is written by children’s author, Sonia Tuffee.
Below is a picture showing a list of the 2020 FINALISTS in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards in our category. The children’s books were read and judged by children in 8 UK primary and secondary schools, the adult books by 2 Reading Groups, 1 in London and 1 in Stockholm. The books were marked according to EDITING, THEME, STYLE, COVER and, in the case of many of the children’s books, ILLUSTRATIONS.
The WINNERS will be announced on April 1st, 2021. Fingers crossed!!!!!
‘The Two Tortoises and The Raven’ Written and Illustrated by Leah Rowe
I’m very excited to have finally finished this story. One of many that I have at home, just waiting to be brought to life. I am just waiting for it to be approved by Amazon and it will be available to buy and watch along on YouTube.
It’s a story inspired by my youngest son who came up with the characters, two tortoises and a raven. Perhaps the tortoises were inspired by our very own pet tortoise, Gumball?
Gumball, our pet tortoise
The story tells of a strong friendship between the two tortoises and how the friendship is put to the test by a crafty and selfish raven. Will raven’s cheating and lies pay off or will he be found out?
“Two tortoise besties who’s friendship is true. One is called Tom, the other called Lou. A friendship that’s tested by a bird who swoops by…
…A raven who’s cunning and incredibly sly. But will the tortoises friendship see Through all his trickery and lies?“
The story is all is rhyme style which I actually really enjoy doing. It almost helps you write the story and guides you where to go.
The book will also be accompanied by a narrated YouTube video which is fun to either read along with the book or just have someone else read. The book gives tine for the children to really pause on a page and have a look at the detail in the illustration.
As soon as it’s available, I will post the details on my site and social media.
Hope is unlike the regular dogs. She’s special, quite quirky, like a teacher with paws. She runs in the rain and slurps down soufflés. Hope even teaches her owner how to sit and to stay!
But one day, the dog goes missing. Is Hope lost forever?
Hope the Dog and Joycelyn
This is a beautiful story written by Allison Davies, from Texas, USA. It tells the tale of two best friends and their love for one another.
It was an absolute joy illustrating this book as Allison is fantastic to work with and I happen to know that Hope the dog exists in real life. Cuter than you can ever imagine! A lovely touch to the book is that you get to meet them at the end page and you’ll see that they’re simply delightful!
The Plum Awards have come around again and this time the title is ‘Mary Poppins’ but based around the current situation with the Coronavirus and how wonderful the NHS and our carers have been. I’ve entered, not knowing how I’ll do. I just know it’s good to produce something instructed by a brief, for my portfolio. I’ve really enjoyed producing this artwork. #plumawards2020 #plumpuddingagency
Archie is a spider who knows about being knocked down, but he also believes there must be more to life. When a strong and determined new friend encourages him to take charge of his own destiny, Archie seizes the day! A charming story of friendship, tenacity and teamwork; Archie Wood-Knot is a hero for the next generation of young readers and an inspiration to all.
After the release of the Christmas story ‘A Christmas Eve Tale’ written by Caroline Draper and illustrated by myself, Caroline had set a short story writing competition to some school children in Yorkshire. The winner would receive an illustration of a scene in their story.
I was delighted to read the winners story and design and illustrate a picture based on their words and descriptions. The winning story was based around Christmas time and was imaginative and descriptive which made creating the illustrating easier.
I can’t name the winner for data protection reasons but I have been told that she was delighted with my illustration presented to her. Hopefully it’s something she will keep forever and have fond memories about in the future and perhaps eve go on to write her own children’s book.
Framed illustration for children’s short story competition winner – January 2020
With an hour to go on the wet November morning of Monday 25th, Caroline texts me from her taxi on the way to BBC Radio Leeds. Full of excitement and nerves she was on a count down to a very important moment in her new career as a children’s Author; an interview with Stephanie Hirst at BBC Radio Yorkshire. What an opportunity to talk about the book she has written and I have illustrated ‘A Christmas Eve Tale‘. Along with the text was some delightful photos of the main characters she had made by Helen Connolly. The Snowman and Fairy were sat patiently in the taxi, ready for their first big outing.
Very Excited, I tuned in to BBC Radio Yorkshire (Leeds) to hear the warm and friendly voice of my book partner and now good friend, Caroline Draper (Author of A Christmas Eve Tale). What a delightful interview to listen to. As Caroline talked to Stephanie Hirst, it sounded as though these two had been friends for years. I felt like I’d tuned into a warm and cosy coffee shop chat and desperately wanted to join in the laughs and chat myself.
Caroline Draper with Caroline Hirst at BBC Radion Leeds. Monday 25th November 2019.
Caroline did a great job of telling us her inspirational story of how she became a children’s book Author and her journey on how the book ‘A Christmas Eve Tale‘ came about. She remembered all the details of when and where the book is available which I was most impressed with as it’s easy to get carried away with nerves and the excitement of being featured on BBC Radio (none the less).
I have to say a big thank you to Caroline for the big shout out and mention on how we both met and her positive comments on my illustrations. I was very impressed that Caroline remembered such detail about my journey into illustration and how I came to meet Caroline and illustrate her beautiful Christmas Eve Tale. I was very touched.
You can listen to the interview on the following link:
Two of the book characters created by Helen Connolly are finished and are off on their journey with Caroline to help share the story ‘A Christmas Eve Tale’ … safe travels! Written by Caroline Draper, Illustrated by Leah Rowe) #waterstones #amazon #foyles #christmas
