Illustrator
more
I began writing and drawing in school just like all children do. Unlike most children I never stopped. My first stories were drawn as comic books featuring stick men having thrilling, Tintin-style adventures. I still love those Tintin books.
The first story I illustrated was “Weedy Me” by Sally Christie published in 1989. Today I’ve illustrated over 100 books for many great authors such as Dick King-Smith, Jacqueline Wilson, Helen Cresswell, Pat Moon, Pippa Goodhart, Tony Bradman, Rose Impey, Adele Geras and many others.
My approach to illustration is as a storyteller using ideas that expand and enhance the words written by the author. I usually bring plenty of humour to the books I work on. (Click here to read more on this.)
Children’s author
I’ve written 10 books of my own, the first being There’s a Monster Next Door! in 1993. Most of my stories are funny. Because I believe that pictures can tell so much story I use very few words in my books. My words are like springboards to encourage the reader to dive into the pictures and discover the great, big world of the story. When I’m writing I imagine myself sitting with a child and turning the pages. Every page-turn should be a pleasure. Something should excite, amuse or impress at every moment in a short story. I always write about things that are especially interesting to me and that I would like to draw. I like the imagery of fantasy and magic with castles, dragons and spooky forests. The Magic Forest uses the idea that a fantasy world is just out of sight in the shadows between the trees. Arthur the Outlaw and Arthur the Wizard are the first chapter books I’ve written. Arthur isn’t exactly Tintin but I like throwing him into thrilling adventures.
Click here if you’d like me to visit your school!
The first story I illustrated was “Weedy Me” by Sally Christie published in 1989. Today I’ve illustrated over 100 books for many great authors such as Dick King-
My approach to illustration is as a storyteller using ideas that expand and enhance the words written by the author. I usually bring plenty of humour to the books I work on. (Click here to read more on this.)
Children’s author
I’ve written 10 books of my own, the first being There’s a Monster Next Door! in 1993. Most of my stories are funny. Because I believe that pictures can tell so much story I use very few words in my books. My words are like springboards to encourage the reader to dive into the pictures and discover the great, big world of the story. When I’m writing I imagine myself sitting with a child and turning the pages. Every page-
Click here if you’d like me to visit your school!
