Lovely pictures James. I am so envious, being only any good at stories, but not at pictures! Amazing to see your work (and Jackies) online. I shall add you to my bloglist and hopefully anyone visiting my blog will take a look at your lovely work.
Thank you Griffin, you’re very kind. And don’t put yourself down…writing well is a real skill. My writing is just dabbling, because I’m preoccupied with pictures most of the time. so I feel very underconfident about the written word!
Good luck with your writing – I’ll take a look later!
Hi James, Congratulations on receiving a copy of your new book. It looks great! I am an illustrator too. I work in more traditional methods like you. I use pencil and watercolour on paper. I’m in the process of searching for a publisher at the moment and I wondered if you could please give me some advice. Would you recommend having an agent? I am in two minds about having one. I hope you enjoy blogging. Many thanks. Jo.
Hi James, Welcome to blogger! This painting is amazing and even better that some children painted this wonderful picture. The colours are lovely and they have created a perfect Turner copy!
Kind regards. Joanne.
P.S. I am now following you and I have left another comment on your previous post.
Thanks for the kind comments. It was a whirlwind of activity – the painting was created in just an afternoon with 30 children scrabbling about. the hard thing for me is to NOT interfere! Obviously I guide and help, but I want the result to be theirs, not mine.
I’d be happy to help if I can. I think agents can be wonderful…or terrible! It depends very much on you and your relationship with them. It is a good idea to ask yourself: what do you want an agent for? I would look for a Literary Agent, and one who will nurture your talent, inspire and motivate you. My first agent, Gina Pollinger was wonderfully maternal and encouraging. Subsequent agents have been very good with the business/contract side of things, but I really need someone who will give me confidence and inspiration. Right now, I don’t have an agent.
Thank you James for your very clear reply about agents.:) I think I am like you. I would need an agent who will nurture my creativity or at least be supportive. It feels a bit like a minefield out there in the publishing world! I think agents and publishers are cutting back and not taking on so many new illustrators at the moment (with the state of the current economy). Anyway thanks again for your encouraging words. Jo.
I think the “credic crunch” is affecting things. Also bookselling has changed with many shops closing and the internet taking over. New digital technology (Nintendo/Kindle) is also making them (publlishers)nervous. Having said that, I think children’s publishing is more resiliant than other areas. Illustrated books will never work so well in a digital format (and you wouldn’t give expensive consoles to pre-school children!). And people will always have babies!
So…I would say, hang in there, keep developing new work, new ideas, and send things regularly. It’s all about the right image at the right time!
This picture is great as well. The kids are very talented to create such good pictures with emulsion!:) Thank you for the information about agents it was very informative. When you have a moment please visit my blog and if you would like to follow that would be lovely. I can then click on your picture to visit you and see what you are up to. Best wishes. Jo.
she’s absolutely lovely. Very, VERY happy to see you blogging. Is brilliant to be kept in touch with other illustrators’ worlds. Like you were saying to Joanne, that need for inspiration and encouragement is so necessary and I know your blog will inspire us all. Three cheers for you (and Jackie for making you do it!)
Lots of paint and you get mucky fingers!! What’s not to like?! I wonder if they will want to try it at home now they’ve done it at school. This looks fabulous… bet Seurat wishes he’d done it with hit fingers!
Coo! Gosh! I was two going on three in 1969! Interesting to see London as it was then. I only ever got taken to Guy’s Hospital as a kid – born with hole in the heart, but eventually I too got the call from both the Tate and National Galleries.
My earliest memories were being taken to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton tho’, which was like actually stepping inside the Arabian Nights Stories!
Does your sister keep getting asked what it’s like to be famous?!
Crikey! A hole in the heart. Glad you got sorted out! It’s true, even in this poor quality photo you can see how different London looks to now.
My big memory was the Museum of London, with a panorama of the Great Fire. And also my sister falling down an escalator. She is scared of them to this day!
I think my sister is mildy amused by her literary alter-ego…but she’s VERY down to earth. And she calls herself Kate these days.
Thanks Cass, what a lovely welcoming comment! I find it hard to bear my soul and hate to blow my own trumpet etc. But when you describe it as you have it all seems a bit more worthwhile and slightly less self-indulgent!!!
Hi James, I found you through Jackie M’s blog – I love your work (and have quite a few of your books). Thanks for visiting and your lovely comment, it means a lot. Hope you’ll pop back now and again, constructive criticism would be much appreciated! V
A shame you couldn’t get over to the Musee Marmottan in Paris… because I need to see the waterlily paintings! Those are on a curved wall so that you almost feel you are in the paintings. Lucky Katie managed it.
Reminds me of a lovely little drawing by Burne-Jones of the artist trying to get into the painting and bursting through to the other side of the canvas!!
This is lovely tho’ and in it’s own way gives the viewer a way into the picture through Katie. The frog is a perfect touch too!… even if I did have to click on the picture to see it bigger first!!
I’ve a friend who recently went to the “orangery” in Paris and saw the big curved waterlilies. they look incredible in her photos.
It is always difficult choosing paintings for Katie’s adventures. Firstly, the publishers have a huge input. Indeed they requested this book on Monet; it was entirely their idea. Then the pictured used have to be free from any international reproduction restriction. even out of copyright artists sometimes have paintings which are restricted by the gallery that owns them. From my point of view I always try to find pictures that represent the artist well, but which also offer a good narrative or potential for storytelling.
It’s a lot to juggle! But I guess it’s worth it if it gets children looking at art when they might not otherwise have done so.
Glad you found the frog! He is fairly discreet, but he’s important in the story…
thanks for all the kind comments, much appreciated.
Greetings! Jackie sent me here and I am very glad you have become a blogger! I love this photo and remember the year well – seeing Pink Floyd perform in Germany . . .
Of course I remember you! I was talking about you just last week with Judy – we met up in Cromer. I was saying how sad I was that we all got busy and lost touch. So it’s great to hear from you.
This blogging thing is all a bit strange…but for me it’s instead of a website and is, I suppose, a chance to share things with interested folk. So we’ll see how it goes. Good luck with it yourself and keep in touch. Hope all is well.
Yes, it is a shame to lose touch with friends! It’s my fault – leaving the country was pretty drastic and I can’t blame anyone else for that. This is where the internet, blogging and e-mail comes in so handy. I’m going to put my e-mail address in a separate post so that you can delete it (once you’ve made a note of it:-)
I hope Mari is as blooming as ever, as well as little Gabriel. Not so little now I imagine.
I live just over an hour away from Monet’s garden, and I recognise the bridge in this painting. It’s a beautiful place to visit if you never have, best seen either in the spring, for the wisteria and the irises, or the autumn for the dahlias and nasturtiums. And his kitchen is worth a look in any season.
What was it Picasso said about Monet? ‘He was just an eye, but what an eye!’ Something like that anyway. It sounds like the kind of thing Picasso would say.
Love this painting…and it reminds me of when I went to Monet’s garden, with my son and grandson a couple of years ago…the son being the above mentioned Thomas Taylor! Coincidently I started my own blog just before Thomas and it’s a great way to keep up with far flung relatives as well as making new friends and contacts. Will follow yours with interest, Penny
Thank you for the kind comments. How exciting to be in touch with even more of Thomas’ family! I had a look at your blog and was delighted to be reminded of the Norfolk connection. Thomas did say – years ago – that he had family in Norfolk. My parents are in Aylsham and Norfolk is somewhere we are all very fond of.
Hi James, It looks beautiful! Congratulations! I’m a bit fascinated by your studio, you know – it looks like some sort of cluttered, eclectic J M Waterhouse painting. Good luck with the hand-in tomorrow, and DO remember to treat yourself to lots of puddings! xxx
Good luck. You are braver than me. I bundle my stuff up and post it as I can’t bear to see their faces when they look at my work. Hope the day goes well. Looking forward to talking. Also looking forward to seeing what you do next!
Lovely stuff, very evocative and wish-I-was-there-ish which is what such a picture should be, I think.
JW Waterhouse by the way! John William. I have a horrible feeling I’m going to miss the exhibition of his work at the Royal Academy at the moment. But I love the Lady of Shalott too.
You are absolutey right Griffin. It is J WILLIAM Waterhouse. And he deserves to be corrected on account of his wistful, melancholic paintings. The Lady of Shalott reminds of Anne of Green Gables, when Anne floats off in a dingy, reciting Tennyson (and sinks!). Kate and I watched an old BBC series back in the 70’s. To this day we call our mother “Marilla”!
Thank you so much for visiting my blog! What a treat. 🙂 My girls have truly loved your books and we have two home now from the library that I’m going to incorporate into some homeschool activites for my kindergartener. Congratulations on book 10! (I don’t know if you or your publisher send out copies for review, but I would LOVE to promote it on my blog if you would like!)
Hi Stephanie, Lovely to be in touch electronically. I was so touched to discover your kind words about Katie and I’m really thrilled to hear of the books being used and enjoyed in this way.And I love your blog, by the way, full of interesting things. I’ll mention you to Orchard when review copies are sent out (not for about a year I’m afraid!). if they won’t send you one, I will! Some of the more recent titles have not been published in the US, so you may not have found them. See if you spot any titles you don’t recognise, and let me know!
Thanks Trish, that’s very kind. It really IS interesting to see how others work…but I usually end up hating my own work! I’m always wishing I was someone else. I suppose that’s why I enjoy the Katie books. I get to be Monet, Turner, Renoir, Leonardo da Vinci – for a few days. You learn so much from studying their paintings in such detail. Inspiring but humbling.
I am so glad that there are plans for a third book already! My niece is named Ella She has started ballet and she really loved the first book and I plan to buy her the second for her birthday this fall.
Thanks for the kind words. It was pretty hard to sketch this historic building, the perspective is really tricky! Also, I got messy with black pastels and felt a bit out self conscious amongst the sequins and silk of the rest of the audience! But it was fun, and really important to have a reminder of the atmosphere these old buildings have…I really wanted Ella Bella to have that atmosphere too.
I hope the series will continue…after Swan Lake, we’ll see what happens. If the American publisher Barrons continue to buy into the series it’ll be fine. I long to do Nutcracker (of course!) and The Firebird (oh how I love that one)…and La Boutique Fantasque (Ella Bella in a Fantastic Toyshop!). Fingers crossed and thanks for your kind custom!!!
Thankyou for your comment! I don’t know if you would remember but I came to your house to ask you questions about being an illustrator a few years ago with my teacher from St Francis in Letchworth. It wasn’t until I saw your exhibition in the Letchworth gallery that I even knew that I could do an illustration degree! it inspired me so much! I love your work and I just bought your Katie and the British Artists book, I especially like the crayon-like drawings contrasting with your other drawings in there, I think it makes it look really interesting all the different styles put together, Anyway good luck with your trip to Edinburgh and thanks for being such an inspiration to me, I often look at your books.
Yes I DO remember your visit! I’m really pleased that you’ve carried your art forward and followed your dream. I think your work is looking really great and I congratulate you.
Thanks for the kind words about Katie and the British artists. I have to tell you that the crayon drawings were created by my son, who was around 7 years old at the time. He is even given a separate copyright notice at the start of the book! So I really can’t take the credit for that!!!
The thought of Spanish folktales sounds wonderful. I am addicted to folktales generally so this will be fabulous. I love the National Gallery of Scotland too. The last time I was there I went straight for the lovely portrait of Lady Agnew of Lochnaw to say hallo. I love the two Noel Paton paintings of Midsummer Night’s Dream too.
The only thing that gets me about Edinburgh is getting from one side of that steep valley to the other!!!
Well…a mini festival show perhaps. I know what you mean about getting around. Having grown up in Suffolk it feels a bit vertiginous! But it makes for a good view…
The Gallery has all sorts of gems. I love the Botticelli Madonna with roses. And although rarely displayed they have one of Gontcharova’s set designs for Rimsky-Korsakov’s Le Coq d’Or, which gets me ridiculously excited!
I have yet to learn the folk-tales by heart…Surprisingly I have found it relatively difficult to find a decent selection of folk tales from Spain. Most countries have plenty but Spanish tales are less well documented. Perhaps because of the Moorish influence at a crucial time…maybe stories got lost or were replaced with Arabic mythology…I don’t know. But I’ve found a couple of lovely stories, ideal for this visit…
Hi James, Good to see you again. Thank you for stopping by. Edinburgh is one of my favourite places to visit. I love the art galleries there as well. It is such an inspirational place. I hope your trip goes well!:) Best wishes, Jo.
The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland is also wonderful. The building is fascinating as well as the paintings. You can’t go too far wrong with a Botticelli. The Goncharova must be amazing, I will have to go and see it next time I get to go there.
Many countries have similar tales or motifs that come up again and again. There’s a Turkish folktale called the Magic Hairpins that is very close to Snow White for example. I am sure there must be a lot more but with their own influences within them. Most folktales are about basic human issues after all.
Still, a couple is a good start!
I grew up in Sussex, but Edinburgh feels positively mountainous next to the South Downs! But you are right about the view! I hope it doesn’t rain on you when you’re there!
hi james! Firstly a great honour that you have come across my blog / decided to follow it 🙂 I am of course a huge fan of your work and it must be such a great experience / dream to sit and draw for people. Do you ever remember visiting Radcliffe on Trent Infant School (in Nottingham some time around 1996) and leaving your paints on the train? If so you may remember my mum, Morag who organised this on behalf of The Childrens Book Group. A small world :).
Perhaps it would be possible and indeed wonderful if i could send you some prints to have a look at? any feedback would be greatly appreciated to a young illustrator.
Thanks for the tip about the Portrait Gallery Griifin. I’ve never been and understand it’s a beautiful building. Must try to get there!
And Jamie – I remember the missing paints vividly! Fortunately the school lent me some and all was well in the end. What a coincedence! I’d love to see more of your work and I’ll get in touch…
Thanks so much for your kind comment, I have to admit to being a bit overexcited to receive a comment from you – “Can You See a Little Bear” being one of our favourite books. I think “Ella” will be making her way onto our heaving bookshelves very soon! Julia
Now it’s my turn to be overexcited, on behalf of my wife especially. She loves your blog (me too) and as I said in my message, the images and things you’ve mentioned were a big source of inspiration for Ella Bella. Jackie Morris will be delighted with your comments on “Can you see a little bear?”. I’ll pass them on.
I always liked that hare – thought it a magical hare for being able to outrun a train. I love the idea of Turner hanging out of the window to draw the picture too! He’d have got told off now in case something took his head off! Can’t have a brilliant artist losing his head after all.
Well, I’m sure railway rules and regulations were a bit different in those pioneer days! I guess if it was an open-topped carriage, he wouldn’t have needed to stick his head out of a window… but then again, an artist of his standing would surely have gone FIRST CLASS (with a roofed carriage!
The hare does seem rather speedy…or perhaps it’s actually a rather slow train!
railway-geek husband tells me that on a steam train the driver and fireman still have to stick their heads out of the window to see where they’re going. obviously, they’re looking forwards but I don’t see how this is practical at any amount of speed.
It was very intimidating…but everyone in Edinburgh is so warm and friendly, you just want to do your best. It’s such a great city, I love it! Hope all is well with you…
I guess that’s why they always look “weathered”! I expect it was somewhat less hazardous in Turner’s day as they trains were so slow. If he tried it today he’s probably be fined anyway!
Beautiful covers. The fifties were incredible for design. As I child I was given a book called La Danse – Art Eternel by A.L. Hasket. I’ve scanned in the cover and will email it to you as I can’t seem to attach it here. The picture of Bakst’s set design for Scherezade blew my mind.
Scheherazade is still in the Mariinsky (Kirov) repertoire with Bakst’s designs, and the English National Ballet have produced a version based on Bakst too. But neither quite captured the splendour of the original design which created, apparently, a real sensation when premiered in 1910, in Paris. Combined with Rimsky-Korsakov’s exotic music (even though his family disapproved) it must have been spectacular. Thanks for the comment…great to find another fan of Bakst!
Believe it or not, I have some cake plates with ballerinas on them very much like the ones in the bottom picture. [I used to collect china before I discovered the gym]. They’re drawn in the style of Hugh Casson and I believe you could get a whole tea set with different ballet motifs. I saw some French versions at a Paris fleamarket with the cancan danccers from La Boutique Fantasque.
The china sounds gorgeous (especially the cake plates…another favourite theme of mine!)although I’m getting slightly worried that I have not, as yet, joined the gym and am still collecting ballet motifs in various guises. Ah well… How strange the annual has the same author. Obviously a big player in the 1950’s ballet-book world. Thanks for looking etc.
I still treasure my china, James. I have some 500 pieces, I think. First started off collecting 1920’s stuff. Couldn’t afford Art Deco, though I now have some pieces. Moved to 1950s [via floral 1940s] very quickly and snapped up a lot of stuff that no one else in Brighton seemed to want. The gym takes up a lot of my time [keeping obesity at bay is hard work, ha ha,] so I don’t have the time to do fleamarkets.
I’m glad you like it! It’s funny…no-one wants to publish it because there isn’t a “happy ending” (ie, the treasure isn’t found). But I think that’s the point really…it’s the journey that counts, not the destination.
Wonderful, James! I have a strong interest in seafaring tales and did a lot of research into pirates recently. This is a great story and an exciting personal background that must have wowed the children.
A Blue Peter Badge and a shark’s eye! ‘Tis gurt han’some, Cap’n Mayhew. Arrr!
I was just thinking that the journey has its own treasures. Arthur Rackham’s ancestor was Red Rackham the pirate, so that’s two illustrators I know associated with pirate treasure!!
I hope the kids got to sing, Sixteen men on a dead man’s chest, yo ho ho an’ a bottle of rum!!
I shall have to lose a leg and an eye at this rate. Already got a gold tooth… it IS a fabulous story, and there’s loads more to it than outlined here, all sorts of shenaningans. I hope I can use them in a book…one day!
i wrote a version of this story which was published by OUP in one one their reading series. Kids love it, and I think the fact that the treasure is not found could be a good ending, as it leaves the possibility open that someone one day will, maybe even the kids themselves
Well I agree about the ending…but the publishers who have seen it felt differently. Although that was years ago. I must try to find your retelling. There are so many (murky) versions it would be interesting to read what you deduced from the various legends. Anyway, thanks Saviour! I feel galvanised by your comments!
Oh I LOVE Baba Yaga!! Vasilisa the Beautiful was one of the earliest folktales my mum ever read to me and Baba Yaga zipping through the air in her mortar and pestle really caught my imagination as well as her house of bones on one chicken leg!!
The Sorceror’s Apprentice reminds me instantly of Fantasia with Mickey Mouse as the apprentice and all those brooms carrying buckets of water.
Night on a Bare Mountain could be a lot of fun tho’. Danse Macabre I love because of all those skellingtons dancing and knocking their bones against each other (crowded dance hall, obviously!) this all sounds great fun.
Well I don’t know if it was brilliant. But we do always get full houses, so I guess it must be reasonable. It takes weeks of preparation and my nerves take a bashing. Peter and the Wolf was the worst because you are really a soloist in the orchestra and have to come in ON TIME (no ad-libbing!).
No – nothing on YouTube I’m afraid. Too complicated with rights of members of orchestras etc. I’m quite glad though…I’d be mortified to find myself preserved in that way!
Baba-Yaga is a wonderful tale. I usually use the Vasilisa version (which I included in my book Koshka’s Tales) but I might use a little known variation, Ivanushka and Baba-Yaga for the concert. I’m undecided. It will be hard to forget either The Sorcerer’s Apprentice or Night on a Bare Mountain as they appeared in Fantasia. One of the first films I ever saw and it TERRIFIED me (especially the Rite of Spring with the Tyrannosaurus Rex). We are also including the Swan of Tuonela, with an extraordinary story from the Kalevala. Exciting times, busy times, scary times. But I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Watch this ogreish witch scar the sky In her black, iron pot — see her fly! See her sweep her path clean As she hides where she’s been. Baba Yaga, the child-eater’s nigh!
(I wrote this limerick years ago, but never had anywhere to put it. I hope you don’t mind me dumping it here, James.)
Theatres ARE magical places, as you know. And that special atmosphere you get in dusty old play houses, flea-pip theatres and cinemas – all steeped in history – is what I wanted to suggest. I loved that faded glamour, and the slightly wistful, melancholic feel of a place awaiting something for pecial to take happen, for the curtain to rise, for the music to begin…
That’s wonderful Thomas! I could have used that last year for Mussorgsky’s version. I wrote all of that in verse, all ten pictures. Nearly finished me off! This year I’m “just” (!!!) telling the stories…
Do you know David Campton’s play The Life And Death of Almost Everybody? It’s about the magic of theatre. The cleaner uses the magic left in the air after a performance to conjure up rabbits and such. Then one day he dares create some people, with very interesting consequences.
“I was refused a place on a Fine Art degree at Camberwell School of Art, for being too illustrative.” Well so what? Illustrative has its place too. Still, your success as an illustrator is a yah boo to them!
Seeing your self-portrait reminded me of Rima Staines’ own self-portrait on her blog The Hermitage (link on my blog). There is something very serious looking about self-portraits, possibly the concentration at getting it just right.
I am never ashamed of my juvenilia, it was me finding my way to where I am now… and I am still finding my way. I agree with Thomas.
I think “illustration” was a BAD word at Art schools in the 1980s, especially Fine Art depts., but I revel in the glorious tradition in Europe of Illustration. I also think most art before the 20th century was illustrative. But that’s what they said to me at Camberwell, as if it were some terrible handicap. It made me more determined than ever to succeed of course.
Thanks for your kind words Griffin, as always. I will investigate Rima Staines at once!
Yes I seem to remember an art quiz on telly around then and Maggi Hambling used the word as if it were an insult! I thought it short-sighted. All art is illustrative – whether of an idea or of a direct representation or to show a text in a different way.
Rima is very much influenced by medieval art, but also likes Rackham and others. She’s very talented too. I do love seeing artists do their stuff!
Dear James I am one of the people who toke part in take one picture at samule lucas school. Thank you so much for putting us on your website I hope you come again
Hello James, many thanks for your kind comments on my blog (and Griffin for the recommendation!) 🙂 Delighted to meet you and your work… How wonderful to get refused a place at art school for being too illustrative! Your work is excellent, and how wonderful to have pavement-painted, I have always thought I was too slow for such a thing! Best wishes from the house on wheels Rima
I haven’t been here for a while but I have scrolled thru’ the last few posts and been all overcome by the delicate ‘rosiness’ of them all. I am going to have to ignore the lack of small girls in our family and start reading about Ella Bella just for me. The books are great too. I love the limited colour pallette and graphic lines of mid twentieth century book covers. Down with Kindle!
Absolutely Penny, down with Kindle! Thanks for looking. I guess it’s all rather chintzy, but there’s something irresistable about roses as a romantic symbol I find!
Hello James. I’ve just found your blog and I’m very happy! I met your work a few years ago, in a illustration book (by Martin Salisbury), and I became a fan of your art. I think your work is excellent, the draw, the color, the atmosphere you create… Finding your blog I have the oportunity to explain it to you. By the way, the paintings you have posted are… gorgeous! The self portrait is excellent.
Thank you Roger, for your kind remarks. I have also seen your work, and it is full of wonderful drawing and characterisation. I am thrilled to have “met” you!
Thanks Jaymie and Saviour. The book will be a while yet…deadline is January 15th. But it’s started, and that’s good (I’m a terrible procrastinator). I’ll keep posting stuff as I do it – and you can tell me if I’m going wrong!
So excited to hear there will be a new Ella Bella book. My four year old daughter and I love the first two. Incidentally, my daughter’s name is Ella, we have called her Ellabella since she was a baby and she loves her ballet lessons!
The music is fabulous… so I really want to do it justice. I’m sure I’ll be pinging paintbrushes all over the place in my frantic bit to finish as the music does…
Wow, this sounds like it was quite an experience. Bet the kids loved being sprayed with paint. And today I saw someone buying a Katie book from Foyle’s in St.Pancras.
Ahhh, the Cats Duet! Wonderful to hear two grown sopranos meowing at each other!! Maybe Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and the Pastoral that are evocative rather than narrative. That wonderful bit from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet – Montagues and Capulets I think. It was used for the theme of Cyrano de Bergerac the movie. And Nuits d’ Amour by Offenbach… it’s not offen back but I like it! Oh, and Mozart’s Horn Concerto cos it’s fun! And the Flight of the Bumblebee!
Saviour, it was indeed “quite” an experience. I don’t think I’m a natural for the stage by any means, I get exceptionally nervous. The day of the show I’m always wondering why on earth I got talked into it. But once I’m there on stage and the audience are in, the nerves go and I’m off. It’s a very strange experience, and I feel very unlike “me”. It was a mother I got with the paint, but she was very good humoured about her new bright red hair (ooops). Glad sales of he Katie books are still trickling… and thanks for the kind comments.
yes they are indeed Trolls – for the Peer Gynt piece “In The Hall of the Mountain King”. Only last 2 mins, so it’s a bit frantic! I’d love to do something with voices like Cantaloube, and it doesn’t need to be Spooky. Last year we did Pictures at an Exhibition, and before that Peter & The Wolf and The Firebird. We tried to escape Russia this year (although Liadov and Mussorgsky still featured). I long to do Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade… but at the moment we are looking at Carnival of the Animals (which is dependant on the cost of hiring 2 grand pianos!!!)
thanks for all your brilliant ideas. I love the Prokofiev – a Shakespeare concert would be wonderful (Mendelssohn…Sibelius…Tchaikovsky as well).The conductor is keen to avoid the Russians next year (see above comment) and Flight of the Bumble Bee was used last year as a (very funny) encore (also hitting the 100th anniversary of Rimsky-Korsakov’s death). Anything with a good story attached is going to work…
How lovely. Isn’t that a special gift! I think handmade gifts are the best kind. I hope all that cake sets your creativity flowing. (You’re not going to have any of it with custard are you?)
That cake looks delicious! You do desevere a carb treat after a concert. Performing does take it out of you. Well done on all three counts, the concert, the Ella roughs and the cake tin, which I am sure your wife will treasure.
Thank you Saviour. what a lovely little poem. I think I may have to put that out there on the blog for all to enjoy. And a lovely link to our old favourite La Boutique Fantasque, which has that famous Rossini Tarantella (now there’s a good idea for a concert…hmmmm)
I think Swan Lake will actually be published (believe it or not) in 2011, so a Nutcracker book would have to wait until 2013 as my publisher seems to alternate between Ella one year and Katie the next. Next year is Katie’s year: Katie and the Waterlily Pond is due out in September. But if the schedule on Ella changes I’ll let you know!
James, seriously – this is impressive stuff! Thank you for sharing the insight into your work. I love the mood you capture in your pictures and I for one am very much looking forward to the release of your book (though I can’t believe it’ll be 2011!) An intense weekend well spent! Bravo!
This looks great! So interesting to see how it all comes together.
I got my copy of Ella Bell and Cinderella in the mail – I ordered it for my niece for Christmas. I love the illustrations – even more than I loved the first book.
Thanks Chas. Sometimes it just takes time and a bit of experimenting to find the right solution. Happily Orchard like it as well, so it’s full steam ahead!
Thanks Jaymie! I’m so glad you like Cinderella… it’s quite interesting to take on something which has been done so often. Happily Prokofiev’s version is a slightly different so I hope I avoided any cliche. Meanwhile Swan Lake is gathering momentum. I think it just might be the best yet!
While in England in September, I purchased Ella Bella Sleeping Beauty for my 3-yr-old granddaughter who is obsessed with ballerinas and especially ballerinas in music boxes. I loved the realism in your illustrations and the sweet faces of your characters. Your book has become her favorite. I am now online trying to find Ella Bella Cinderella for her (she knows the Disney princesses by heart). We live in Washington state, and I see that Barnes and Noble carries your books. Hurray!
Thank you for your very kind comments. I’m so glad your granddaughter likes Ella Bella and I hope you find the new book easily. I’m in the middle of Swan Lake right now, so a busy Christmas, but it’s a good excuse to listen to the gorgeous music again!
Season’s Greetings to you and Washington and thanks again for looking!
It will only be a very small exhibition – around 8 framed works and a case with sketch books etc. But it will be up for three months in the education centre there, and hopefully the “Katie trail” will get even more children excited about art. The workshop (for adults)and storytellings (for everyone) should be fun It’s all about sharing a passion, and yes, inspiration – if not from me then from Edinburgh’s wonderful Art collection!
Well done James! What a perfect way for Katie to celebrate her 21st (and far more digified than getting drunk and throwing up in someone’s front garden on the way home…)
Not at all James, it’s not size but quality that matters after all. The exciting thing is that the children may go and have a look at the pictures in the rest of the gallery and see them in new and different ways.
I love the portrait of Lady Agnew of Lochnaw and the two paintings by Noel Paton from Midsummer Nights Dream in the gallery.
I wonder if the pictures inspired Katie to become a storyteller or an artist… or both!
Congratulations James! Very exciting news 🙂 I think I’d rather enjoy coming along to the Katie Exhibition too! I’m thinking that April sounds dandy. Will your storytelling and workshop sessions be open to the public James?
Thanks for all the kind comments. The events are all open to the public and will take place on April 24th. More information will be available in the New Year on the National gallery of Scotland website. But…in short… everyone is very welcome!
Hi James, I see I am your first new follower here. I will look forward to visiting you in the future and seeing your creative ideas. As it is your blog you can blow your own trumpet if you like. I don’t mind!:) Oh by the way, I see you like dusty old books too. I found ‘The Snow Queen’. An early addition from 1905, in Oxfam the other day. I nearly bought it but it cost £40. The cover was still in very good condition but it had a few worn pages. Beautiful illustrations though. I was very tempted to buy it! Good to see you again. I know I have not visited you for a while but I will see you here in the New Year… Best wishes for Christmas and for 2010. Jo May.
Thanks for looking! The Snow Queen sounds almost irresistable! I wonder who the illustrator was? I love that story, even though it scarecd me when I was little. I’d love to illustrate it one day myself…
Yes I love “dusty old books” and think the book as a form should be celebrated and enjoyed in this digital age. Doesn’t 2010 sound really “space-age”? But we’re not wearing tin foil jump-suits with jet packs or anything. not yet…
Hi, my daughter and I love the Ella Bella books, she has always been known as Ella Bella Bing Bong! and her best friend is Eloise so we were thrilled to discover the books. Looking forward to Swan Lake and hopefully Nutcracker (my favourite)
Thanks Helen, I’m so glad YOUR Ella Bella (Bing Bong) likes the books. I’m really hoping to do the Nutrcacker at some point – it would be great fun. I’m also longing to do the Firebird (which is MY favourite!)
Thanks Saviour… I’m sure we could work something out (like swapping for a story about a Clockwork Ballerina???). These illustrations are hard to sell actually (indeed impossible) because they are constructed with layers. They look very odd until printed. But I have lots of sketches and other things that would be more satisfying… Anyway, I’m very flatterd, and I’d be happy to give you a picture sometime!
Thanks for sharing. I really enjoy hearing about the experience of being published for the first time. Maybe oneday I’ll get to share my own version. 😛
Ooh, this looks great, James. And getting a book about opera off the ground is no mean feat. I remember trying to sell the idea to David Grant at Hamish Hamilton in the mid-eightees when I was starting out and, although he himself loved opera, turned it down because he thought no one would buy it. Things have changed for the better now. I’ll try and find a second hand copy of the book online.
Greetings! I have no idea how you found me “Art With Mr. E”…but I’m glad you did! I love what I’m seeing about your work!! I’ll have to ask my school librarian if we have any of your books!!! If not…she always asks me what I’d like her to get!! 🙂 Blessings to you.
I’ve only been introduced to shadow puppets fairly recently, and I love knowing that it is not a dead art! 🙂 This play looked beautiful, I hope one day I can see a play in real life too. So far, I’ve only seen recordings, and it’s just not the same.
Hello Sarah, and welcome. I really enjoyed seeing your blog. The shadow-play was a bit of an experiment, but I think everyone appreciated it’s “genuine-ness” in this modern world. Working behind the scenes with the children it was hard to see the effects created… it was all created in just one day!!! But I think it was actually rather special. The photos cetainly suggest so. Let me know if you have a go one day – I think it would be very beautiful!
I think that’s a wonderful way to introduce children to Shakespeare,or any other play. Lizzie through reading his plays in class has come to the sad conclusion that they’re all boring. Not even David Tennant can tempt her to watch Hamlet.
Well I found Shakespeare woefully boring at school (although I did rather like Olivia Hussey in Zeffirelli’s Romeo & Juliet!). We only studied Julius Caesar, one of the less scintillating plays to a teenager…
It was only when I illustrated the plays that I found a way in. I suddenly found really strong and interesting characters that I wanted to draw, and interesting settings for them.
With children I think it really helps to do a bit of acting out…and in miniature like this it’s great because they get to be director/designer/interpretor. It gives them power. It allows them to think about the story/settings/characters without writing as well, which was very helpful for the less able children. It WAS a lot of work, but I felt it was definitely worth it.
But not even David Tennant eh??? Lizzie has got it bad. But I reckon it’s normal for her sort of age. She’ll get it. In time.
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! My aunt gave me “Koshka’s Tales” as a Christmas gift years ago. I’ve always enjoyed reading through it and the illustrations are just divine. I’m looking forward to following more of your work here on your blog.
It seems that I spend far too little time with children these days, but their enthusiasm and creativity always inspires me! I really enjoyed this story about your son’s class. Thanks for sharing.
This looks brilliant James. I think secondary school students could really benefit from this too. It might sound unlikely but I bet, delivered in the right way, it would get through. Good work sir!
Hello, thanks for visiting my blog…I am still reeling from the shock of seeing the author of one of my elder daughter’s favourite books in my followers list!
I thought the shadow play you did before Christmas looked incredible by the way.
What a kind thing to say… I’m glad your daughter liked the book. That’s always really lovely to hear, thank you. I just happened upon your blog and loved it. I’ve always adored stained glass and admire anyone who can do that.
The shadow play was lots of fun, and we hope to do more with the story. If you look at the list of links, visit the Rhapsode site. They’re the charity I sometimes do these events with!
I’m so glad to hear Constable country is still unspoilt. There’s nothing more dreadful than a place used by an artist that has been swallowed up by the greedy leviathan that is modern day tourism. I’ll never forget the disappointment I felt when I finally got to Monet’s house and garden in Giverney, armed with a cook book of the artist’s favourite recipes. It was mayhem. You could hardly see anything for the flash of mobile phone cameras. There’s a main road cutting through the garden which, though hidden behind a fence, still makes the garden shake with the sound of traffic. And I nearly got pushed off the famous bridge by a tourist guide.
The only good memories I have of that day are the visit to the chapel where Monet is buried and discovering the works of Mary Cassatt in the American museum down the road.
It looks fabulous. I went to the Constable exhibition years ago at Tate Britain with a friend from Suffolk. She stood in front of one painting and said, ‘Ooh, my sister got married there!’
Canaletto was a great one for playing about with bits of Venice in his paintings too! Wonderfully confusing to art historians who go looking for the viewpoint they think he may have used… until they realise that view doesn’t actually exist!!
I am very very glad someone told you had to have a web profile! I have already gotten several ideas on bringing literature to the classroom- I was responsible for a Christmas program a few years ago and did shadow theater- loved it and wanted to do more- will put your post in a folder for future reference~!
It is great to see how messy other artist studios get after a project and I agree the clean up is very theraputic! It is interesting how similiar our processes are- though I use fabric- I also use a very detailed line drawing on tracing paper- to look through and place the pieces of fabric. Congrats on being so close to being done!!
It’s shocking how messy it is… but you lose any sense of decorum when you are in the middle of something!
I think your work process sounds remarkably simular. I love what you do, it’s really lovely. It must take you ages with all those bits of fabric… but it must be so good when it all comes into focus!
wonderfull insight into the way you work ..it gives the images a lovely atmosphere . as someone who struggles with colour i realy enjoy the way they eco the books that i was passed as child.
Oh James what a horrific tale. The illustrations are wonderful and I can completely understand the personal investment you made in them as I can remember experiencing similar wonder at watching my own son as he made discoveries in his exciting new world. What a shame your book was handled so badly by the publishers. Not good at all.
Thank you for the kind empathy. It happened a while ago but it’s still very painful, not least because children grow so fast…I get very wistful about that! Anyway, thanks for the kind words, it means a lot 🙂
Your experience sounds very similar to mine, James. It wasn’t the chicken house, although I do know of an author whose series was dropped by that company too. I don’t see why BOY wouldn’t be taken up by another publisher, though.
I’m very sorry to learn you’ve had a simular problem with a publisher. And I know the Chicken House didn’t just cancel Boy but other stuff too. One of the reasons I couldn’t develop the series elsewhere was that I had to wait some time before getting the rights back. But now I have managed that, it may be worth showing it to someone else. I feel it’s rather a fragile thing though… I confess I’m nervous of more rejection, especially considering that review. But you are right – I will have a serious think about that.
Thank you Elise, for both the good luck and the kind offer. I’m sure I’d be delighted to take you up on the offer, and I’m very open to good ideas. Thank you!
I knew you’d had problems with that book, but I didn’t know the full story – that’s awful James! You MUST go to another publisher with it… I’m sure I’ve told you this already, but BOY is one of my favourite picture books!
The penultimate paragraph particularly resonated with me.
Just the one publisher, but thankfully the book is back on track now. With everything that’s gone into it, I think a scathing review might just tip me over the edge though! Be kind, BFK!
Well I’m sure It’ll be fantastic. Tell me when it’s out won’t you? Everything here OK thanks – just finished (nearly) Ella Bella 3, delivering it on monday…
James, I’d never come into contact with ‘Boy’ before, but the artwork I see here is stunning!!! You definitely, definitely, definitely need to get back in the saddle on this one. It’s a fight worth fighting! Lovely, lovely work- your passion shines right through. Good luck with the Ella Bella hand-in and see you Thursday! x
Congrats on being sooo close- it is true those last little details sometimes seem to be the things I have put aside for the funnier things and in the end they have to get done too!Its like eating dessert first and then having to go back and eat the veggies!
Boy.. does “Boy” need to get out there- for the fact there are sooo few good stories for boys!! The illustrations are wonderful, the idea is beyond unique- I am just getting started in this crazy industry, and just got me first ” project on hold due to overextending ourselves” phone call from a publisher- reading your post- this is a occupation of “Faith” isn’t- because we do open ourselves, are so exposed, to then a very biz, clinical judgemnet.
I must say I’m overwhelmed by all the kind encouragement. THANK YOU! I will try and see what can be done. Picture books for boys (a few notable exceptions aside) tend to be very mundane. I really believed in this idea… but we’ll see. It IS a frustrating industry. I suppose the only good thing is that this did make me more resiliant and ultimately a bit more philosophical. Last year a major project about Katie’s Picture Show ( a TV series five years in development) collapsed. Of course I was disappointed but I shrugged it off pretty quickly. But then I didn’t have the same emotional investment I have with Boy.
James, this is so touching, and you are very brave to bare your feelings – creating beautiful text and drawings is an emotional thing.
Perhaps the fact that you still have all the MS and work for Boy and its sequels is a really good thing. They are yours and for you and your family, and a wonderful gift of love for Gabriel. If only all children were so lucky.
I totally believe that if something is important to you, you should go ahead and do it. Make the rest of the books. If you make them with love and passion, they will be a success, no matter what the arsehole critics say.
Thank you Caryl, a lovely idea. You know, I should make books, even if they’re just little dummy-book versions. Gabriel’s a bit old for them now but whwen he’s grown up he’ll love to have them. When I get time… I’ll get the pastels out and play around. I did LOVE making these illustrations… it will good to return to the character of Boy again 🙂
James, I tiptoe into these discussions rather sheepishly, being neither author nor illustrator. But I LOVE those illustrations, and as Caryl says, those stories are a gift without price to your son, and to the future. It’s hearbreaking that commercial considerations and indeed just the act of putting something in the wrong box can take the shine from even the most sparkling little gem. I SO hope that these stories will be taken up and published as you intended. I for one would be first in the queue to buy them! Good luck, James.
I must say I DO feel galvanised to look at them again. In some ways it will be hard as my inspiration is no longer 3, he is 10. But I’m sure I can find a way back to the memory of those magical pre-school days. Publishinging them won’t be easay I don’t think. But I can always post pictures here I suppose, just for fun!
There’s a tiresome school of thought out there that has it that all literature for children should be informative about the real world, and it’s sad that this delightful book ended up in the hands of such a tight-bottomed reviewer. I bet this is the sort of person who begrudges children their day off school in the snow, or confiscates lost footballs.
I’ve tried for years to sell a prehistoric picture book story, without success. Maybe publishers just aren’t keen on the stone age, but Raymond Briggs’ Ug isn’t that old. Perhaps it’s just me. Anyway, James, I really hope you can relaunch the Boy series. I love the pictures and how you handle the seemingly limited palette, and all the little details (such as the strata on the boulders and that tiger’s sabre-tooth grin). I think Boy is a charming character who would, especially in a series, balance beautifully with Katie and Ella Bella.
As for the other thing, it’s a painful story, but it’s good to share it, if only to alert new generations of writers and illustrators that contracts can be so easily broken. May you have the last laugh!
I love this book. It is one of my favorites and I know a little boy who slept with it under his pillow. That is I think the best review a book can get.
confetti flying, noisemakers going and really good reason to eat chocolate or whatever hits your fancy and definitely put your foot up! congratulations
Well done, James!! I’m glad Orchard are thinking of continuing (or whipping you into continuing) Ella’s cultural-adventures, they are fab! The Nutcracker has been done so many times though, keep pushing for The Firebird!!!
Can I have a signed copy of Boy, signed ‘to Charlie’ if you have any. The thing I love most about Boy is the child himself. He is just so very beautifully drawn and observed. This is off on a sidetrack completely, but many years ago I was in a cinema watching Terminator 2, as you do, and the man in the row behind me just scoffed and said, ‘that motorbike would never go that fast!” I wanted to say, “Listen mate, that man there isn’t a man he’s a robot and he has just come back from the future with his liquid enemy. If you can swallow that then surely you can give a little leeway on the speed of a small motorbike”. But I didn’t. But I did think it funny, what some people take seriously. I just think it is one of the most beautiful books you have done.
My daughter loves Ella Bella Ballerina ‘sleeping beauty’book. She will be thrilled that there is a new book out! She has asked to go to London for her 5th Birthday so she can meet Ella Bella!
There is something deeply moving about these images, James, please don’t allow them to languish – childhood is too short as it is, so when it is captured so perfectly – the wonderment and newness – as it is in your art work, it calls out to be appreciated again and again.
What a wonderful blog! Thank you so much for letting us into your work process. My daughter, Ella (nicknamed Ella Bella, of course) loves your books and we practically know them by heart. Can’t wait to buy your next one! Ifat Samuel
I’m not surprised- at all. The illustrations, even the “experiments” are so full of feeling, looking at them I can see on of my little ones, being still on a couch, pouring over them- the real mark of a good picturebook!
I’m not surprised- at all. The illustrations, even the “experiments” are so full of feeling, looking at them I can see on of my little ones, being still on a couch, pouring over them- the real mark of a good picturebook!
James…I have just read your other post and the comments about BOY…I am so overwhelmingly sad and angry for you!
To think that the reviewer could be so narrow minded and closed hearted is, I suppose, why they are doing that sort of job in the first place…they obviously have no talent for anything else.
I love BOY…I have two sons and they were just like that…mind you so was my daughter!
I’m shocked (although I shouldn’t really be) about the publishers too…but then they have no souls either…much like the critics.
Please don’t give up on BOY…it’s too dear a thing to let go of without a good fight…much like your very own “Boy”, Gabriel.
Have you thought of doing GIRL? Maybe the PC lot would go for that more ha ha!
James…I have just read your other post and the comments about BOY…I am so overwhelmingly sad and angry for you!
To think that the reviewer could be so narrow minded and closed hearted is, I suppose, why they are doing that sort of job in the first place…they obviously have no talent for anything else.
I love BOY…I have two sons and they were just like that…mind you so was my daughter!
I’m shocked (although I shouldn’t really be) about the publishers too…but then they have no souls either…much like the critics.
Please don’t give up on BOY…it’s too dear a thing to let go of without a good fight…much like your very own “Boy”, Gabriel.
Have you thought of doing GIRL? Maybe the PC lot would go for that more ha ha!
It’s so interesting! Unfortunately I’m afraid the museum is a little far away from my house in Barcelona! The illustrations (and sketches) are wonderful…
That’s brilliant James – if it’s published I will definitely be buying a copy. I really “got” that whole “watching your infant child discover his exciting new world” vibe that you spoke of in the previous post. Fingers crossed here…
That’s brilliant James – if it’s published I will definitely be buying a copy. I really “got” that whole “watching your infant child discover his exciting new world” vibe that you spoke of in the previous post. Fingers crossed here…
I’m a bit slow in noticing you’d posted on here recently. I’ve just read all about your BOY . It does seem a shame. But that is encouraging that you now have some interest. Thanks also for sharing about Chicken House. Very interesting.
Thanks for the encouragement- “And I have to fight past the initial sense of disappointment that I don’t like what I’m writing,” that is a good reminder to let the idea soak in its on juices for a bit and come back to it with a fresh eye- And congrats on the door openning for you at the Opera gift shops and new program- keep us posted!
Thanks for the encouragement- “And I have to fight past the initial sense of disappointment that I don’t like what I’m writing,” that is a good reminder to let the idea soak in its on juices for a bit and come back to it with a fresh eye- And congrats on the door openning for you at the Opera gift shops and new program- keep us posted!
Parkes Bonington was a Nottingham lad and there are paintings of his at the Castle Museum in Nottingham. There’s a real sense of drama in Victorian history painting, but they always remind me of the novels of Alexandre Dumas.
I suppose artists who do work now use other media to comment on politics (like Wallinger at Tate Modern commenting on James Haws’ protest against the Iraq war). But a painting imagining Blair and Bush making the decision to go to war is perhaps considered old stuff nowadays.
I just did Monets waterlilies with my class three. we did tissue paper collages, they loved it. Looking forward to adding the new book to my collection of Katie books. Love Lyn xxx
I’m sure I will have fun…as long as the trains run. Otherwise I might be spending the night at Crianlarich station! (there are only 2 trains a day). Anyway, six weeks to go. What I really need to do is perfect my sketching kit so I can do stuff easily en route!
Fantastic!! I’ll definitely give it visit at the end of April when I will be returning to Scotland for a few days to perform in an outdoor performance of Alice in Wonderland- or rather ‘Alice in the Dundee Botanical Gardens’!
great visualisation of him james 🙂 if i pictured nessie in my head it would be a battle between this and the family ness! Will look forward to seeing how kids draw him too (by the way is Nessie a ‘him’?). Hope youre well.
I love these too Vanessa, and am reminded (as ever) of the Picasso quote: something about spending his whole life trying to forget what he learned at art school and draw like a child again. The children were often quite critical of themselves. But I hope when they see their work in print they will get a sense of pride: they deserve to!
What an amazing community project for the children to participate in! It would be so nice to have an “open house” where the public could view all the drawings, even if they can’t all be included in the book.
Thanks Garden of Daisies, for looking. I think there will be an exhibition, at Letchworth Arts Centre, to coincide with publication and the festival. I hope that some not included in the book will make the exhibition! And of course I can post things online on my own sites.
James, thanks for visiting my blog and leaving kind comments. Now it is my turn to enjoy your work and let some of your enthusiasm and that of the kids rub off on me! I think Picasso was right. We worry about our painting far too much instead of just relaxing into it and enjoying it. Love your Boy project by the way.
Hi James, I haven’t commented before, but I love that shot of your sketchbooks in the cabinet… Such a lot of work! Makes me want to leaf through and marvel! And the work you do with schools is fantastic! Good luck with all your up and coming events – all sounds wonderful! Best wishes Carrie…
Dear James How beautiful this pictures are!You should’ve entered….but your destiny would have been different,we all have a STAR that sends us to the path we are meant to be,it may not be what we want but the great ENTITY is the one that decides!Your books are a real inspiration and it will give amny positive points to the young generation that is a bit confused at the moment and they need artists like you to give them a vison!
Hi James, I am intrigued to hear about your past lack of confidence from someone as professional, successful and prolific as you… I am also remembering a previous post of yours about not entering your first Katie dummy in the Book Prize… I always imagined that the people who have ‘made it’ as such, got there because they had great self belief, focus and determination etc.. ( as well as sheer hard work of course!) I love your costumes with the fabric samples and the stage sets… You sound so passionate about this subject I’m sure you must carry on with this someday…! Best wishes, Carrie…
Dear Nelly: Thank you for the kind words! Yes destiny plays it’s hand, I’m sure.
Carrie: Thank you for looking. I think a lot of creative people lack confidence, and certainly I sometimes imagine what I could have achieved with a bit more self-belief! Most of the illustration students I teach are quite fragile characters, self-critical. Perhaps it’s an illustrator thing. I don’t know. But the self-doubt is definitely there, believe me!!! I’m never really happy with anything I do. And that’s (I suppose) what drives me!
These are wonderful- and I am sure would of been more than equaviliant to any of the other contenders- I hope you get the opportunity in the future to realize your dream!
Thanks Julia. It is funny…looking back. I’m hopelessly nostalgic at the best of times. Although I was disappointed about many parts of this project and how it fell through, I do look back fondly a these pictures now. It was an exciting time and they were all done for the love of it, which is a good thing!
James! I’m going to Scotland today too! But will miss your saturday event because I’m in Dundee on Saturday for the Botanic Gardens Fun Day performing ‘Alice in the Botanics’! (Follow Alice on her adventures through the gardens to different favourite scenes from Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass) I am of course playing the Mad March Hare. Last time the Tea Party Crew stayed in the same place in the garden in character for an hour- we didn’t know we were supposed to stop in between shows, people just stood and watched us getting more and more exhausted. I’ll be in Edinburgh on monday, thinking of having a look at Katie’s picture trail with my pal Tom!
A lovely post, James and great sketches. The castle looks fabulous up there on its ancient volcano. The scary australian couple with their brick-counting fetish sound like a right laugh!
I went to Loch Ness once and spent some time skimming chocolate digestives out across the waters in hopes of enticing Nessie. I can reveal that the Monster is not attracted to chocolate.
I’m glad you had a good time in Scotland! I felt very inspired by your workshop. Sorry I didn’t have time to stop and chat at the NGS on Wednesday. We’d had a completely wonderful but utterly exhausting day with the visually impaired artists’ group, drawing and painting with a dancer all day – the hardest part was finding everyone’s taxis to go home! I will look out for your drawings of Nessie. Did you see any spooks in the Old Town? All the best, Emily
Thanks Thomas. the digestives were all gone… perhaps Nessie snaffled them later on!
Hi Nicola, good to hear from you. I guess I spent longest on the exterior castle drawings… it was early, so no Australians to ask me to count bricks!
Emily, it was lovely to see you at the workshop and fleetingly on wednesday. Don’t worry about not chatting, I could see you were busy. i was having a last little look around before coming home. It was a great experience and I loved meeting everyone at the workshop. Loved your cards too and I wish you luck with publishers. =I’ll keep my ear to the ground in case I hear of anything useful for you…
Scotland is pure great. Can’t believe I went three years without visiting all my pals- though that’s what happens when you make enemies and suffer from extreme paranoia! ho ho ho!! I had a job interview at Hallmark the day after I got back and they assumed I was Scottish- I’d picked up the accent. Obviously I didn’t get the job because they were xenophobic.
Our class 2 children have been writing a riddle about Nessy this week. Our topics go on a two year cycle so next time we do this topic we can also read your book to them! Love Lyn xxx
Sounds like you had a great time. Urquhart Castle was probably a great deal more ‘atmospheric’ than when we visited last August – it was absolutely FULL of tourists and necessary to queue to go up, or down, the tower stairs. I’ve visited Loch Ness many times but the nearest I’ve come to Nessie (apart from the exhibitions in Drumnadrochit) was seeing the Monster Hunting Expedition back in the 60s.
Hi Amy. It’s a hard accent to master… but I’m still saying Aye and Wee, so even I have absorbed a little Scottishness! It is a fabulous country, I love it.
Lyn, that’s great to think the book will be useful. the riddles sound like great fun.
Mary, I suppose that’s the advantage of going out of season – I had the castle to myself for the first hour. But the Monster Hunting expedition sounds fab. I’d have loved to see that!
Your sketches are wonderful, cooler then the photos! I love the comments you get and the analyisis, when you dare to sit down and sketch- counting the bricks-tops anything anyone has said to me. I limit myself to a small box of colored markers and a selection of sized black felt tip pens- get too overwhelmned with choicies otherwise.
Thank you Roger, that’s very kind. it took a while to reach this stage but I am much happier with the way the book is working now! I hope all is well with you…
I think it’s beautiful picture and frame, James! Quite wonderful. We have a lilac tree under our kitchen window, and they are stunning. Ours is just about to blossom… Aaaaah, it’s scent is stunning.
NESSIE IN ITALIAN ATTIC MYSTERY – Artist M.C. ESCHER 1898-1972 NL
Unpublished Artwork Nessie and the Black Man without a face date 1949.- Nessie in Italian attic mystery Mystery drawing may have been done by master illusionist By neil macphail
Your exhibition at the NGS is very popular – every time I walk past, there are people looking at your illustrations – especially your sketchbooks. I just wanted to let you know that my website is FINALLY finished (with a very small blog) It is http://www.emilylearmontillustration.com. Best wishes from sunny Scotland, Emily
What a beautiful illustrations you did for the Nutcracker, James (even so many years ago!). It’s so pleasant when I find illustrators that don’t use the computer!!! Nowadays it’s really dificult. This encourages me to keep on with my pens, inks and watercolor.
I am terrified of computers! I much prefer to produce something real. I could necer abandon my pen and ink! Nor should you – you drawings are wonderful!
I bought a copy of this from the wonderful Letchworth Arts Centre at the weekend, and really recommend it- its a gorgeous book, and the children’s illustrations are lovely. My own children expressed a lot of interest in the wartime theme, as well as the fact that children’s drawings are published in a real book! The local references really bring a piece of history to life. Congratulations to all involved.
I keep being told (as we look for school places) that the headteacher makes or breaks a school. This post seems to prove that. I want my children to go to that school too!
And yes, the head will make a big difference. Sadly since Margaret retired the ethos at her old school has changed. Most modern heads are managers and run schools like a business. Of course you need a practical side as well. But there has to imagination, creativity and love. Pertinant questions to ask: Do they have book weeks? Which authors have visited? what books do they use for teaching children to read? Do they have a library? In many ways I have not been happy with Gabriel’s school. But he’s only got 4 weeks left so it’s a bit late to worry now! But I am especially disappointed with the methods used for teaching reading at his school…
Thanks for that, James. I hope that my childrens’ future school will at least have ME as a visiting author! Actually, I might pick your brains before long (if I may) about getting back into school visits. It’s been a long time since I did one.
At Max’s current school he is discouraged from showing too much interest in learning to read because they are all going to learn together in the same class later. The teacher doesn’t like it if some can already do so, though why should their convenience come before the childrens’ natural curiosity about words?
It’s all madness. We taught Gabriel to read and told him not to worry about the school reading books. They were unutterably dull and would put any child off books for life.
You’d be a fantastic school visitor Thomas and if I can do anything at all to help, just say. I hope we’ll be able to meet up and catch up when you are settled – it’s been fat too long and we’ve missed your erudite and charming presence 🙂
As a primary school teacher in an inner city school I found this post a breath of fresh air.
I love the way the books are made to come alive for the children. I hope that I inspire the children I teach in some small way, we are about to have our own Mad hatter’s tea party. So anyone spotting the line of kids walking to our allotment with a middle aged mad woman in top hat and tails will know it is us. We are reading parts of the book (EAL children find some of the language hard so we show them pictures and act it out for them)we have made the cakes for the party (in a maths lesson on measures) and will be serving “tea” from a collection of teapots.
Thank you for your lovely and optimistic message. I’m sure you have a huge influence on your children, and the Tea Party sounds like a tremendous idea. I’m so happy to know of other excitingevents with brilliant and imaginative teachers, because the future of the next generation depends on you! I realise with curriculum restraints it is sometimes hard to do things the way you want. But like Margaret, you are proving that it is possible to be inspirational. Children deserve nothing less!
Dear James, so many happy memories and an especially beautiful firebird. We were so lucky to have you as a friend of our unique and special school(the head wasn’t too bad either if you’re reading this Margaret!) Much love to you, Mari and Gabriel
Sounds like a wonderful night! And I bet you could do a great job designing the sets! I just got the opportunity to see Phantom of the Opera- unfortunately the shorter version in Las Vegas and was taken back by the engineering and “coolness” of the sets!
Sounds like a wonderful night! And I bet you could do a great job designing the sets! I just got the opportunity to see Phantom of the Opera- unfortunately the shorter version in Las Vegas and was taken back by the engineering and “coolness” of the sets!
That sounds wonderful Julia! I do think the visual element is really important, and it can make or break the performance for me. It doesn’t always have to be spectacular or traditional, but it has to be right and suit the flavour of the music. These sets really didn’t work for me. But fortunately the singing was so incredible it was still a lovely experience, although your Las Vegas performance does indeed sound cool!
That sounds wonderful Julia! I do think the visual element is really important, and it can make or break the performance for me. It doesn’t always have to be spectacular or traditional, but it has to be right and suit the flavour of the music. These sets really didn’t work for me. But fortunately the singing was so incredible it was still a lovely experience, although your Las Vegas performance does indeed sound cool!
Dear James, wonderful memories of a special school and author (I agree with Carolyne the head was good too!). Your visits always inspired the children, my boys are now nearly 17 and 20 and both still remember all your visits (bugle boy is now at university) and making their square to add to the ‘Cloth of dreams’. They still have all their ‘book week’ books and your signed books (perhaps to read to their children some day)treasures of their childhood. You were always so eager to help the children and staff I remember saying to you ‘James the entrance to the libray would look great with some sunflowers’ and out came the brushes and paints and what a fantastic result. We were lucky to have you as a friend. Love to you, Mari and Gabriel (still can’t believe he is starting high school)
Lovely to hear from you and what wonderful memories we share. I’m so lucky to have been part of what was a true Golden Age. I will never forget all the people and children who were part of it and who have influenced me and my work in so many ways.
It’s astonishing how time has passed. Gabriel had an “induction” day at his High School yesterday… all very grown up and I feel OLD! We all send our love to you both and cherish our friendship. Here’s hoping we see you soon.
Thank you, dear James for celebrating Margaret’s headship in such a wonderful way. As you know,I was lucky enough to join the staff as the “KS2 teacher” when the school became a Primary and had the great pleasure of becoming a friend of you, Marie and Gabriel over the years. The ethos of the school during Margaret’s tenure was exactly what it should be – true education, developing real learners, enjoying learning, learning by doing and “being” – not just “reaching targets” and “ticking boxes”. Like Margaret, I am now retired from teaching and not a moment too soon!
It’s wonderful to hear from you! I remember you joing the school very well. At first I wondered how that would work – being such a tiny team. But being you and being Margaret you fitted in perfectly: a Kindred Spirit (as Anne of Green Gables would have said; I always thought of her when I visited Tacolneston; the school was straight out of Avonlea!) I miss those days and I miss my annual visit and I miss all of you. And I worry about the next generation of children being taught by managers and box tickers, and not by teacher who have a passion for true learning. But we did our bit didn’t we? Those children who passed through your hands and whose lives were touched by the ethos of the school will carry those values and that wide-eyed wonderment with them all their lives. And so indeed will I! Hope you are OK and that we see you soon Lyn. XXX
I bet they liked dancing to Marc Bolan… and T Rex! Sometimes publishers ought to just let the book out as is and not second-guess it. This looks a lot more fun!
My library’s copy of Ella Bella Ballerina and Cinderella just arrived – we are all so excited! I have tons of little girls (and their moms) who adore the first Ella Bella book and are always asking me for more. I can’t wait for the third! If it doesn’t make it over here to the US I will definitely be buying the original through my UK sources…
Well, I hope Cinderella will not disappoint! I am happy to tell you that this week I got news from Barron’s that they WILL be taking the third title, Ella Bella Balllerina and Swan Lake. I presume not until 2011 – while the British edition is published this October. But it will be coming… which is great news!
thanks for your kind enthusiasm and support, it’s greatly appreciated.
Such beautiful (and coloured too)drawings for a dummy book!I love the pen and ink work and the dinosaurs expressions, really full of life and energy… I’m barely starting my first attempts at creating dummy books for my own stories and illustrations – it is fascinating to see how differently people make their dummies and how personal to each they are. Thanks for the inspiration… my artwork is on hold for now because of overwhelming business stuff, but hopefully I can come back to it soon with some fresh ideas! Wishing you well, Carrie…
Such things are exactly what makes me wonder about working with publishers. I have a feeling that too many books are not at all written to fit children’s taste. But ultimately it will be the parents who’ll buy, so you need to appeal to them. It feels wrong to me, that’s not why I want to become a children book illustrator! I want to make children dream.
What a lovely tribute to my mum! We are so proud of her and so happy that she leaves such a trail of vibrant memories of school-life blazing behind her! Katie and all of James’ stories and pictures and visits have played such a vital role in her career, and continue to inspire her in her retirement.
I am overwhelmed by the blog from you James. We did what we believed in educating the whole child and in so doing enriched their learning experiences. It all seemed so right and the Tacolneston team were magic together. It’s not a job you can do on your own and the whole team were totally committed to this ethos which is why it worked. I was the luckiest of Headteachers in having that team and you as as part of our rich provision for learning. I meet past pupils from our school around town and when we talk they always remember book week, our many visitors and of course you James. How good it was to read that you are offering your chidren, Charlotte such a really brilliant experience. They will love it and remember it forever! How glad I am to have left when I did 3 years ago after 17 years of Headship at Tacolneston which was a truely wonderful teaching and enriching experience. My two daughters benefitted from my love of books and reading to children even though I did spend long hours at school!!How touched I am by Victoria’s comment and those of my colleagues and friends.
hi! this is allie (mom) and four year old mallie (little ella bella princess) from the midwest / usa! 😉 i was thrilled to receive a message from you. 🙂 we’ve been sitting here looking at the pics on this blog and mallie keeps saying, look at all the princesses! she loves each and every page in sleeping beauty, from the old majestic theater to ella bella’s pink (dress)to the spindle and old woman and fairy tale castle.
you are truly an AMAZING ARTIST and our new fave author / illustrator. we can’t wait to check out cinderella. is your katie series similar? i’m a bit new to all of these girly books as mallie has three older brothers! 😉 thank you for sharing your wonderful artistic gifts with all of us! 🙂 hugs from a little girl in kansas. 😉
This is when I love technology – to be able to be in touch with a lovely family like yours so many miles away, and share the things we love, is simply wonderful. I would really like to send Mallie a book from England. Do you think that would OK? Let me know what you think :-)))
we haven’t read cinderella yet. that’s on our next library list. 😉 how are the UK and US copies different? we love the story and the pictures truly are fairy tale magic.
i’ve only been to england once but its on my bucket list to go again. went to this marvelous little place called the cat and fiddle and that’s the spot i want to go back to someday.
The principal difference between UK and US editions is the slightly more lavish production values in the US. In the UK it is rare to have a dust cover, but it is a standard in the US. Also American editions sometimes have reinforced binding in the spine which makes books a little bit sturdier.
james, wow! 😉 that would be OUT OF THIS WORLD CRAZY FANTASTIC! 🙂 really and truly, simply loverly. her bday is in august (she’ll be 5). maybe you could inscribe happy bday? ;)that seems a bit presumptious on my part; forgive me if it is!
can i just say how impressed i am that you take the time to answer “fan blogmail” 😉 like this. that is truly an amazing quality and i am THRILLED to correspond with you too (yes, technology is amazing!). really and truly, thank you so much! 😉 the book would be a priceless and much treasured gift. 🙂
is there any way i could email you then? its my not so secret dream to become an author so you really don’t know how COMPLETELY EXCITING this is for me, just to blog chat like this with you.
as much as i adore children’s books i feel compelled to write about my adoption journey and then consequently our trials and triumphs in raising an adopted deaf / special needs child. i’ve had some encouragements to write out our story so someday when i have a bit more time (i have five kiddos at home right now!) i hope i can achieve it! 🙂
wow again. just so exciting to be chatting with an accomplished author / illustrator like this. YOU’VE MADE MY DAY. a million times over!!!!!!!! 🙂
thanks so much again, allie b. 😉
even if our correspondance goes no farther, just know how much it meant to me to be in touch with you even for a day! 🙂
Allie, why not leave a “comment” with your email. All comments are screened by me before being posted, so I can just not post your comment & details publicly, it will only come to my private email address.
It was lovely to read your recollections of visits to our school and to revisit in my mind such happy memories. Margaret had the ability to inspire and enthuse all those around her. You too have that real conviction that drives your work. Your special relationship with the school meant your visits were always a highlight in our year as staff too. The children appreciated your eagerness to join in doing things with them. Emma still treasures the personalised sketches that accompanied your signature. Benedict remembers the moon he contributed to Gabriel`s ‘cloth of dreams’ when he was 5 and he can even recall wanting to be called James – and if that doesn’t suggest you were inspirational I don’t know what does!
It really haunts me Thomas… but you know how it is; sometimes things are SO precious that one is almost afraid to use them in a book in case it doesn’t live up to the (unrealistic) vision… But I must try… one day… when I have a few spare seconds…
It really haunts me Thomas… but you know how it is; sometimes things are SO precious that one is almost afraid to use them in a book in case it doesn’t live up to the (unrealistic) vision… But I must try… one day… when I have a few spare seconds…
I keep thinking about this post, James, because it reminded me of something, though I’ve only just remembered what: Chantemesle by Robin Fedden. It has that same golden glow of times lost and the landscape of memory. Have you read it?
I keep thinking about this post, James, because it reminded me of something, though I’ve only just remembered what: Chantemesle by Robin Fedden. It has that same golden glow of times lost and the landscape of memory. Have you read it?
oh that’s marvelous news! wish we could hop across the pond 🙂 and come to your concert. maybe you can make it an annual event and we’ll make it over there someday! 🙂 allie and mallie b. 🙂
As a Monet fan, I am really looking forward to the new Katie book. I have the other “Katie at the Gallery” stories and used them recently with my Reception Class. They really loved the idea of disappearing into the paintings and were able to talk about paintings they have seen in museums or prints that they have at home. I am also tempted by the idea of the Ella Bella concert at Hatfield however am not sure my three boys would be so keen!
Thank you everyone for the comments. Katrin, it was a very magical place. I hope I can go back oneday… Gillian – it’s a great title! I just need to write the book!!! Thomas – i have ordered the book. Thanks for the recommendation… I’m intrigued!
Thank you everyone for the comments. Katrin, it was a very magical place. I hope I can go back oneday… Gillian – it’s a great title! I just need to write the book!!! Thomas – i have ordered the book. Thanks for the recommendation… I’m intrigued!
I hope you enjoy the book, James. The Seine Valley in Normandie is very beautiful and sultry, and Fedden captures that lost moment wondefully. It might suggest a treatment for your own writing, though one thing Fedden couldn’t do (but you can) is illustrate it with charming little memory sketches.
I hope you enjoy the book, James. The Seine Valley in Normandie is very beautiful and sultry, and Fedden captures that lost moment wondefully. It might suggest a treatment for your own writing, though one thing Fedden couldn’t do (but you can) is illustrate it with charming little memory sketches.
I can’t wait to read it. And I can’t wait to develop ideas of my own for a Brundall book. I’m always scared of “good writing” as everything I attempt immediately seems inadequet. Still, as you say, I can always fill it up with sketches (and hopefully distract everyone from my clumsy prose!)
I can’t wait to read it. And I can’t wait to develop ideas of my own for a Brundall book. I’m always scared of “good writing” as everything I attempt immediately seems inadequet. Still, as you say, I can always fill it up with sketches (and hopefully distract everyone from my clumsy prose!)
A friend of mine who lives in London informed me the other day that her three-year old daughter can’t get enough of Katie and Ella, and that she refuses to go to sleep unless her mummy reads her one of your books. Further, she imagines herself to be Katie and believes that Ella Bella is her friend, albeit an imaginary one. I, being her godfather, think it’s cute.
Buying books from galleries is a great idea – every purchase supports their work, preserving wonderful works of art. I always do ALL my Christmas shopping at the National Gallery!
I’m following you back from your comment on my blog to say that I’m going to have to read more of your books to make up for lacking picture books in childhood.
Ha ha! Well, they’re not exactly Shakespeare either, but I do think that within the genre of Children’s books, there are some important works it would be a shame to miss out on!
Great site – we first discovered Katie when our eldest son Alexander, now 10 was 3. Now both Giles and Harry our other sons are big fans. We will be ordering Katie and the Waterlilly Pond from our favorite children’s book shop in Christchurch New Zealand, near where we live. Having visited London with the boys, the stories have particular significance.
Touche Faye! If I ever have the time… bad excuse but I AM especially busy this autumn. But if I try, will you advise and guide? Should it be auto-biographical or dreamy fantasy. Or a mix???
Touche Faye! If I ever have the time… bad excuse but I AM especially busy this autumn. But if I try, will you advise and guide? Should it be auto-biographical or dreamy fantasy. Or a mix???
Elise said… Hello, I just stopped by and wanted to leave a comment to say how much I’ve enjoyed reading your posts. I’ve learnt so much today ! Your photographs are beautiful and I’ve had such fun looking around your website.
Thank you for sharing your writing and your thoughts and best wishes ! 12 August 2009 17:42
Lyn said… Wow your work is lovely, showing promise at an early age, well done you for ignoring your teachers! Love Lyn xxx 12 August 2009 17:56
James Mayhew said… Thanks Ginger darlings, Elise and Lyn. I’m glad you all approve. I must admit the whole blogging thing scared me – I’m not one for blowing my own trumpet or bearing my soul. But I did hope that other writers and illustrators and interested parties might find it vaguely enjoyable! Now I feel encouraged to carry on!
Elise – I really enjoyed your ballet blog. as you’ve probably gathered, my other series of books is all about a ballerina called Ella Bella. Perhaps she deserves a blog as well… 12 August 2009 18:27
cassia said… that second picture is beautiful- I could see it in a book now! This is why I want to work in a school- I’d find all the most talented children and become their agent. They’d have best-sellers by the time they reached secondary school!
Really loving your blog, James- Looking forward to the next installment!
They also do Champion the Wonder Horse! 30 July 2009 15:34
James Mayhew said… Fantastic!!! Thank you. I can’t tell you what memories it brings back. And I could remember the words!!!! A real frisson of recognition. I probably haven’t seen it for 40 years.
WOW! 13 comments:
joanne May said… Hi James, I enjoyed reading this post very much as it brought back a few fond memories, of the 70’s and Blue Peter. How lucky you were to receive a badge. Every kid’s dream, back then, in the 70’s was to own a Blue Peter badge! You were a very disciplined and focused child. Being able to create sketches and entering drawing competitions regularly. The Abba illustration is great!:) Unfortunately I was never that good or had the encouragement from my parents. So artistically I started a bit late in life, in my late teens! Thank you for sharing your creative journey. Best wishes, Jo. 6 September 2009 23:42
James Mayhew said… Thanks Joanne May, I was pretty excited to find the badge after all these years! I don’t know about being focussed etc, but I was always happy with my own company, happy to go off sketching and painting. It’s funny about competitions…I wouldn’t enter now, I’d be far more scared of rejection and failure! Not that I entered all that many as a child. But it’s sometimes good to have something to aim for, even if you don’t win. I’m much too critical now though!!! I was lucky with my parents – less so with my teachers – encouragement is so important. I’m glad you get round to expressing yourself eventually, and good luck with YOUR creative journey!
J 7 September 2009 05:36
Doda said… That’s very cool to have found these after all this time. And how true – what you said about motivating your children. 7 September 2009 14:02
Griffin said… Ooh, I had a Blue Peter badge too! I love the picture of you drawing at Tintern Abbey – just like Turner did! And I loved ABBA then too… but then went more for the Beatles.
I agree with you that a teachers job is to encourage children – especially in the things that they like to do. Not in what they think children ought to like. 7 September 2009 15:34
James Mayhew said… Thanks Doda and Griffin, Yes, encouraging is vital. But so many parents and teachers don’t bother with art. They think it’s “too messy” or they can’t be bothered. It’s a terrible shame. Also, learning objectives – which schools have to consider – are harder to specify with art, I think, and that scares teachers because there is so much pressure on them to be accountable. But there are wonderful teachers who embrace the idea of creativeity and find ways… The benefit are enormous and all areas of the curriculum can be inhanced. You just need imagination! 7 September 2009 17:53
Griffin said… Oh yes, you definitely need imagination. I wouldn’t be caught dead without mine! It makes everything more magical than mundane.
Art is so wonderfully indefinable, so beyond the mundane, so catlike in refusing to do as it’s told. That is it’s strength because it lies at the heart of who we are as human beings. Beyond measure and use, we are if we allow ourselves to be, so much more. 7 September 2009 18:08
Elaine said… Wow james Your Abba pictures are really lifelike and excellent. 7 September 2009 19:19
James Mayhew said… Ah well…having a schoolboy crush on Agnetha Faltskog did wonders for my artistic development! 7 September 2009 19:24
Wonderful paintings, they are so fresh! And thanks for explaining its story, it’s so interesting. 18 October 2009 12:12 James Mayhew said…
Thanks Roger! The illustrations are a bit crude here. I was only just beginning to find my feet. Katie changed a lot before she was published.
Very best wishes! James 18 October 2009 12:44 Elise said…
such wonderful art. You are immensely talented ! 18 October 2009 14:56 James Mayhew said…
Gosh, thanks Elise! You’re making me blush. It’s interesting that people seem to like these sketches. I can only see the (many) faults!!! And I worked very very hard to find a way forward and make my work publishable. But I’m touched that you can see the potential in them. Thanks for looking! (I think your blog is wonderful, by the way!) james 18 October 2009 16:21 Griffin said…
Aha, proof that opinions should be questioned and challenged. That sometimes, those who are ‘supposed’ to know better, don’t. The result is something that’s done wonders for you and for a lot of children everywhere. I like these too, mistakes if any don’t matter too much, they show where you’re going to. 18 October 2009 16:37 James Mayhew said…
Indeed Griffin – well put! I look back at these drawings fondly, and wonder if my old tutors would draw the same conclusion as I prepare to publish the tenth book in the series!!! 18 October 2009 19:49
A great post as ever, James, and an encouragement for all would-be-illustrators to get out there and actually talk to publishers, not just send them stuff.
(*whispers* is that a small typo in the last para?) 16 November 2009 08:13 The Mole said…
Do you ever wonder what would have happened if you had phoned Faber and Faber? Sometimes fate intercedes I believe. 16 November 2009 08:53 maryom said…
It’s amazing how much of the world seems to turn on luck,coincidence and mistakes, happy ones in your case. 16 November 2009 09:39 James Mayhew said…
Ooops… A Freudian slip perchance. You are absolutely right Mr Taylor – nothing beats actually meeting people and letting them get the measure of you. Of course email is a great thing (in my day I had to take 35 mill pictures with a camera, wait a week for precessing, then post samples off…) 16 November 2009 16:10 James Mayhew said…
Hello Mole and Maryom,
Oh the fickle finger of fate eh? Well it hasn’t always gone my way, alas, but on this occasion it did… Thank goodness! I wonder what I would have ended up doing if I hadn’t had this lucky break? 16 November 2009 16:14
Well, okay, not really humph:) 5 December 2009 09:25 James Mayhew said…
Oops! sorry Thomas. Maybe a change of policy by the time you came along… At least you have youth even if you don’t have the bubbly (but living where you do I can’t image you’re exactly deprived of it!) 5 December 2009 10:12 loodles said…
what a lovely back story. Really great to read James and so very proud to have had you as a lecturer :o) 5 December 2009 12:26 James Mayhew said…
Well it was a huge pleasure to have you as a student, and great to see you go on to do wonderful things! 5 December 2009 12:58 Henrietta said…
Hi James, stumbled across your blog and am loving reading about Katie’s development! Since leaving Orchard I’ve had 2 boys and we enjoy reading Katie’s adventures together. She frequently appears in my classrooms too! Will never forget the wild and windy book launch at the little school in Norfolk – a lovely day despite the weather that ultimately provoked my career change! 14 December 2009 22:13
Oh dear, poor Thomas. I was really worried that I’d cause trouble with this story, because of your own new deal… and I really didn’t want to do that. Your news is truly exciting and I’m positive it will be fine. Rest assured they ARE lovely people, especially Elinor who is fab. Also rest assured that fiction is much more their territory than picture books. I think it was a financially difficult time for them (it subsequently became one for me, too!). I was unlucky.The tragedy for me was that I LOVED working with them, and I was especially sad it all collapsed. It could happen with any publisher. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And I’ve forgiven them, which is great cos now I’ll be able to buy your book 🙂
James- yeah yeah and yeah!!! I remember the first posting and the absolutely wonderful illustrations and it being something to capture your son at that time! Let us know when and where we can get it in the US!Good for you- that you gave it another try!
Just saw the thumbnail of this on Thomas’ blog and I remembered the first installment of Boy’s woes – so it’s wonderful that it has a happy ending (or a new beginning!) – it’s a classic waiting to happen.
I hope your son’s first weeks at ‘big’ school have gone well. It is such a cultaral change from Primary, no matter how good the school is at transfering pupils.
Thank you Katrin for you enthusiasm. I must find time to think about this… it may take a while but i feel very determined after such lovely positive support!
Thank you Katrin for you enthusiasm. I must find time to think about this… it may take a while but i feel very determined after such lovely positive support!
James, this is so exciting and so well deserved. Katie is an enduring and lovable character, just like her creator. I shall come down to see you in action at one of the workshops. love Margaret
James, that’s brilliant news. So nice to have that kind of support from a publisher too! Amazing! I really hope you can go and take the pictures personally though. I can barely think of anything more exciting than having ones’ work performed… and I can barely think of anything more exciting than Tokyo. Tokyo with ones’ work performed is… well, I can’t even think of a word. Please say you’ll go!
Oh, thanks Cass… Actually I was once invited to speak at the American School in Tokyo. But I got ill and it was cancelled :=( I have not been invited on this occasion… but who knows. Anyway, I can’t be downcast as this very sunday I am off to PARIS to celebrate Katie at the British School there!
What a fantastic and exciting experience James. Katie is being celebrated very well. The cake reminded me of the Tacolneston katie cake!I really enjoyed reading all about this wonderful event!
Thank you very much for visiting our school and painting for us. You were a really kind author who inspired us to write your unwritten book “Katie in Paris”. From 5T and Mrs Richards
Many thanks for visiting the school, my children really enjoyed your visit. My 6yo daughter is now decided she is going to be a famous author/artist. My 4yo son is sticking with his red arrow pilot/surfer/b-boy dancer intentions but enjoyed making his input into the painting you did with the nursery children!
Hello James! We’ve been having a Parisian time here in Edinburgh for the Impressionist Gardens exhibition at the NGS. It has been exhausting but amazing too. Linda created a garden full of activities for children that ran throughout Autust, and we took easels to the Botanics and had 187 people drawing and painting in the sunshine. We’ve spent the past 6 weeks doing community tours of the exhbition with lots of interesting comments and questions. It has been very busy in the galleries – but I think Katie would have squeezed through to see her favourite paintings. Now it has finished, it is a bit sad without the waterlilies, orchards and flowerbeds – but hopefully I’ll have time to get out my own paintbrushes once again. On a completely different subject, I’ve been researching the work of Phoebe Anna Traquair – do you know her murals and illuminated manuscripts? They are beautiful. With best wishes, Emily Learmont
ahhh… again I am reading this looking out at sagebrush and dirt! Was in Paris the summer before I went to college- you reminded me how much I want to go back!
WEll the grass (or Sagebush) is always greener on the other side. I bet someone in Paris is dreaming of the USA right now! 🙂 But Paris is very lovely… I, too, long to go back…
It was kind of cool! I am a bit of a fan of hers, especially her Cordelia Grey (“An unsuitable job for a woman”), so it was really exciting to meet her. She was really lovely :-)))
I’ll try to get some orchestra pics. It’s tricky as you can’t film or photograph performances. But I’ll get some rehearsal pics…!
My mother bought ‘Katie’s Picture Show’ for me a long time ago and it has always been my favourite children’s book. I’m going to look for a copy to give to my roommate; she’s an illustrator (http://babanangu.blogspot.com/) and I’m sure will love it too. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and especially seeing the dummies!
We saw that you were going to give a course to children at the National gallery during the half term. The course is on the basis of first come, first serve. We live outside Lodnon and are concerned that we may not be able to get the places. Do you run any other courses? Please let me know. Many thanks in advance. Hannah (hannah.chinalink@gmail.com)
Yes, I started the workshops today. It was VERY oversubscribed and some people were turned away. I would recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes before it begins. Unfortunately it seems to be the policy of the gallery to not issue tickets in advance. In their experience you then get people who don’t bother coming, and those spaces are wasted.
I sometimes do projects at other museums or festivals. Details would be found on this blog or the “Katie’s Picture Show” blog. Keep looking – I hope you can get to the gallery… or find something near you soon!
Ah, thanks Saviour. I wish I had heard you speak… My retelling was hopelessly clumsy, but you are very kind. I am determined to work with you… we have SO MUCH in common!
Also a fantastic memory for all the newly fledged artists. It is this kind of experience that kicks off a love of learning, exploring and making new things.
James’ half term workshops at the National Gallery were great. My 8 year old daughter had a fantastic time. She didn’t initially want to go to the art gallery as she had “been there before”, but once we got started, she was riveted, and is really proud of her paintings!
do you say ” break a leg” for good luck- well whatever the right way to say it- the best of luck- though I doubt you need it-it will be a magical night I am sure!
Break a leg will do just fine – thank you! Very nervous this evening, but trying to be organised, pack all I need to take… and practise at my easel one last time!
i didn’t know balletic was a word. 🙂 HAVE A MARVELOUS, MAGICAL TIME! 😉 you will be fantastic! 🙂 pls post lots of pics so your far away fans can get a glimpse of what we missed! 🙂
My son is being homeschooled so I was searching for information on Leonardo da Vinci and came up with a link to Katie and the Mona Lisa. I ordered it from our public library. My daughter (who is 5) is enjoying it too. I will be ordering in the books from the rest of your series (and Ella Bella too – as Isobel just started ballet lessons in September).
Your books are a fantastic way to introduce children to art (especially when you live in the middle of the Canadian prairies and don’t have an art gallery nearby to take them to).
I will be posting a review of your book on my homeschool blog and hopefully find you some more fans!
Blessings from Saskatchewan, Canada!
Denise (this is my son’s google account as the blog is under his name).
it was so good to see you in action again James and to see the children respond so immediatly to Turner and of course Katie.Even my baby grandson drew on the paper with pencils that dear Gabriel helpfully shared. Your week sounds truely amazing and was so pleased to hear that someone from Tacolneston came. The children excitedly waiting to get their books signed brought back happy memories!! Well done as usual. Love margaret
And lovely to see you too. It was Rachel’s daughter who came… so grown up now. Make sure you keep your Grandson’s first picture (well, first at a major art gallery!!!)
WOW! here i am thousands of miles away and i can sense / feel your enthusiasm!!! LOVE the pic of you in the moment. and just terrifically excited for you, that you were able to live out this fairy tale dream come true!!!! that truly was the event of a lifetime!!!! 🙂
its bittersweet for me to read posts like these, having a second daughter who will never ever hear a musical note for as long as she lives. guess she can still enjoy the pictures, right? hope this becomes a yearly tradition and who knows? one day you might have someone there all the way from the u.s.!
are you a teacher then too? did i read correctly that you mentioned students from cambridge? 😉
much, much love from the land of oz. 🙂 cheers! from allie and mallie…and quincie too! 🙂
Thanks so much Allie. It was a very special day… and one day it would be lovely to have you there. It must be hard with knowing your daughter will miss out on so much. But then again… I have a deaf friend (I know there are degrees of deafness so it may not apply) who “hears” the vibrations of music and gets a lot of the sense of what music can be. Up on stage you FEEL the music physically rushing through you. We need to get your daughter up on stage to see what she can experience!
I heard once of a deaf child who went to see The Magic Flute. When the Queen of the Night sang her famous high notes – she could hear them! So you never know. There maybe something in someway that can give her pleasure. And if not – there’s still the art.
Anyway, I really appreciate your kind words and as always, thanks for reading!
I came to the concert with my 2 year old Daisy and 4 year old Mollie (our baby Esther was a little young and waited outside with Mummy).
Both girls were entranced – they know the tunes very well from listening in the car so it was great for them to hear tunes they recognise; and they both loved the paintings – especially of Odette and Aurora. Daisy was a bit disappointed you drew Puss in Boots as she loves Beauty and the Beast! We thought we had won a picture at the end but we had the right number but it turned out the wrong colour (but anyway it was the sorcerers daughter so not the prime one to win anyway!).
I was very impressed with how you managed to fit your paintings in exactly the time of each movement. It was a really lovely experience for all of us.
Oh and finally a request – Mollie wants to know if you will do Ella Bella and the Nutcracker for your next book.
Oh, and guess what? I’ve just signed a contract for Ella Bella and The Nutcracker. It will publish in October 2012, and I’ll see if I can convince the Orchestra to honour it with another concert!
wow! that really was a wonderful review!!! i love that you kept brushstrokes in time to the music and kept the audience all in suspense as to what the final image would fully reveal. ANOTHER MASTERPIECE by james mayhew! we are so gonna get over there someday!!! 🙂 and wouldn’t it be neat if quincie could be up on stage, just for a moment or two? 😉
i finally ordered our own copy of sleeping beauty for mallie for xmas. guess we’ve kept this library copy long enough. 😉 it doesn’t look like swan lake is available over here yet…does that sound right? has it been published here yet? mallie said ella bella sleeping beauty is her favorite book in the whole wide world…still. what magic you paint with your brushes and weave with words… 😉
My daughter’s name is Katie so when I was looking online for children’s books about art, yours grabbed my attention. We have three or four of your books now and all three of my children love reading them together. They are such a fun way to introduce famous artists and their works to young children! I am looking forward to buying more of your books for our home library. I hope you continue to write more Katie books in the future!
please let us know how far afield the school work will go, we have had companies in to do play in a day and musical in a day work with our kids. They have the most wonderful time and create the most fantastic theatre.
We are delighted that BOY will continue – it is my (almost) two year old daughter’s favourite book; the only one we own depicting a co-sleeping family. She believes it is about her, and delights in shouting “me!” when she sees Boy tucked up with his parents. I must have read it a thousand times, but it still makes me cry to read that there was “just enough room”. Thank you for persevering and bringing the sequels to us after all your troubles.
Thankyou, Angie for your really kind words. Our son (the real “boy”) inspired the co-sleeping theme! He still creeps into our bed sometimes. We could never do “sleep training” with him, but we don’t regret that. He’s a great kid.
I really hope there will be more books: certainly I have written other stories. But it all depends on how well the reissued book does next year, so keep your fingers crossed for me!
Wow James I hear the weathers pretty chilly over there! I keep getting distracted by the snow here in Prenzlauer Berg whilst trying to work on other deadlines. Greetings from Germany and all the best Christmas Wishes.
The work is getting there thanks, I think the time of year helps as its more appealing to be exploring the world through illustrations than to be outside (today is more English drizzle) 🙂 ..i’ll stick some sketches in an email for you to take a look at if you like? nice to hear back from you.
its also sad to hear that it may be the last katie book, definitely would be the end of an era, however moving forward and pastures new balances this out in exciting ways 🙂
I’d LOVE to see more of your work Jamie. Thought what I saw before was really interesting, honestly! As for Katie… we shall see. Maybe I just need a little break…?
Re PLR: I don’t think most people realise what meagre earnings sustain (often barely) the vast majority of children’s authors and illustrators. The high-profile success of the few, masks the knife-edge existance of the many.
In these belt-tightening times, we are already threatened with losing our other lifeline – the school & library visits. It is especially difficult for illustrators, as the time-consuming nature of the work, when it arrives, makes it impossible to maintain a ‘day-job’ as a subsidy to ride out hard times.
Thanks Lynne and well said by you as well. Our industry has absolutely no support or help and yet we do a damned good job and I think Britain should be proud of both the tradition we follow and the future we create in the world of children’s literature.
This is scary. It’s the wrong place to save money once again. I totally agree with Lynne, people assume that just because you are “famous”=in the limelight, you must be rich. Wrong!
In Switzerland we have Pro Litteris taking care of such rights. In fact I got my yearly payement yesterday. It’s a small sum but always welcome.
It’s a very good plan, they do have a pension fund, and also legal help. And if someone is in need there are possibilities of getting financial help too. I am glad I live here.
Thank you for highlighting this James. I was unaware of the situation.
I am new to all this business, having just published my first children’s book. I was confused findign that I seem to be working every hour of every day but am still skint. It great to hear that there is a group of us in the same situation but it doe seem a shame that although the job title of ‘author and illustrator’ sounds quite prestigious, it’s a struggle to pay the bills for the ‘less-famous artists’.
At least we are ll do something we love, I guess …maybe we should all move to Switzerland.
Well it makes you think, doesn’t it Hayley? A lot of European countries – Norway for instance – have incentives from their governments to support publishers and therefore authors. Still, I do love my work. And cvongratulations on your first book!
It was very odd. And rather than enjoying the dancing I found I was trying to fathom the interpretation (but left the theatre none the wiser). They should have asked YOU to direct and ME to design…
Hi, My 4 yr old granddaughter has all your Katie books.They live in Melbourne and receive the journal from the National Gallery of Victoria. There was a post card in the magazine which had a Claude Monet’s painting on the front (I forgot to ask which one). It was laying on the table and the 4yr old picked it up and said ‘why is Claude Monet sending me a post card?’ Isn’t this terrific, proof the children learn so much from the books.
That’s a lovely story! Thanks for taking the time to send it. I love to think that children will grow up familiar and comfortable with art. Some many grown ups seem a bit scared of art; scared what to think. But your Granddaughter will always know her Monet!
Thank you Katherine. I just hope all our combined efforts can do a bit of good. At least it is good to see the community of authors joining together like this!
Hoping you had a wonderful Christmas and wishing you a fab 2011! I sent you some mail to the email address we used to correspond but fear as it was such a long time ago maybe you changed it..anyway heres hoping!
If you want to contrast to the more difficult emotions, and into his ability to feel joy, have a look at The cherry blossom. It was painted to celebrate the birth of his nephew. It is the most beautiful picture and also really illustrates his pleasure and interest in chinoserie and japanese art.
That’s a lovely theme Charlotte. Unfortunately there are permission restrictions on that picture! Drat!!! at the moment I’m thinking about stars and wishes…and dreams maybe.
What rotten luck! However Starry Starry night is a good start, what about Katie trying to sit on the chair with the pipe? I gather if you ever tried to make it it would fall over due to skewed perspective.
It’s amazing how many pictures have restictions or are in private collections (both things a “no no” with my publisher). And then other paintings have “hospital” or “Asylum” in the title, which isn’t ideal. Nor is using a man’s bedroom. I hope I can use the chair. I will have to ignore the pipe of course!!! Oh dear…
speaking about reference book- just picked up a copy of a how to make picturbooks by a gentleman named Salisbury and low and behold- there was a very impressive feature on you- love the sketches and finished work on the page!
I stumbled upon your blog looking for loch ness monster art ideas for my little girls 5th grade class… I am thrilled to stumble upon your blog!! =) Beautiful art… what fun… I will check out your books on Amazon soon! =) Blessings!
Stars, night-time, dreams and wishes have to be great starting points – perhaps you’ll be lucky and something will come to you in a dream 🙂 And yes, starting is always difficult isn’t it. But I also find it exhilarating as things are really wide open – for me it’s like when abseiling, and taking that first step off the top – the thrill of those first feet over the side is like nothing else!
Dear James Having only just discovered this blog, and being Mum to two avid fans of yours – I am truly gutted that we have missed out on the concerts. They sound magical!! My four year old thinks that Ella Bella is the most beautiful princess in the world (her words not mine!) and my eight year old has dashed from painting to painting in the national gallery to inform us of Katie’s adventures with the characters. We have also had to change our italian holiday plans to fit in a trip to the Uffizi, as we HAD to see the dancers in the Primavera. You have inspired them, and what a gift that is – thank you! Now that I know where to get hold of your info I look forward to not missing your next concert or book reading….thank you for all the beautiful pictures and words. Jo, Hope & Evie x
Thank you, Jo, Hope and Evie (what lovely names!). Such kind words always mean a lot to me, and I’m very happy to think of you all in the Uffizi; Florence is a wonderful city – what lucky girls!
There will, I hope, be other concerts (like everything these days, subject to funding, alas…) and I’m going to be at the National Gallery in half term – details are on my Katie site – click on the link on the right for information…
You’re right, James, and it does always seem to be the arts that get the boot first. By the way, did you read this superb article that was buzzing around facebook:
I’m so glad that this story has a happy ending! I just discovered your blog(s) and am enjoying exploring no end. Looking forward to following BOY’s progress 🙂
Dear James, Here’s an «Olá» from Portugal to wish you All The Best with this fabulastic Katie Trail… we (me and my three girls) follow your work and own and love all the Katie books. They seat at the throne of our special books shelf! When I told the girls about this amazing 23rd February event the screams were so loud I’m sure you must have heard them… We all wish we could be there, but we are far far away. This seemed the ideal time to thank you for your wonderful work and how it has helped me show the girls how magical Art can be if we see it instead of just look at it. Best wishes for the upcoming event. Here in Portugal (where your books are not available and sadly missed…) 4 of your greatest fans will be thinking of you. Love from the Byrnes Teresa, Sofia, Mariana and Teresinha.
Well said! I work in Letchworth and am glad that we will keep our library for the time being at least.
I’m not sure if this is the best way to contact you about visiting our school and working with our children.
I teach at Grange Junior School in Letchworth and would like to discuss that possibility with you. My email is judst@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Judi Hurst
I find myself wishing — and not for the first time — that you had been one of my tutors, James. And would you believe that I’ve never even been to The Fry Gallery? Maybe next time we drive up to Norfolk…
It would be great if that book was written. I live in the NEW Redclyffe House (Now renamed Redcliffe House) situated at the top of that old stair case where the old house stood. This leads me to be fascinated with all the history of Brundall Gardens and Redclyffe House. I have been collecting everything I can find and have some great photos, postcards etc. I cannot find any images of the ruins of the original Redclyffe House or much info about the fire. You would be very welcome to come and visit the new Redcliffe House and spend some time in the gardens, the views from the house are fantastic! We see the odd very large Carp swim by, though we are yet to see that pike. It would be great to hear from you. My contact no is 07889412440 or email yarmouthstadium@gmail.com
If anyone else reading this has any old images of Redclyffe House or the gardens, also anything that may be of interest, please let me know. I am willing to pay for anything of interest, can copy photos and return originals.
It would be great if that book was written. I live in the NEW Redclyffe House (Now renamed Redcliffe House) situated at the top of that old stair case where the old house stood. This leads me to be fascinated with all the history of Brundall Gardens and Redclyffe House. I have been collecting everything I can find and have some great photos, postcards etc. I cannot find any images of the ruins of the original Redclyffe House or much info about the fire. You would be very welcome to come and visit the new Redcliffe House and spend some time in the gardens, the views from the house are fantastic! We see the odd very large Carp swim by, though we are yet to see that pike. It would be great to hear from you. My contact no is 07889412440 or email yarmouthstadium@gmail.com
If anyone else reading this has any old images of Redclyffe House or the gardens, also anything that may be of interest, please let me know. I am willing to pay for anything of interest, can copy photos and return originals.
Congratulations and the very best of luck James! You’ve done so much great work with school children and young artists that I can see judging by your posts, I’m sure it will be a real treat to behold! Carrie …:)
Now then now then, Rosita, you are making me blush. But it is almost as exciting as you getting to meet Mary Portas Queen of Shops! (yes everyone, Rosita is a star as well!!!!) xxx
Yup, depressingly it appears we’re now living in a society that not only doesn’t value creativity and the arts, but in fact actively sabotages them and/or is intent on retaining culture only for the elite. The arts add colour to our lives. It really is that black and white and that’s why the cuts are so totally, utterly tragic.
WOW! well OF COURSE you are one of the elite 15. i never would have doubted that. 😉 marvelous news friend!!!! enjoy every minute of it!!!! is that broadcast stateside? he he he. 🙂
I guess it will be available on the revelent websites and maybe Youtube. Not sure about seeing it live as it’s 11 am in the morning here – an unsociable hour for you!
James, that’s sooo yummy! Love the lightness of colour and the gorgeous, wibbly line- just as lush and expressive as the music. You know, I think you might consider going pro with this art gubbins..!
I’ll think about it Cass… but I’d hate to give up the cleaning job…
Anyway, he seemed pleased! Which is the most important thing. It’s a strange thing, because I was so critical of myself producing this. But I enjoyed it in the end. And I loved sketching the orchestra… hopefully I can do some more of that!
James, just wanted to say how much we enjoyed listening to your talk and watching you paint at Just Imagine on Saturday.
You were very inspirational to my 7 year old daughter who has spent every spare moment since Saturday drawing and painting ballerinas. (I even caught her drawing a cupcake upside down!)
Thank you so much for the pictures that you drew in both her Cinderella and autograph book – it was very kind of you and much appreciated. We hope to see you again soon.
oh james! 🙂 this post was funny, and despite farting guinea pigs i imagine you are being much too modest. i’m sure it was fantastical! 🙂 translation for the american readers…what is a luvvie?
oh my goodness…i have to add i was screaming and jumping up and down when colin won that oscar!!!! 🙂 shame on you for trying to take it away from him. 😉 but i am sure you are a formidable contender!!! 🙂 lots of love, allie and mallie from across the pond…
oh! every time i read one of these posts, i just lament that we are in the wrong country!!! we still love our ella bella books…they are nothing short of magical. 🙂 love, love, love, allie and mallie from across the pond…
Hello Allie! A “Luvvie” is an affected and rather pretentious type of actor, the sort who wears a silk cravat and calls everyone “darling”… Don’t worry though, I think Colin’s Oscar is safe for now 🙂
It is brilliant isn’t it? Even her preliminary sketch was precosciously wonderful. In fact she was 10 or 11 (Year 6 is the last stage of primary education in the UK), but even so, it is an extraordinary piece…
Unfortunately, it is hard to purchase some of your books in the US. But we persevere, and troll the library often! I am anxiously waiting for Kate and the Waterlily Pond – which hasn’t made it onto the US Amazon site yet. Thank you for your wonderful stories and for creating Katie – a character that my own children and my students have so enjoyed! : )
Hi Karen, thank you for your kind message – and for your perseverence! I wish I could do something to help the situation. I did in fact go to New York to meet with the director at Scholastic, but he wasn’t easily influenced, alas! However my British publisher is investigating importing the books in a more formal manner, perhaps via a US distributor… Thanks again,
Lovely, don’t know if I can join up for the session as we are in the “dreaded” Sats week. However will pass the details onto a colleague I know will be interested.
You might like to know that one of Katies books was being read by a small girl on tv last night; she was in hospital for major surgery and was taking her mind off it with your book.
Oh shame about the SATS – I remember that with my son last year: He had tests fell on his birthday and he was very cross about it! Thank you for your kind interest though and for passing the info along.
Touching to hear about the little girl in hopsital as well. I hope she alright; I am imagining all sorts of stories about her. And I hope Katie distracted her for a few minutes at least!
She looked like she was thoroughly enjoying her reading. It was part of the (fascinating) program about the pioneers of maxillfacial surgery at the John Radcliffe in Oxford. These most inspiring, brave men give children the chance of a quality life. I know this as we teach one of their patients at my school. He is an amazing child and their expertise has meant he has been able to be part of mainstream school.
Ah, thank you Sam. It was nerve-wracking but in a good way. And you are the THIRD person to mention Tony Hart which is a huge compliment, because I loved watching him as a kid – he was fantastic.
It must have been scary! You don’t come across as nervous at all though – just really warm and engaging. You should watch the vid. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Oh you are fantastic, drawing upside down!!! I don’t know a teacher in the world who would not give their eye teeth for such a talent… I love that the BBC have done this, it brings authors to schools who either can’t or wont pay for the privilege. Thank you, thank you and thank you again for doing it.
Charlotte, such kind words mean a great deal. I was lucky because I was given a great opportunity to share the things I’m passionate about with children. I’m sure teacher have their own talents as well. But art is unfortunately a neglected area in many schools and I’m grateful I had the chance to show a little tiny part of my world. It was a lot of work, but you’ve reminded me of how worthwhile it can be!
James I was the scottish family at your excellent stories from the ballet performance that my kids adored and loved meeting you. How do I send you my pictures from this, that we took last year? Really looking forward to coming again Scott
Hello Scott. All messages go to my email first before being posted, so if you send contact details on the blog, I can just not post them here and so keep it all confidential. Great to hear from you, by the way, and thanks for getting in touch!
I’d love for Katie to go East and see Oriental art. Interestingly, the line between gallery and museum then becomes blurred. Oriental art and artefacts woukld be found in the British Museum, not the National Gallery. It’s makes me realise how “Western” galleries tend to be (not all… but many). SO… now I’m thinking of a Katie – Museum series. We’ll see. Depends on the publisher in the end!
I love your dummy books James. Can we do a swap some time, one of mine for one of yours? I was looking at the sketches for Boy the other day. They are just so beautiful.
James, that one with the cellos is superb, you should make it up as a print! I can think of at least two Bach fans in my family who would give it pride of place.
Thank you Charlotte, that IS kind, because I really needed a little encouragement. I’ll think about the print idea… (even though they were playing Beethoven at the time!)
Not kind, truthful… I mentioned Bach as my husband is a huge fan of the cello suites, we have many different versions which often echo around the house.
Father and father in law are similarly fond.
Where as I am less of a Bach girl and more of a Mozart/Vivaldi.
Yes, I’m with you. Bach is incredible but somehow slightly mathematical. In truth I’m a terrible old Romantic and love a nice bit of Rimsky-Korsakov. Which is a clue to the next children’s concert I’m doing with the orchestra. Watch this space, it’s going to be VERY exciting!
Bingo! Yes, we’re performing “Scheherazade”, and I’m doing loads of research into tracing – as far as possible – the original stories that inspired Rimsky-Korsakov. And THEN I have to work out what to paint in time to the music… It’s funny how music reminds us so much of people and places.
Love, love, love this music. The last cover you posted is the one my dad has. I remember loving the mystery created by the music. The overwhelming Russian-ness of it, even though he was evoking Arabia, is something that I adored as a child. Where will the concert be taking place?
Blogger is playing up again, it tells me I am that ubiquitous anon. Actually I am Charlotte!
And Charlotte you must remain!!! Blogger has been odd recently. Anyway, your father has one of the very good Scheherazades, I must say!
The concert (I should have said) is in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, and the University. There’s a concert hall there called the Weston Auditorium, lovely acoustics, nice size, seats around 500, so quite intimate. Perfect for this!
Thanks Mr lo-tech! And I’ll be enjoying your blog from now on too. Although I’m no Luddite, I do so admire the love and design in these old things. I live in the wrong century really! You might enjoy one of my other blogs… “DUSTY OLD BOOKS”. I don’t post so often as I’m busy these days, but it kind of celebrates lo-tech too! There’s a link on the right under “favourite things” >>>
I’ve got the vinyl Scheherajazz too (but not the CD). Not sure I’d call it glorious… Hilarious, maybe! But I don’t think you can improve the original. Rimsky was the master of orchestral painting and musical stoytelling. No one used the orchestra more brilliantly or with more colour. I guess I’m a bit of a purist!
They are delightful, what a tribute. Doesn’t it just show what joy you have bought to their lives. I bet the only thanks they need is to know how much you appreciate them.
There is a great sense of movement, the first violin are following the conductor’s body with their bows. I am not sure I would even be able to attempt such a thing. It’s very impressive James.
WEll you never know Charlotte. Thank you for the kind words. I’m never satisfied! I suppose that’s what drives me – the want to be better. But the word “attempt” is right. It WAS an attempt; a risk. It has to be that. Otherwise nothing would get done! I hope to improve, the more I do!
Please help!!! I am a Literacy coordinator at a primary school in Morden, Surrey and want to invite James Mayhew into our school to inspire our children. Looking for contact details however not been very successful. If you know how to contact him (or if you read this yourself) , please let me know how. Thank You Tanja Doig
Wow, great post, and a very interesting story. Nijinsky as the golden prince! James, I collect easy listening and exotica on vinyl and I have quite a few versions of Scheherazade. I also have a wonderful piece called Scheherajazz!
That is absolutely gorgeous. I love the mural you all found. The Rou-hew (sorry, it could as easily be a May-sseau) Can absolutely imagine a wobbly ladder, paints and artists abounding.
In case your interested we found a dinosaur at our school. Do pop over and have a look.
Thanks James, the comments are much appreciated. We have loved making Dippy. What is more we have loved Katie: she helped my new to English children access art. I plan to put the best writing for What is art, and the writing it inspired on the website at school.
I really believe children only truly enjoy writing when they are passionate about the subject. Dippy has given me the best explanations and instructions I have had this year.
Today we had the battle of the cakes: two teams, two recipes: tomorrow is the taste test. Out of this is going to come a history of chocolate and baking, The Sacher Hotel in Austria and a newspaper spread on our favourite food.
What great things you do at your school! Wonderful memories being built for those children. I bet they hardly notice they are learning things too. And you can’t go wrong with chocolate!
Well I really wouldn’t have if you and other friends had not urged me to not give up. Easy to scorn blogs and FB but the comradeship can be powerful when you work in isolation (as authors do). So thanks Thomas and good luck with all your plans – I’m cheering you on!
Brave? foolhardy perhaps. I love doing this but at the same time I get frustrated because obviously the art is *not that good* in the timespan. But I have to remind myself it’s to entertain children and get them enjoying music. It’s just fun… and yes, for this concert I’ll be using brush pens some of the time. Love/hate relationship as they can go dry just when you don’t want them too!!!!
It looks lovely, I shall see if I can find a copy locally. It would be lovely to see your books in any of these (my favourites) The Bookcase in Lowdham, Rhyme and Reason in Sheffield and Scarthin in Cromford.
you are a gifted author, illustrator and storyteller!
i really sat the entire length of time mouth agape and in rapt attention. i can’t even draw a stick figure…so really was blown away at watching you in action. 🙂
There used to be giant cardboard castles that you could draw all over… simular idea, but a book might be more narrative. I think children love things on this scale… it’s why they climb inside boxes and ignore the gift from inside, on Christmas day!!!
Yes! Dylan is an absolute kindred spirit, and although I simply didn’t have a chance to look around I could tell he’d pulled off something truly special!
This looks wonderful, really wonderful. I hope one day I’ll be able to attend one of your live illustration with music events – they always sound so magical!
James, you know I have said that I want one too. Well am thinking that build it yourself is a good maxim. Could you let me know what you think of this idea:
We are going to put together a cross school production of Alice in Wonderland, each member of staff has a lead job and has to recruit a team of kids to help. I am the scenery person (along with our wonderfully talented Mr Gardiner polymath artist and musician). I am considering the pop up book idea for the stage set! Something the children can get from rabbit hole to garden and then the white rabbits house. Thinking the tables etc can grow either on a green screen behind the kids, or on a concertina and pulley. How easy was the book to actually construct?
Hello Charlotte. How exciting! I constructed the pop up book from Foam Board – there are lots of suppliers, and I sued PaperStone who were v helpful. The boards are easy to cut etc, but not cheap… it might be worth shopping around. The “pages” were laid out one at a time of the floor and a spine created using self adhesive A4 paper (from an office supplies shop). The pop ups were stuck in the same way. Doors etc can easily be cut out of the pages. It was a strange challange, but surprisingly easy. the important think is to remember to make the sticky paper spine wider within pages accomodating a pop up insertion (if you see what I mean) or the book won’t close.
Another thing I did a while ago which might work brilliantly for parts of Alice was a shadow show. It’s one of the first posts on this blog I think – Mr winter’s Vanishing. It is a good way of getting around the need for “special effects” !!!
The days are not long enough…………Cromer – will it become a fixture? A clutch of illustrators on the beach hunting crabs………Enjoyed our brief visit and meeting up. Love Mad Dave. X
Maryom, yes! Although I’ll be working in Edin burgh as well, it will be a different kind of work, and there will be *days off* inbetween! hurrah!. And David: An annual tradition? Why not!? A great ideas…
My friend, this is my eternal problem: I always prefer my sketches than my final art. I think I lose something intangible (the same word for english, spanish and catalan!) in the process…
You have created a beautiful character in Katie. She has been a beloved “friend” to each of my children, and will continue to be one for my young students. Thank you James, for introducing us to such wonderful stories and through them to some of the world’s best art!
Ah, James! The Katie series is something you should be immensely proud of, whatever you decide — a strain of beauty on the bookshelf, and a gateway to a world of art for the young.
Congratulations on sending Katie off her 12th adventure! I’m thrilled to find that you blog, too, Mr. Mayhew! (I was doing research on 2-3 of my favourite picture book illustrators for my blog tomorrow and am so glad to find your posts.)
Lovely post from a beautiful city. I first went to Edinburgh on a freezing February day and my first sight of the city was with the benefit of a perfectly clear blue sky. I will always remember those wonderful landmarks against that bright blue sky… however many times people tell me that the real Edinburgh is beneath heavy grey skies! I used to read the Katie books to my children… many happy memories! Jane Gray
Thanks Jane! I think the grey skies soon pass… that’s a the great thing about Edinburgh, the weather is fast moving… and we were certainly lucky this last week – one day of rain out of seven. I’m glad you have enjoyed Katie over the years…
Thank you all for the kind comments. I hope Katie has done a little to celebrbrate art; I hope she continues to do so. There will still be events and other Katie related things, so the show isn’t completely over!
Ah, well you touch on something deep and pertinant for as much as I love my job (and I do) I long to paint “for me” (as opposed to for a publisher) but of course never find the time (or the motivation).
Oooh, great big landscapes in oils. I used to use oils, years ago. I love the smell of them, I love the sheer physical nature of them, and the energy required when painting “en plein air”… But I don’t think it would quite keep the ol’ wolf from the door!
James that is wonderful, what are you using, oil pastels or paint? I would give my eye teeth to come. If we can find the cash I may persuade the boys and Tim to come with me.
Oh DO come if you possibly can!!! tickets are very reasonable – £5 for children £12 for adults. I’m experimenting with paints at the moment. It needs to be fast and silent… I may use emulsion paint or acrylic. Also I’ll be painting on BLACK canvasses or boards… Each piece of music is only 10 minutes long, so I need to be really swift!!! But the stories are astonishing, I love them. Some quite rare ones…
You have left a wonderful legacy with Katie, you should be proud…! The other thing I wanted to say is that the ilustration you have post here is just wonderful, it has something special…
Hi James! Thanks so much for your blog about your Grange murals. I saw them in the flesh last week and they are GREAT! I’m part of a group working on the artistic ‘decoration’ of schools – please see our blogs, including an earlier one on the Jack O’Legs mural by Pat Tew, at:
I love these two illustrations, so different and both bursting with life! You’ve captured a playful jubilance in the first, and the fierce fireworks of Beethoven’s soul in the second.
We had a Peter and the Wolf LP as children and listening to it painted vivid pictures in my head. They’ve faded a bit over the years though, so I’m looking forward to seeing a shiny new one!
I remember my wonderful 4th year junior teacher introducing us to Beethoven. We listened to each movement of the Pastoral, talked about the pictures created by the music and then we wrote prose “poems” for each movement. I can still remember those lessons and have an affection for Beethoven as a result.
I love the covers, may just have to purchase (not that I need any excuse to buy books and music) the piano cd for our boys. Trying to inspire the playing of a recently gifted instrument.
Hi there, Haven’t been here for a while! Just catching up a bit now that my little one has started school! The endpapers looks fab! So do all the things you’ve been up to! Hope all is well. Doda x
Gosh, a big landmark for your little one! Gabriel is so grown up now (in year 8), but I remember when he started… I think I like the endpapers best in the whole book!!! It was a hard decision to reach about Katie but i think it’s the right time to stop. Best to leave the party while it’s in full swing!
Sad that this will be the last Katie book (and I bet your sister is a little bit sad too) but the cover is absolutely stunning. My children are grown now, but I’m going to get these books of Katie with the famous artists, just in case I have grandchildren to read them to in future! I’ve added you to my sidebar by the way 🙂 Jane Gray
Awww, how cute! I have at least five little Ella and Ellys at my library who are always delighted to find a book with their name in it. And YAY Nutcracker! We can’t wait!
Ha ha! Oh dear Mary, that’s so funny. We are TERRIBLE in our house. It’s the weashing up that does for things very often. Anyway, the glass survived it’s whiskey baptism (as did I) and is now safely put away!
Hi Jennifer, thanks for your kind words. I am glad the books bring pleasure… and I hope get girls asking to listen to classical music too! Nutcracker will be such a lot of fun… I can’t wait either!
Good Luck James! This sounds a fascinating and very challenging project which I’m sure you will perform with aplomb.
My daughter Rebecca would sometimes slam doors too, and when her dad came home on one of those days and said hello, she would reply “NOT hello!” very crossly 🙂 The Time Sculptor
Thanks James (and yes, it crossed my mind that a disaster will not be too easy to spot; however there is a possibility the composer may attend… which makes that trickier!)
What a lovely blog! It truly made or Ella’s day! We cannot wait to have the Nutcracker under the Christmas Tree for her:) Best wishes in your illustrating!
It was a good trip, Saviour, and everyone there was so welcoming and lovely to work with, which really helps! and you have good taste is arias, Saviour!
Wonderful, what a glorious day, in a lovely city, doing fabulous things. If you won’t swap for a wooden eye, would you swap for … bother not sure I have anything that beats a shark eye lense.
Good luck with this one, James. Wish I was going to be south to attend. I’m sure it’s going to be a huge success. Afterwards, you should have tea and crumpets in honour of La Rutherford.
Can I just send you some fan mail? We discovered you two years ago when one of my twin boys, then age 2, pulled “The Knight Who Took All Day” off of the library shelf. We’ve been enjoying that ever since and have just discovered Ella Bella Ballerina, Kate, and Shakespeare. I am reading your books to my ballet class, my preschool cooperative, and my own children. We are looking forward to the opera book and Peter and the Wolf, already one of my boys’, and my, favorite stories.
Thank you for bringing the arts to our children in such a creative and understandable way. It is important to me to pass on a love of these things to all of the children in my life and your books are a delightful part of that process. Thank you and keep it coming!
Hi lucky mommy… I’m always happy to have fan mail! I’m so glad your children enjoy the books. It’s sometimes pretty hard to convince a publisher to take on themes that i’m passionate about but which they see as non commercial but i am truly passionate about sharing the things that make my life rich and filfilling with kids.
I love this story. It’s so full of hope and encouragement. Growing up a lot of teachers discouraged me too, and I lost all my self confidence and stopped making art. Only the past 2yrs or so I have started up again and i’d love to illustrate children’s books 🙂 Your story is very inspirational 🙂
This is great! Hope your sister had a happy birthday. Reading this reminded me a bit of my sister and I. She is 23 but in my mind she’s still 11! We also had an apple tree in the back garden that we would always try and climb! 🙂
Great post!
(my name is kate too, yay! Although i get called Katie if im in “trouble” ha!)
Hi James, we’re very excited by the new addition to the Katie collection! Can’t wait to get our hands on a copy!
We’re trainee teachers and are using ‘Katie’s Picture Show’ for a major module on our course. We were wondering if you could give us any advice regarding possible art activities children may wish to engage in following reading the story? Whilst we appreciate you are extremely busy, we would love it if you could contribute an illustration towards our project.
We shall be encouraging our fellow trainee teachers to use your stories in their lessons as they are so inspiring!
Hello Kav and Charisse, thanks for your kind comments. I think a good follow up is to paint collaboratively on a very big scale, with something like emulsion paint. It handles similarly to oils but dries fast, and the colours are far more subtle than usual school paints, which is a big advantage. Also cheap: if parents donate unwanted matte emulsion it’s free (and environmental!). I paint on hardboard panels when I run this sort of project, usually based on a specific painting. Go to my profile for an email link if you want to discuss further!
Thoroughly enjoyed the event. Kicking myself for not getting there early enough to enter the raffle. My 5 & 7 yr olds were transfixed throughout by the stories, the pictures and music.
Wonderful! I don’t know how you can do this James — I’d be paralysed! And I don’t doubt you were over-whelmed by the moment at times. What a spectacle it must all have been!
Thanks, both of you, for the kind wiords. It’s a full-on day, to be sure. and I get terrible stage nerves. But I truly believe in the point of it all… and I’m rubbish at saying “no”!
wow! sooooo glad you could live out this dream…see this wish fulfilled. i would have LOVED to have been there. someday! 🙂 the costume really was fabulous! 🙂
cant wait to hear more!! after settling my girls to bed with 3 Katie stories tonight, my eldest Amelie 4 says mummy what else does this james mayhew do? now i can tell her… thanks x
I was searching through the web and I encounted this picture, and I must say its such a colourful and flamboyant piece of illustration art. It remains me of the illustrations you did in 2004. I don’t understand why you didn’t do your Ella Bella books in this style honestly.
Hi cmtable, and thanks for the kind words about this picture. It was fun to do, but as you say, it is like other earlier illustrations. I felt it was important for Ella Bella to look very different to my other work, as it was a “new beginning” for me after some frustrating years, and in this decision I was supported by my publisher. Very often the publisher is an influence on these decisions. Personally I am particularly fond of Ella Bella; I think they are some of the best books I have made – and you must remember they are aimed at much younger children. The work you admire (thank you) felt a little too sophisticated for pre-school children.
Hi James, I don’t know if you remember me but I was teaching at a school in Letchworth and you came and spent the week with us. You worked with all classes and finished the week with a collaborative piece of artwork on four panels which included Surprise! (tiger), Van Gogh’s sunflowers and Monets bridge. It was fabulous! I have now changed schools but would like to contact you about visiting children in my new school. How can I discuss it further with you? Kind regards Emma Hawkins
Hello James Mayhew I must say when I was young I have always dreamed of becoming a illustrator and I’ve always looked up to you because you used to produce such amazing illustrations. I mean in the 90s you had such a unique style but nowadays you’re just making as many great illustrations as you used to.
I remember searching on the web and I found an image of the cover of your book ‘The Knight who took all Day’and I thought “this is not Mayhews best work” To be honest the only books of where your illustrations are still the same are in your Katie books.
I’m not being rude but you make as many unique illustartions as you used to which is a shame because you’re such a talented person.I mean now when you produce illustrations with your classic style it’s good, but when you try different styles(like in your Ella Bella books)its like you’re giving a wrong impression.
Well, well, cmtvable, what abn interesting comment. i think you mean to say I no longer make illustrations as I used to? otherwise… why a shame? You have missed the crucial word out! Anyway, I can’t honestly agree with your subjective point of view. I love making Katie books, but a large portion is pastiche, imitating the art of others: hardly “my” style at all. I would, however, agree that the Knight book is not my best work. Let me tell you a little about the publishing industry…
It may surprise you to discover how much control a publisher has. I was really forced to change my work for the Knight story, as my “Katie” style was considered too “sophisticated”.
Regarding Ella Bella, I believe you can see more of the real me than in Katie, where i imitate other artists.
but really, the most important thing to say is, that over the 1/4 century I have been working, is it not a good thing to experiment and evolve? If I was only producing the same work that did 25 years ago, do you not think it would be rather… boring and stale? I do. and that’s why I need to try new things… Ella Bella may be the wrong impression for you, but millions love her just the way she is, preferring her to Katie. It is down to individual taste.
I am flattered that you have been inspired by my work, but the best advice I can give to any other illustrator is: don’t get stuck in a rut. be courageous and be preparted to push yourself in new directions. As a person i have changed a lot ion 25 years. For my woprk to remain the same would indeed be the wrong impression!
I except your decession if its what you want to do I’am okay with it too. It’s just that I love your early work more but thats just my opinion, also its a shame when something or someone I thought was so great before goes to such low expectations . But that was such an interesting reply I’ll keep it in mine. P.S Thanks for indicating that mistake in my comment
Love these, they need some school sized booklets to go with them and make up classroom packs. Especially if you incorporated ideas for drawing pictures, writing stories and creating poems.
Actually, it’s not a decision in the true sense of the word. I am on a journey to learn things. Somethings work out well, some don’t. I believe you have to take that risk. I don’t feel my work today is as terrible as you evidently do! But I am still going to experiment and change. If you like my earlier work, find Pinocchio and Koshka’s Tales. They should please you.
James, It was so lovely to meet you at the Portrait Gallery on Monday. You were an inspiration to our children, thankyou for all you did to help create some lasting memories!
You were even mentioned at our Friday assembly! We hope you enjoyed your trip up, you make Edinburgh sound wonderful! Rebekah
Thank you Rebekah and Lawrence. It was a huge pleasure to meet you both, and I was very honoured to part of such an important collaboration. Oh, and Edinburgh IS wonderful! I look forwartd to seeing what happens with the competition… Best wishes to you both.
Happy Christmas, James, to you and your family. It looks like 2011 was a good year for you (love the pop-up castle, in particular:). Best wishes for 2012!
Thank you Diya, for looking and taking the time to comment. Now there’s another dream: Sailing away for real whilst listening to Rimsky’s “The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship”… !!! Happy New Year!
How wonderful, I loved the story of the Nutcracker as a child. Dad bought me an LP of the Nutcracker suite and Swan Lake when I was very little and I was entranced by both the music and the story.
These days I introduce it to the children at school as a Christmas story (alternating it with Dickens). I am always amazed at how few children are familiar with these Classics anymore. They need keeping alive and re-interpreting for each coming generation.
I am really looking forward to seeing your take on the story.
Charlotte.
PS, got a copy of Boy for Christmas, I love it, what a wonderful story. It will become one of my stories for reading to KS1 (We get to guest star at story time at our school, so teachers from the other end of school go down to Foundation and year 1 & 2 to share our favourite stories).
Ah, Thanks Charlotte! So glad you like Boy. AS for the Nutcracker, I illustrated a Dorling Kindersly “Classics” book of the original Hoffmann tale many years ago. It is extremely “random” as my son would say, and dark and twisted too. Ella Bella’s visit to the land of sweets will be altogether more “sweet”!!!
And Happy New Year to you Saviour! Glad you like the ship. All these templates available; I can’t stop fiddling!
Well, I was at school with Doreen, at Chapel End Secondary Modern School, Walthamstow, and am very proud of her success. I wonder if she remembers me? I was best friends with her colleague Jonathan Hartnell, and drew a comic for the school every week, called ‘Komic kapers Weekly’, which became affectionately known at ‘The KK’. I too, have had some success. See our website: http://www.widgeripoo.net
Yay! James it looks simply wonderful! And so brave to experiment under such a fierce time constraint! Am so proud of you and it looks absolutely beautiful xxx
Truly a masterpiece of illustrative detail and colour. I mean this is a beautiful example of how your illustration breathed such character these pictures are so amazing there are no other words to describe them. Back than you took the Nutcracker to a grade A level.
Do you think Dickens would recognise the place? I’ve never been to Suffolk and, probably wrongly, imagine it to be caught in a time warp. I grew up in DH Lawrence country and I think he’d be completely lost if he saw it now.
Oh, it hadn’t changed much when I was there; but as I explained… not been been back for over 20 years!!! Actually I had a little look on Google Earth; it had not changed enormously as far as I could see, only lost it’s two shops! It was a very sleepy village. One bus a week to Lowestoft on a Friday, otherwise completely isolated!
Oh it’s wonderful! Although quite long. And if I’m honest I prefer the first bit when he’s young – one of the great evocations of childhood in all literature. When he grows up and falls for drippy girls, it’s less thrilling. But still good!
What an amazing coincidence! Only a few days after you post this piece and here i am in the sitting room of the very same Rookery in Blundeston on the iPad trying to find a little more history about the house. It is sleepy and snowy, I can see the Pound, St Marys church, and the school from the window. We bought the neglected old building six years ago and have spent the last years sympathetically restoring it. You’ll find Blundeston hasn’t changed much over the years, but then that’s exactly why I left London to return here. The buses are more regular too, and we even have the Internet!
The children read your books and we never knew you were a Blundeston boy! A lovely story.
That’s extraordinary! What a wonderful place to live. As you describe it… I can see it all before me. I had friends who lived in the farm next door to you. At the time, I think the Rookery was empty. I remember lying on the front lawn looking up at the clouds through the trees. They were happy days!
It’s lovely to know that my books made it back even if I haven’t (yet)!
It’s really enchanting as is! I work at a school library and am constantly asked by wide-eyed little girls if there are any ballet books. Unfortunately, our budget is non-existent, so we really don’t have much to choose from. But I just discovered your Ella Bella books and have decided to buy some to donate to the library! I can’t wait for the Nutcracker book to come out!
Your work is so beautiful! I found a wonderful picture book of the ballet “Giselle” by Violette Verdy and illustrated by Marcia Brown, and also one of the Steadfast Tin Solider. Your books have that same magical spirit to me!
That would be wonderful! Who could resist a dancing doll? And if Coppelia is a less familiar ballet for some, all the more reason to share the story~that’s what Ella Bella’s all about, after all! ~Best wishes!
Ha, ha! I know, I have one of this Katie/Carlota adventures in my bookcase! (Katie and the dinosaurs-Carlota y los dinosaurios) Can you tell me the name of the magazine, I will buy it!
I can remember that first print run of The Voice of Britten. I seem to remember that we were working out of the temporary library opposite Mr Boor’s office, and as a volunteer librarian we all were asked to sell copies around the school. I seem to remember one of the later editions was a Star Wars themed cover, and I was unaware of what Star Wars was, and who was that on the cover; Mark Hammill I was told by all the girls present, showing that it wasn’t just boys that liked it.
It is a shame that teachers at BBHS did so much to dissuade you from what is clearly something you are so good at, which shows, really, what they know.
I can’t imagine what it must have been like to have been published for the first time, I get a hint of it from your words above.
Funnily enough, I’ve been back twice to Blundeston in the last five years. I used to take my parents to the Plough for Sunday lunch for years before I moved away.
Last time I went back was about a couple of years ago, to photograph the church, as that is now one of my hobbies.
Growing up, Blundeston meant fruit picking, as we used to cycle out from Oulton Broad to pick strawberries and raspberries so Grandma could make jam.
I used to moan about how dull Lowestoft and Oulton Broad back, but I think moving away gives perspective, and I quite enjoy being a visitor there now.
Thanks for remembering Jelltex! There was indeed a Star Wars cover… oh how that dates us. I never expected to be published. And really that’s the least interesting part of the process. The creating and thinking and planning is the best bit. Once a book goes out into the world I tend to forget all about it!
Hello there Zack. Holy cats indeed. And a lovely kid, too.
Zack, that’s a very kind thing to say and … ditto! I was so sad to miss out on all the graduation fun. I must get in touch as I’m longing to know how things are going.
Oh my, doesn’t this just remind you of the amazing-ness of human beings. What a superb and unbeatable thank you; you both has something you will treasure.
I have a question for you (concerning Russian tales). I was looking for your book of Russian stories on amazon and saw one called The “Kingfisher Book of Tales From Russia” and one called “Koshka’s Tales: Stories from Russia”? They had different covers, but are they the same contents (the same stories and illustrations)?
Yes this is the same book. The hardback was called Koshka’s Tales but the title was changed (by the publisher, not be me) for the paperback edition. It’s one of my favourites…
Thanks Charlotte! My dream now is to do a whole book in lino… but maybe that’s a bit crazy. I just love creating images in shape rather than line. But as I say… still a lot to learn!
Thanks Charlotte! My dream now is to do a whole book in lino… but maybe that’s a bit crazy. I just love creating images in shape rather than line. But as I say… still a lot to learn!
Love that! Have you seen Jeremy James’s facebook page. He does linos on different block and begins by ofset printing the first block onto however many coloured blocks he is going to use. Fascinating to watch. Love lino, love this, and you too! Ps my book press worked brill for lino printing.
Must try my book press. And investigate Jeremy James. I just wish I had more time at the moment. Lots of little things keeping me away from the lino! But I am LOVING the lino and will return soon!
Love that! Have you seen Jeremy James’s facebook page. He does linos on different block and begins by ofset printing the first block onto however many coloured blocks he is going to use. Fascinating to watch. Love lino, love this, and you too! Ps my book press worked brill for lino printing.
Must try my book press. And investigate Jeremy James. I just wish I had more time at the moment. Lots of little things keeping me away from the lino! But I am LOVING the lino and will return soon!
Off with her head? Well I have been offered two new books with our red-coated friend. Decision time. It may work in my favour. Long story. How are you? Shall we meet up?
I am too jealous for words. It is very rare, these days, that I get to do big art projects with my class. As education it moved onward towards so called economic well being we are SATs dominated. I want to know when spiritual well being and creative well being will count.
All power to you James for getting the spark of creativity into schools.
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Hello Charlotte, YES! many times. And it works brilliantly, draawing out autistic children, and keeping other difficult children focussed, challanging children to keep to the timing of the music. One of the most successful things I’ve ever done in schools. Tomorrow I’m using The Firebird in a school in fact. I believe in it 100% !!!
How much do you charge for a day? I have no budget left this year but we have a new year coming… We used our local cinema this year for a big writing project and got some superb writing, but I have a high level of EAL children and feel that music has much more to offer them as a stimulus for literacy
It depends, I have a kind of sliding scale depending on where the school is and how much prep is required. But between £250 and £400. Music is incredibly effective; even I’m surprised! I think what works really well is using music to stimulate art, then draw literacy from that. Because they have a sold memory and a story, some music AND an image to work with: an illustration to an unwritten story.
Hi James, You know, I and my 7-year-old daughter, Jasmine, love your books a lot. We bought them as birthday gifts to her classmates named Katie and not-named Katie. What a coincidence that Scheherazade is my favorite piece of music. While I had lectures to new volunteers of story-telling in Taipei municipal libraries, I usually played Scheherazade to have them experience the melody. It gives out tremendous inspiration.
Gorgeous blog James. I can remember a library book from when I was little. A book of Russian Fairy Tales. I borrowed it so many times; Mum read it with me over and over again. The illustrations were like the pictures of your post.
Thanks Charlotte… I also adore Russian Folk Tales, largely because of Rimsky. I remember hearing music from Kitezh and Snowmaiden on the radio as a kid. It’s haunted me ever since and led to a life long love of his sound world and these stories. The tales from Russia are wonderfully vibrant and undiluted; they have not been Disneyfied, and remain very potent. I wonder who illustrated your library book?
James, These two events sound so fantastic, and since I grew up in Prague, very familiar. I’m landing back in England on the 6th so, jet lag allowing, I would love to make it to Litchfield. Not too far from me in OXON. Thanks for the posted link.
ah James, it was really wonderful to meet you at the weekend, and indeed magical to hear the Orchestra of the Music Makers. My whole family has been inspired by the concert we attended – thank you for feeding our imaginations!
Wonderful to meet you too, and thank you so much for helping publicise the performance and generally supporting me. It meant a lot! So glad your family were inspired. Rimsky is pretty amazing!
Jeez, how often does an illustrator get reviewed in a music magazine? Way to get (well-deserved) accolades from all the arenas in which your interests dwell!
Thanks you Nicholas, Max B, Freya, Luella Tess and all at St Aloysius! It’s very exciting to hear from you and I’m looking forward to visiting the blog!
My daughter, Ella, loves all the Katie books and Ella Bella books. In fact, her ballet teacher calls her Ella Bella. We are so excited about the upcoming Nutcracker story! It’s our favorite ballet! Thank you for all the beautiful stories you continue to write! We enjoy them so very much.
Thanks. I visited each one of the links to the other illustrator sites mentioned in your article. All the sites were excellent resources. Thank you so much! Tutorial CS6
How wonderful. I was taken to De Montfort Hall as a little girl to hear Carnival of the Animals with a narration by Johnny Morris. I have never forgotten it.
Oh you lucky thing! He had the best voice for narrating. How I LOVED Tales by the River Bank! I’m not sure what (if any) narration there will be at this Carnival, as the conductor has not yet specified which pieces he will play. It’s an amateur orchestra and they don’t have all the people required for ALL the animals, which is why the suite is being supplemented. And as I LOVE Rossini and Strauss I think it will be great – lots to paint!
I’m pre-ordering 2 copies for our library next week! (and another copy of Cinderella – some kid with a pen hit our children’s section and many books were lost. sigh.)
We received our pre-ordered copy yesterday. My daughter was completely delighted with the story. She took note that, like the other books, it follows the story as told in the ballet rather than from a movie. She also took it with her to ballet class in the afternoon to share with her ballet teacher, Miss Sally, who she thinks is rather like Madame Rosa. Thanks so much for the wonderful books! Ella Bella and the Nutcracker is the book that my little ballerina will be giving all of her friends as gifts this year!
That’slovely to hear, thank you! It was quite a hard story to work with – the original Hoffmann tale is rather odd! So I’m relieved your daughter approves! Thanks, James.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time, James, and made a fair amount of new fans. Spanish festivals are something else! In June, many towns have a festival called Las Fallas. They burn giant effigies of politicians and celebrities. Wish we did that in England, we’d have lots of fallas to burn.
Thanks GD. The finished things are not quite the same but…. different for me. It’s quite a specific brief. YES I AM going back to Cheltenham… I will keep you posted on that.
Well I haven’t said here in the post, which was a bit silly!!! The pictures are always raffled for a charity. This year the proceeds went to a charity called EACH – a children’s hospice.
That looks wonderful, I wish we were able to take time out of the curriculum to prepare such things properly. But the needs (LEA) must drive the inner city. Ironically I believe this is what the “pupil premium” should offer. This breadth and creative depth. And now I will get off my soap box!
I agree… it’s hard to work under restrictions! Frustrating. Woolenwick said the same actually… Stevenage has simular social problems to London, and I think they have to work really hard to justify everything to inspectors etc.
I just wanted to say a huge Thank You for the wonderful time we had at your storytelling event. Our kids loved your stories, and we loved watching our kids getting so excited! Special thanks for your Baba Yaga story – we are originally from Russia, so our son loves Baba Yaga and it was a very special event for him and for us.
Thank you so much for the kind comment and for coming to the event. It really means a great deal to me! I have a huge love of Russian stories, and it’s a great compliment to have a real Russian approve! Very many thanks,
Oh, but it DID inspire a love of singing, Mr. Mayhew! I received your book for my sixth birthday, and I have loved it ever since! I do not sing opera, but I sang in choirs quite competitively for years and am currently involved in a volunteer performance choir, selected for the smaller ensemble piece as well as an extensive solo. Thank you for writing this book; I have very find memories of it whenever I am struck with my own case of nerves. 🙂
So sad I wasn’t able to make it in the end – great to see some photos and to hear more about how things unfolded on the day! Fantastic work, and we are so thrilled here at London Music Masters – thank you again for so kindly offering to donate the raffle proceeds to us, we really are hugely grateful!
All the best, Claire (Chief Operating Officer, London Music Masters)
So sorry you were unwell, but lovely that we were able to support a good cause. Also very nice to have met you and I hope we can maybe collaborate in some way in the future…
I’m a German student of Teaching English in the Primary Classroom and I’m writing my examination paper about your picture book. The theme is “Bridging the gap. The use of picture books in the EFL classroom: year 4 and 5”. I wanted to ask you, if you have any ideas for a teaching unit with “Katie in London” in class 4 and 5 with children learning English as a foreign language. Thank you for this wonderful book!
Dear James, I was at the St Anne’s Limehouse concert on Friday night and lucky enough to buy one of your illustrations afterwards – a fierce but magical moment with the Nutcracker, Clara and the mouse king.
I want to thank you for your incredible generosity: not only in donating the drawings for a most worthwhile project to bring music to local schoolchildren, but the verve and energy (and modesty) you brought to the performance. I can see from your earlier posts how much went into it, in hard work, nerves and a lost easel! I think we were all in awe of your skill both as an artist and as a narrator, moving seamlessly from drawing to story telling. You did it one-eyed, with Drosselmeyer’s eye-patch in place and I noticed your spectacles spattered with paint afterwards! Very touching.
You brought delight to so many people and helped to celebrate the youthful brilliance of The Docklands Sinfonia. My old man is their patron and wants to add his appreciation to you. Rosie West x
Thank you so much much for this wonderful message. I’m incredibly touched by your kind words. It was a very special evening in so many ways – I am in awe of what Spencer has achieved with the Docklands Sinfonia, and lucky to have been part of that for the Nutcracker.
It was also a huge honour to meet you and your husband. I know that you also paint, so I was a little trepidatious about my efforts in your presence! But of course, in the end, it’s all about engaging new audiences, especially children.
Thank you both, so much, for your warm welcome on Friday and your message! It makes it well worth losing an easel for!!!
Wondeful, James, and so well deserved to. Will try to catch it in Croydon. I’ve seen some fantastic shows there in the past. And I’m so dying to take my godson to see it when it comes to Bradford or Leeds.
Hi James! It’s Olivia from the Set Design course! Just thought I’d have a peek at some of your work. I’ll have to look out for some of your books, I’m very intrigued 🙂
Translating what is in your head to the real world is challenging but it’s kinda fun to work under those constraints as well. Love your first “loose” boat.
Loving all of this James, And loving that you have gone back to school. If I were a publisher I would be signing you up to do a music book. Your work seems to have so much joy in it. Brilliant.
I wish the books were available here, but I’ve never seen them. I did discover the movies a few years ago and bought them for the library – and a second copy for myself! They’re not as popular in the library as I think they should be, but I love to watch them myself.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for that. The books were only published in the UK. Other countries, like the US, thought they were “too English”. The films are very faithful indeed, to both the stories and my illustrations… but (as always) I think the books have the edge. I bet you could trace second hand copies if you try. There are four titles…
A day to remember, James. Well done! The Katie stories are superb and perfect for stage and screen. Let’s hope the show tours up North soon. You have a lot of fans in Yorkshire who would jump at the chance of seeing Katie come alive on stage.
It’s a strange feeling Jackie. Actually, I think the best compliment I can pay the performance is to say that I forgot that had anything to do with it and just enjoyed the storytelling!
Great – will watch this space and publish on my blog, once you got dates. – BTW we went to the National Gallery the other day with your book, the kids and us adults had so much fun, finding the paintings.
Thanks wonderful to hear, I’m glad you had a good time! The tour will most likely be 2014 as most theatres will already have schedules in place I imagine. But we’ll know dates well in advance and let you know. Very kind of you to be so supportive, thank you!
Thanks Charlotte! Although inspired by medieval art (which can look quite static), I did want to give movement to the animals – after all, they are running from a flood!
Let me just say I adore these, the colours and the design really remind of your early work, I can tell you had fun doing them.
P.S James I admire your work, I really do. Your other works are beautiful and original, you inspired me as an artist in many ways. I apoligize for any harsh critiques I’ve given on your later works I was being an over-reative fanboy. I hope you keep making great artwork and I hope you forgive me.
Let me just say I adore these, the colours and the design really remind of your early work, I can tell you had fun doing them.
P.S James I admire your work, I really do. Your other works are beautiful and original, you inspired me as an artist in many ways. I apoligize for any harsh critiques I’ve given on your later works I was being an over-reative fanboy. I hope you keep making great artwork and I hope you forgive me.
Wow, what a lovely post. I definitely need to go and put on my abba CDs to have a celebratory dance round the kitchen now! Did you hear the interview with Agnetha on Front Row?
Ah, what memories are held in those songs! Plenty of dancing to CDs going on here too. Yes, I did hear the interview. Agnetha sounded very dignified and disarmingly honest. The one celebrity who, when saying she wanted to give it all up for her children, actually meant it!
Lovely to see the lion in the story again (just noticed his blanket!). My daughter was so excited about having her photo taken with Katie’s lion during a recent trip to London 🙂
Ahh, I do wish we could come to this – the girls heard Pictures at an Exhibtion at the latest CBSO family concert and loved it – and just today my CD of it has arrived in the post. Best of luck!
Oh I wish you could too Zoe! Isn’t it a fabulous piece? I love it to bits!!!! I hope you’ll get your girls painting along to the CD. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll get to Brum with an orchestra 🙂
Thanks Charlotte! that’s kind of you… and a medieval pageant is exactly what I’m trying to achieve here. It’s been the HARDEST thing I’ve ever done, but it’s certainly not been dull!
We may use adults, but we’re investigating plastic plumbing tubes for lightweight poles, so hopefully it’ll be OK between three kids. The fabric is only cheap polycotten, so very light… watch this space!
I love Baba Yaga too, best witch ever! And what a house…a house made of bones that stands up on chicken legs. Vasilisa the Beautiful is my absolutely favourite folktale.
Wonderful evocations of an unforgettable event, a cut above most production photos. Three cheers to young Lever, to you, and to all who sailed in the Tewkesbury Noye’s arc.
These are quite as artistic as young Lever’s shots. How lucky you are (not that you don’t deserve it!) to have this special event so well documented.
Now off to deal with The Turn of the Screw and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the Norfolk Coastal Operas project. Isn’t the latter one right up your street for design? Again, onwards!
Now here’s a coincidence – I went there on the obligatory every-two-months afternoon out with the mother just before getting the train to Cheltenham. First visit, and I was so surprised by all that green space and the river running through it, especially as I’d always thought Morden – setting-off point for my first independent teenage forays into London – the armpit of south London. We walked near the mill exhibition and around the rose garden, but I had NO IDEA about the snuff museum. A good reason to return…
I quite like reading wintery books in hot weather (and summery books in winter), so I’m waiting for the return of the heatwave to read a thriller set in Denmark’s coldest winter and another set in the depths of Russian snow.
How lovely. What is the Russian book? I’m intrigued – as someone who loves Russian stories! I’ll be reaching for a hot water bottle and a mug of cocoa next 🙂
Just got done with illustrating our Christmas card in July! I hope the book will be available in the US- your perspective of Santa/ Father Christmas soaring over London is amazing!
So I persuaded my mother on our latest monthly meeting to go back – and checked out the room. Your panels are a delight, but the display in that room seems to have fallen into the sere and could do with a bit of tarting up. Such an interesting subject, after all.
And it was so good to see the park – where the roses have given way to a splendid dahlia display – well used by the local community. A Utopian scene.
It was in a terrible state when the panels were commissioned. And that was so long ago it sounds like they’re almost back where they started! I’ll go and see for myself one of these days…
Indeed, a strange predicament, though at least your imagination can work untrammelled. Imagine all those telly Xmas specials where the merriment has to be faked in summer…
It ruined Christmas in Cranford for me (up to that final episode I bought everything about that marvellous series). As did the supposed October-November scenes when the trees were still in full leaf and the light was all wrong.
Astrid sends greetings – I took her to a half-good Prom tonight and Meurig by chance was there too.
I’m glad it’s not just me then! Sounds like a nice reunion for you all at the Proms. I’m afraid I’ve missed all the Proms due to this book deadline (thank goodness for R3!). But I am taking Astrid to a Cadogan Hall concert in a week or two. And thank you for all the kind offers that I’ve failed to embrace, ticket wise. I’m not *always* this busy, so I hope something will work out one of these days.
I’m shocked by how little authors make from each book sale. But your comments on perceptions of value ring true. Adults will happily spend cash on comics an plastic tat but not £4.99 on a book for their child. On the e-book front: if you spend £120 on an e-reader and save £3 per book you need to download 40 books just to break even.
A lot of people don’t realise how small a royalty is. But if you are “only” the author or illustrator (rather than both) it is usually 3 and 3/4 %, less if a book is discounted by 50% or more (ie a smaller royalty on a cheaper book = peanuts). I can’t be doing with e-readers. Takes all the pleasure out of it for me. And you can spend all that money and still not really own a copy of a book!
I don’t know so much about bookshops in general, but I know the second-hand gems are falling like ninepins (and most of the one-off CD/record shops went some time ago). It’s been said many times, and I can only echo it, but browsing leads you on unexpected paths which you would never find in the ‘if you like this, you might like this’ online suggestions.
I’m always amazed, on the few occasions I have recourse to buying them as presents (mainly yours), how cheap children’s books are. More power to your elbow!
Ah yes, I do miss the hours I spent browsing in record shops and finding peculiar and rare imports. Remember Collets? Oh how I loved rifling through their Melodia lps! Tragic to see bookshops threatened in the same way. There is something very cold about a place with no bookshop.
Collets – how could I forget (it transpires that James, anybody, is the record collector closest to my heart with his precocious Russophilia). It was always raining and the Charing Cross Road had a grim aspect whenever I went there. A few unwieldy opera box sets I remember vaguely, more specifically a prized Mravinsky LP with Shostakovich 6 and Honegger Symphonie Liturgique.
But my most prized treasure from Collets is a book of Pushkin Skazki dazzlingly illustrated by one T (for Tatyana?) Mavrina, Moscow Children’s Literature Publishers, 1984. In Russian, before I learnt to read it. Wonder if you know this wonderful artist?
Ah! Mavrina – indeed a Tatyana, her work always reminded me og Natalya Gontcharova’s early set designs (Le Coq d’Or for eg), free and and full of movement, life, folk motifs. Wonderful stuff. I have a book of Chestnut grey by her… possibly others. Must look. Too many books to look through! I have some lovely little books on Russian composers and the Kirov, Bolshoi etc that I cherish, full of rare set designs and old production photos. Hugely inspiring. And lovely boxed sets on Russian operas which could then only be found really in Collets – ancient scratchy mono recordings of Christmas Eve (the cover could almost be by Mavrina), a Bilibin Sadko, Petrov’s Boris… Rozhdestvenskaya’s Kitezh. And recitals by Russian singers… Oh what treasures!!! I may have to go and listen to them all immediately! And yes… it was always raining 🙂
James I LOVE You even More, as does our Mayhew Jonny and you can see my views on my blog http://www.formbybooks.com I think you will agree with some of them! WE will sell as many of your books as we can esp the one with Jackie Morris when she comes by soon!
What is most depressing is that even Waterstones is an endangered species these days and our local indpendent is in a county village, 15 miles away and impossible for us to get to. Although on the positive note it is The Bookcase run by Jane Streeter who did manage to build up a network of schools support, the last I knew, when book-selling.
It IS depressing. But society only has itself to blame. I can think of no other profession – except acting/theatre /musicians – whose livelihood is so under threat.
A great posting, James. There’s also another problem I’ve encountered with huge book fairs even if they do have your books. The stock runs out within five minutes because the kids will make a beeline for them. If a school has a book fair run by their local independent bookshop they get enough of the books by the visiting author to meet the demand. Unfortunately a lot of schools just don’t get how that personal connection with the author, even if it is just for a day, simply changes the reading experience. I still get emailed by kids I met over twenty years ago who are now buying my books for their own children.
The problem in schools is that they are addicted to the awful Scholastic catalogues. Don’t get me wrong – I have always found the people at Scholastic very lovely and helpful – but their discounting policies are awful and they pass off bin ends, overstocks and dross nobody wanted to schools and call it a bargain. When Terry Deary was here in July he pretty much echoed your comments about royalties (the “big boxes” annoy him especially). Book people are another one – lovely people but the range is very limited and is again populated with overstocks etc. with just a few hidden gems.
Completely agree. I’m sure individual people at these organisations are pleasant enough. But I defy what they stand for. The Book People sell my books for 99p. What publishers and printers etc make, I don’t know. Probably printed in China for next to nothing (which I also disapprove of). But I get next to zilch, and it makes it very hard to go into a bookshop and see them trying to sell it at full price when everyone knows you can buy it cheaper from the catalogue. It’s just so unfair. I wish people would approach book buying like grocery shopping and spend a bit more for quality organic produce nd consider the wider picture. Schools invest in all sorts of schemes like the environment. They should invest in literature the same way. The rubbish that most kids get offered would put most of us off reading for life!!!!
YES! Like, favorite (I know!!), repin and retweet. Look at me all online and social media savvy but still loving real books. They are the real deal. Hope to see you today in Davids 🙂
If you can find a school which wants to move onto a quality book catalogue I’ll happily organize the supplies, shipping and discount. I think they would actually raise more money by offering more books parents & kids actually want. Putting something out at 99p makes it look worthless, therefore parents like me are less likely to want it because we assume for 99p it’s just tat – as opposed to the hidden gem in the pile 🙂
Too kind as always. I love Bawden and the Gt Bardfield artists, so that’s a huge compliment, thank you. Must take another look at his sketches. I have just about enough distance between myself and my efforts now to be able to bear it as I’m certain his are masterly!
Only connect – you’re in lovely Saffron Walden very soon and that little Gt Bardfield-connected gallery there is such a treasure. Must be a fine place to live, I thought on our one visit there. Is it worth going to Great Bardfield too?
Gt Bardfield is a lovely North Essex village, but quieter than Saffron Walden. I’ve always wanted to live in SW, but it’s never happened for one reason or another. The Fry gallery is just wonderful. They have a sale of cheapo artists originals in November…
James the children at Tanglin loved your visit. Your watercolour sketches of Singapore scenes are fabulous by the way! The Head of Year 3 launched a writing competition as the children were so inspired by your visit. We scanned 8 copies of the wonderful painting you created for the children (Castle/St George) so that each class in Year 3 will have one winner in the writing competition who will receive a copy of that wonderful picture. You are so talented and so humble – we look forward to your next visit. Please tell your parents from me you are famous! Celeste
Dear Celeste, what a lovely thing to say, thank you. I had the most wonderful time at Tanglin, entirely due to the warm welcome I experienced. I am so grateful to you all. And it was really lovely to meet you and chat. Thank you, as well, for the Byfield book which I will treasure. I’m so happy the children enjoyed the visit – what a lovely competition to run, and what a fabulous school to properly follow up a visit like this; that’s where the value lies. I very much hope I’ll be able to return one day. In the meantime, I’ll pass on your words to my parents 😉 Keep well, best wishes to all, and many thanks again.
Happy memories. I’ve steered clear of several opportunities to hear more Fluddes this year – having NEVER encountered it live before yours – because I want this one to resonate. As its Wagnerian climax always will…
You are far too kind. And of course this was a hugely collaborative effort. But I’m touched by your alliegence. It resonates with me too, for many reasons… and leaves me wanting more!
Alas, more Britten going on in the Union Chapel, but I can’t make it. But what fun! Why not paint Tchaikovsky 4 as well? Sure you could…All the best for it.
I’m so glad it all went well after your fabulous hard work. I bet you feel almost bereft now… it’s been a long build up. But congratulations, it was a huge success from all points of view!
Yay for more Ella Bella! It’s one of only a handful of picture books I invested in multiple copies for our small library. All my Ella fans (several of whom are named Ella (-:) will be very excited!
Oh, it is true, James! Just the other day at the bookshop, there was a lady raving about them, and I told her about your concerts with the orchestra! Very proud over here and miss you much 🙂
Saw Ella Bella Ballerina and the Nutcracker displayed on a Christmas feature shelf today and was instantly drawn to it. I call my daughter Ella, Ella Bella and we had just gotten out of her ballet class when we headed to the book store.
The book is beautiful and has given my daughter a better understanding for and appreciation of the ballet. I stumbled upon your page searching for the next book to purchase; will definitely be sharing this find with the other ballet moms! Send more our way here in the US!
That’s such a kind message, thank you! I certainly hope there will be more books. I’m longing to add The Firebird and the Fantastic Toyshop ballets to the series… but I have to convince my publisher! Not always an easy task. But there WILL me more, and I hope your Ella enjoyes the others when she sees them. Thanks again, James x
Dear Mr Mayhew,
Do you remember visiting a small independent primary school in Brussels a couple of years ago? We certainly remember your visit. We wondered if you would be interested in visiting us again – perhaps next Autumn? The children and staff enjoyed your talk and the art workshop so much. If this might be possible, please contact me at the email address I am submitting.
Thank you for such a memorable evening filled with awe and wonder. Watching your painted images take shape and meaning as the music ebbed and flowed was utterly mesmerising and magical.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – hurrah! Your illustration of the Overture, the greatest ever work written by a teenager, would be essential – though I can’t imagine any school strings would be able to manage the fairy flittings.
Will you be back at Cheltenham this summer? I’ve not seen the programme so I don’t know. But isn’t it great about the new concert hall in Saffron Walden?
Neat new website, though I suppose I miss the handsome gallery pic.
Mendelssohn’s overture is extraordinary and a long standing favourite. My brushes are quivering at the thought of it. There is a possibility of a live performance in Hatfield with the de Havilland Philharmonic in November, but for now the illustrations and the fairy flittings are book bound.
I WILL be back in Cheltenham, for a version of Carnival of the Animals (2 pianists; Cello), in the Parabola theatre on July 12th. And I’ll be working with the Uttlesforde/Saffron Walden Orchestra in October (Scheherazade is a possibility).
It was a tough decision to go for a new website as I was always very fond of the blog and I hate change. But… I needed something where it was easier to navigate for children, and which also looked professional for orchestras/music festivals etc. Old posts tended to disappear on the blog… You are widely quoted thanks to your kind words! I will try to find a place for the “handsome” gallery pic, just for you!
How wonderful! I too feel one should always write to idols, or even to performers who’ve touched us in some enormous way (I’ve just been in a privileged position to do that through e-mail to the director and one of the performers of the stunning ENO Rodelinda). More recently I wrote a letter to Frances Partridge, having gleaned from her diaries that she liked to reach out to people, and she did: I went to tea with her twice in West Halkin Street when she was already in her early 100s.
As for Tove, I never grew up with the Moomins, alas, but came to her through a book I always buy copies of for friends when they’re ill or have birthdays,. The Summer Book, an absolute gem. Then started reading the Moomin books and now we have two of the (very expensive!) mugs.
Somehow I’m not surprised she did take the trouble to write back with a personal letter. One gleans that, again, from the person. Must go over to the other site and take a look.
What a fabulous response, thank you David. It’s so easy to assume the great and the good are out of reach, and thoroughly pleasing to know that, sometimes, those we admire like to reach out to us. And it’s always nice to go to tea of course. We must do that ourselves, before either of us reaches 100. I will be halfway there on Friday!
The Summer Book is undoubtedly one of my Desert Island Books, and your appreciation proves you are a kindred spirit.
One word of caution though. When I illustrated Stories from the Opera, I sent it out to 5 opera singers I admired. Only one replied: Nelly Miricioiu, a wonderfully warm and generous person. I won’t say who the others were!
And at the risk of this becoming a love-in, you too are one of the people who always bothers to respond. Had a lovely day in Oxford on Wednesday – Magdalen College, lunch at the President’s house, a walk round the grounds in the sunshine and Evensong in the Chapel. I sent a round robin to say what a wonderful time we’d all had. Only the organist and the lovely PR who organised it bothered to approve the sentiment (out of a dozen). Miserable fecks, the others.
Nelly is a great person, with huge loyalty to Chelsea Opera where she’s performed so often.
Nelly is a fabulously generous person. As a birthday treat she offered me tickets to a Donizetti study day & masterclass at Cadogan hall. It turned into more of a concert, with her and the students giving genuinely thrilling accounts of many roles, and also examples by Verdi for a context and example of influence. Wonderful stuff and even at (almost) 62 Nelly demonstrated the nuts and bolts of bel canto technique with immense style, passion and absolute integrity. But that kind of communication is rare, as is her warmth and good manners. What a shame your day in Oxford was not followed through with the decency to reply. Honestly! Some people!
And of course Nelly is one of the very last great stylists in bel canto: even I, who am no Donizetti fan, reeled at her Elisabetta in Roberto Devereux. She must have so much to impart; wish I’d been there. And that in the week of the great Brigitte Fassbaender giving masterclasses at the Wigmore ‘n all. I got to press the flesh as she exited from Anne Schwanewilms’ recital on Thursday evening.
She is indeed, and her anecdotes were both disarming and fascinating, her passion contagious. I admit I had gone to hear the singer rather than the song, but I came away determined to listen with fresh ears. For if we are prepared to embrace early to mid Verdi, then mature Donizetti, on Miricioiu’s evidence, and in a proper historical context, has nothing to fear by comparison. Lucky you to encounter other vocal splendours. I suppose one cannot be everywhere at once!
Is Nelly’s head really much bigger than yours or is it a trick of the camera? I know Prunella Scales had a thing about headsize but I’d never noticed it with our diva – whom I’ve adored ever since seeing her as Tosca at Scottish Opera in 1980…she still gives great lessons in true bel canto style.
Well I do have a small head… so relatively, yes, Nelly does have a larger head. And she is certainly larger than life! I think the camera angle also distorts this. Incidently, I once read an analysis of singers and their heads/skulls. Apparently a larger “resonating chamber” (think Joan Sutherland’s jaw) is very instrumental to being a great singer. So that may explain our diva’s accomplishments…
Absolutely – think of all that cheekbone space Russian and Finnish basses have – so, as the wonderful Nicole Cabell intimated to me a couple of weeks ago, it can come down to ethnicity/country of origin.
Are you going to do A Child’s Christmas in Wales? Please?! Sounds wonderful! I love the beautiful film version with Denholm Elliot! Just saw “saving Mr. Banks” and imagining how you could do some great Mary Poppins illustrations!
James we loved your visit to Tanglin Trust School. What you accomplished with the children over just four days was amazing. We all love the mural and the children (and library staff) would love you to visit again. Many, many thanks for being so easy to work with and for being so inspirational to our students.
Celeste, I loved being back at Tanglin and back in Singapore. I feel I have forged so many good friendships in such a short space of time. The country has cast a kind of spell! I’m so happy you are all pleased with the mural. It was your vision and the work of the children that made it happen. In an environment like that, I feel determined to deliver! Thank you all!
I very much like what you say about visual literacy and illustrating children’s books, encouraging artists to be true to ourselves, and make illustrations with depth and emotion. Bravo.
I’ll be in London this weekend and can’t wait to get a copy! Will you be doing any signings then? Can you recommend a bookstore near the Flemings Hotel?
Thanks for your message. I haven’t any signings organised I’m afraid, at least not in the next few weeks, due to other commitments, in particular the Cheltenham Music Festival. In terms of purchasing the book, I would suggest trying the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, who have several excellent independent book shops, all of which usually have large stocks of the Katie books. But let me know if you encounter any problems!
Wonderful! I think these benches are a real masterstroke – where better to enjoy a book in the (fingers crossed…) London sunshine? And very exciting to see your beautiful drawings (to which the curvature of the bench appears to have been absolutely no impediment whatsoever), specifically Katie, celebrated as part of this project. (Trafalgar Square would, perhaps, have been the PERFECT location, but The Tower comes a very close second!) Thank you for sharing your wisdom, experience and enthusiasm for the arts (incl. musical and dance-based varieties!) with us on the MA at Cambridge last semester – it was a great privilege. Wishing you a fantastic summer!
We came today and loved it! My six year daughter was utterly enthralled and so excited! She’s been painting swans and tortoises since we got home! Shame we didn’t know about the raffle tickets though as we’d have loved a painting. I’ll frame hers instead!
Oh, thanks so much for your kind words. Everyone worked incredibly garden, so it’s lovely to know it all worked. Phew! It was quite a roller coaster ride! I’m sorry there wasn’t more advance warning about the raffle tickets. I will pass that onto the festival team and see if they can increase awareness in the future.
Are any of the Carlota (Katie artist series) books still available, new? I’m trying to find them for a literacy program where we use Katie Meets the Impressionist. Thank you.
I simply love your work! I love writing, and I love illustrations. I also admire illustrators such as Quentin Blake, especially his illustrations in Roald Dahl’s books. I want to draw, not professionally, just for myself and my family, mainly to accompany what I write. Without having to take a class, what do you recommend? Also, are there any places where I can get royalty free or copyright free black and write illustrations?
Thank you for your kind message. I recommend trying different materials. Different tools suit different artists. I much prefer ink to pencil, for example. Dover publishers produce lots of books containing copyright free images. I’m sure if you search online you’ll find about about them. They are wonderfully useful books!
Dear James,
It was great to see you again in Edinburgh. This is Martin Ashing, the father of Clara, 6 years old, we first saw you in The National Gallery of Scotland, and a few years ago when you were looking for a restaurant recommendation. You said in August it might be possible to contact you and for you to maybe send some of your practice sketches for the Arabian Nights talk. If that was at all possible we would be very grateful, and could pay for them or make a donation to charity. Clara and my wife Pam, were particularly taken with your picture of the couple in the palace through the window with the genie and fairy, whilst I was particularly taken with the seascape or Baghdad pictures. I understand you probably get many requests, so please, don’t worry if it is a problem.
Thanks for your kind message, I’m sure I’ll have something here I can send you. Some of the practise pictures are slightly smaller than those done during the event, but otherwise similar. Why not contact me on my email… james@jamesmayhew.co.uk and then we can work out a plan! Thanks for your kind support, much appreciated.
hi I have loved your books since I could read and have always loved art my name is Katie so you can see when I was a little girl I thought they were about me not to menchin my grand mother gave me my books I still have them. im 16 now and once in a while I might read them just to inspire my self. thanks for making my childhood special and for educating my artistic pallet from a young age.
Exciting news!! I’ve just read there’s another chance to see all 51 Book Benches next weekend ( 4th/ 5th October) before they are sold at auction. We are very excited – another chance to sit on Katie in London Bench! I wonder what the opening bid will be? It would make a perfect addition to our school!
James I am 100% with you on this. One little thing that has worked really well for us as a family is simply switching the radio to a classical music station. Yes, a lot of the time it is background noise (or so it would seem), but more often than I would have believed it, one of the children will suddenly pipe up and beg me to get a copy of the piece of music they’ve just heard.
Thanks Zoe! Exposure to music at home is so valuable. And unexpected discoveries in the warmth of the home create priceless memories. A great way to create a meaningful association with a piece of music!
We enjoyed a great evening at the Southbank Centre for the Auction yesterday evening.
Malorie Blackman, Children’s Laureate, was inspiring and Edward Rising the Auctioneer did a amazing job getting everyone to bid!
Although we lost the bid for the Katie bench at £7500 !! it was a fantastic fundraising event in supporting the work of the National Literacy Trust.
The book bench initiative has been brilliant. A BIG thank you to everyone involved.
The children have loved doing the book bench trails around London.
Literacy Trust can we please have more of the same next year!
Usha, that’s wonderful to hear, Thankyou girl bidding! You help the bench make the top ten! Incidentally, did you know you can buy mini book benches for schools to paint? (Or artists!)
We just found your Ella Bella and Kate nooks! We are homeschooling and these are so wonderful to begin “art appreciation.” We would be extra excited to see a music series! Thank you for all your hard work!!!
Hi James, its Allison Offord (as was). I was back last week to visit my parents and The Street is unrecognisable! I wonder if you remember sitting telling ghost stories on the school field with me and Karen Larcombe? I think my mum still has some of those reading books that you illustrated for her as a teenager. Highly likely – she’s kept just about everything else!
Goodness, there’s a voice from the past! Very nice to hear from you. I remember you and your mother well! I’ve not been to Blundeston for many years… I’m not sure I’d want to see it changed. I do indeed remember those books for your mother (was there a lifeguard in one?) and the stories on the school field. Those were the days! I hope all is well with you and please pass on my regards to your family. JM
Congratulations, James – what an enjoyable afternoon we’ve had at the Heroes and Villains concert today. It was wonderful to be part of an audience of spellbound children, watching you skilfully paint the characters as the orchestra played. I wondered if your poem about ‘Billy the Kid’ is going to be posted on your blog? Looking forward to your next concert…!
Thank you Rachel, very kind of you to say so and I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ll add the Ballade of Billy the Kid to the blog in a day or so, when I write a piece about the concert. Watch this space 🙂
Our family loved the concert (all 8 of us).The music was great and your painting and story telling were terrific. The only disappointment was not winning one of the raffled paintings. Oh well, better luck next year! I’m happy to hear that so much money was raised for Book Aid too. Thanks for a great afternoon.
Thank you, James and everyone at the National Gallery for a great event. It was lovely to be part of the celebrations for ‘Katie’s Day.’ The children had fun with the art trail, learning about the masterpieces and brushing up on their drawing skills. The afternoon storytelling session was the perfect ending to a great celebration! We had a very peaceful journey home as the children enjoyed your latest books; the updated edition ‘Katie’s Picture Show’ and ‘Katie’s London Christmas’ – a perfect read as we ’Step into Christmas!’ Thank you again and Happy Christmas!
Today we visited the gallery and looked at the paintings of Katie……we thought it was a magic idea to climb in and out of paintings! Our teacher read to us about Katie and the British Artists, and tomorrow we are going to paint or make our own adventures. We liked Rousseau and Van Gogh and Renoir – especially the umbrellas. But actually we LOVED the Loch Ness Monster visiting Edinburgh because we live in Edinburgh, and we saw the castle too!
We want to say ‘Happy Birthday’ to you….because our nursery has just had its birthday and we are 25 years old, the same as the Katie books….and do you know that Mrs Hawkins has been there all the time and Beth’s mummy used to go to our nursery?
Mrs Hawkins says we will try to get some Katie books from the library.
Love from
Audrey, Beth, Emilia, Henry, Leo, Noah and Patrick from Wester Coates Nursery School
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x (25 claps for your birthday!)
My ‘microdot’ contribution to the petition ‘I’m signing because the uncertainty about ‘Dippy’s’ future demonstrates a decision-making tardiness not exhibited by the ancestors who established the museum. Shape up present day keepers!’ Well done James
Great post, James. As I was brought up in another country, I didn’t ge to see Dippy till I was in my early twenties. I read about her, though, and saw pictures and whenever I thought of visiting the NHM once I got to Lond, I always pictured Dippy in mind. She is an icon. I found the fact that she is a model [not the catwalk kind, lol] very inspiring. To think someone could craft something so huge and so impressive. I do hope she stays put where she is. We don’t want a remake of the Disney film called One of our Dinosaurs is missing for good.
I went to see Dippy when I was around 10 years old and still remember the feeling of awe now! 26 years later I want my little boy, who is obsessed by dinosaurs, to have that same feeling and to see his face is another memory we’d get to treasure. I hope she stays where she is so other generations of children and their parents get to experience this amazing display and it doesn’t become one of those “when I was younger tales”!! Thanks James!!!
i would say to the people in charge ….your thinking like an adult …I dont see that the whale is going to catch mykids imagination quite like dippy did, and it doesnt reallly matter if hes a replica or not i will always remember the look sebs face when we first walked in and we have been back 6 times or more over the last few years we love the museum . …the entrance the excitment and enthusiaum of seeing him sets the scene for an exciting museum trip for the kids.. its a shame they dont listen to the people who visit the place …plus i agree i dont see how whale bones in a roof is going to help the real animals in life… kids learn somore about the whales from watching them in the sea on dvd they are wonderfully alive animals not extint yet ……while dinosaur bones lead to so many different hobbies of interest… fossels, geology paleontology.. it endless …find the child within you and save dippy 🙂
James, you have written with such passion for this event it seems a shame if it can’t be rolled out to other parts of the UK. Are there any plans to do so?
Thank you Marlene. There are no plans to take it further. This is a youth orchestra of secondary school-aged pupils (of exceptional ability; Chetham’s is the finest music school in Great Britain) and the children have to stay at school and study most of the time. But I have other projects in development… so watch this space!
My daughter went to Pre-school as Ella Bella in your Swan Lake story, so indirectly you are very involved in World Book Day, and I am sure there are more Ellas and Katies out and about today. Sorry to hear of personal circumstances, and hope things improve. My children and I are delighted to hear about your new book. Best regards
My daughter is delighted to hear about your new book! Although she is 9, she still loves picture books and always looks forward to a new Ella Bella or Katie. I can’t help but think that these books have contributed to her love of dance and art.
Thank you Elizabeth, that’s so good to hear! I think you’re never too old for picture books, you just appreciate them differently… good for your daughter I say!
Sincere condolences on the recent death of your father, Mr Mayhew. Also wishing you a speedy recovery from your illness. My grandchildren absolutely adore your books and are always delighted when we treat them to another one. They love the fact that your sister has the same name as our oldest granddaughter, Katie. Amelia hopes that one day she may also find her name in one of your books. Please get well soon as we would love to see you in Edinburgh again.
Thank you so much! Amelia is a beautiful name. You never know! It might turn up one day 🙂 I hope I’ll be in Edinburgh this summer – not for the Book Festival, but for another VERY EXCITING reason, which I can’t tell you just yet. But watch out for news VERY SOON. It should be in August.
Most definitely in school on World Book Day, live and kicking in my classroom! We had a Katie day (with yours truly dressed up in red coat and bunches) and the children produced some fabulous work inspired by the books. Thank you for being our inspiration! I told the children about our visit to Tacolneston all those years ago which inspired my career change. Something else to thank Katie for! So sorry to hear about your father, and hope you get well soon x
Hi, James. Hope you are beginning to feel much better. I am very excited to read about the new beautifully designed merchandise, inspired by your Katie books, which will be on sale at The National Gallery in London. We will try and be at the launch on 1st April, but, if not, would these goods also be available at The National Gallery in Edinburgh, or is this exclusive to London? What a fantastic idea but please can you create a character with the name Amelia, to save conflict with Katie’s sister ( our other granddaughter). Your books are an absolute delight and also very educational. Thank you.
I had the pleasure of attending the Chethams’ concert . I found the linking of poetry, paintings and music a most moving experience. Why have I not met it before? More of this, please, – for adults, as in this case, as well as for children.
Thank you so much for commenting. It was a wonderful experience to work with these talented youngsters. I loved being there and I’m very glad you enjoyed the concert. A lot of people worked very hard to put it on… Perhaps that’s why it’s not done so often? Sadly budgets in the arts are always being cut, and the screens and cameras required can be expensive. I’ve been presenting concerts this way for 8 years but this was the first “grown up” concert. I firmly believe there should be more and I am galvanised by your kind words. You will be glad to know that Chetham’s and I have long term plans…
Dear James
It was good to see you today at the Novotel, Knebworth Park for the 5th Hertfordshire Festival of Words. The festival certainly has developed a love of literature, for our children and provided them an opportunity to develop their confidence in public speaking, performing and use of their imaginations. The children had great fun, reciting their selected poem or reading a piece of prose from their favourite book. We were delighted with the way the children responded to the reading challenges in their age group and are so proud of them all! And as always, your storytelling was a perfect way to round up the morning. We were all captivated with your storytelling and upside down paintings (both children and adults alike!) I think it goes to show we are never too old for storytelling! Thank you so much.
Congratulations on the new Katie merchandise. How exciting! I’m looking forward to seeing it and I know the children will love it!
The pictures were given to Mr. Ardakov and his lovely family. Usually they are auctioned or raffled for charity, which will be the case when I perform the same music – but with a Brass Band – in Cheltenham this Summer. If you can come on July 12th, you’ll have a chance of nabbing a picture then!
Briilant James. Think I came across Ardakov a good few years ago. Will be in Devon at the end if the month re Shaldon festival which I’d mentioned. I’ll prob call you before then. All best for now. Steve
Thanks Steve! Alexander was lonely to work with, very modest and funny. Yes please, let me know your thoughts about Devon. You know how much I love collaborating with you!
What a lovely article James, including some fabulous photos. Thanks for mentioning the són project in such glowing terms. We’re really looking forward to what we can achieve with you in the coming seasons. Here’s to more art, more music, and more inspired young minds!
Warmest wishes from all at són HQ http://www.thesonproject.com
James I really enjoyed reading your comments about both books especially Queen of the Sky. Many thanks for such an illuminating view of Jackie’s latest book, it truly is a masterpiece of words and imagery.
Yes, definitely going to have to get hold of both of those… I already love Jackie’s work and The Pillbox sounds immensely powerful – and it’s quite right for you to be biased, I should say 🙂
Lovely to read, James ! I feel certain that you will be invited back – actually, you know you have a standing invitation with Pete and Terry – and I am sure that Julie would like to see you again. You have a talent for painting, for creating and for friendship and carried with you a warm glow.
A wonderful post to read James – it did indeed look like you were in a truly magical place. And you represented the role of an artist so well – and the paintings you created are astounding! It was so nice to see all the photos of your week there, I think my favourite is the wonderful portrait!
What a lovely message – passing the joy onwards! Thank you so much. But the books would not exist with the music behind them – so thank you for the music, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev… and now Mendelssohn! I hope you enjoy the new story 🙂
Have just read all four of the previous books with my daughter this evening. Such wonderfully illustrated stories. The new book is already wrapped as a Christmas present. Do you have any plans to do one of your live shows around the new book?
Thanks for the kind comment! I’m so glad your daughter enjoyed the book, and I hope she likes the new one. Although not definite, there ARE plans for a concert or two featuring A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Possibly in Cheltenham (July 16), and again in Hatfield (November 16). Also, into the future, La Boutique Fantasque. As soon as anything is confirmed it will be added to the vents listing on the website, so please check back. Thanks again, your comment is much appreciated!
Me, my sister and my parents have extremely fond memories of both the school and you James. My sister and I are now 26 and 27 respectively and both still have pictures, and many books signed by your good self. We are still both able to pick out our square from the cloth of dreams,and recognise many of the children in the photos you have posted here. As I prepare to bring my own child into the world I can only hope and pray he has at least a handful of the experiences that I did growing up at Tacolneston.
Thank you Saviour! It’s a privilege to work with all these incredible musicians, and that motivates me! Have a great Christmas my friend. I hope we can catch up in the New Year 🙂
We were very much looking forward to seeing you at the Barber Institute in Birmingham, but were sorry to hear that you were taken ill. Really glad to hear that you are up and well again, and we shall try and get to one of your other events this year. My children are great fans of your Katie books, which have captured their imaginations and given them an excitement about art and galleries….and what might happen if their Granny takes a nap! all the best for the new year.
Dear Claire, I am SO sorry I couldn’t make it to the Barber institute. It was such a disappointment for me and I hope you can make it to another event… I’ll be listing forthcoming things soon. Happy New Year!
Your ink/ wash artwork will always be a favorite with my daughters and I, but I have to say that your sample of the work in progress is quite striking! We look forward to your new titles.
I will always love using ink – I was so inspired as a child by Tove Jansson, Quentin Blake, Edward Ardizzone etc, because of their pen and ink skills! But it’s fun to try something new, I think it is important to keep things fresh!
Thank you so much for your amazing books. My daughter is inspire By them and also I worked in a preschool room and Katie is their favourite!!!!!! Keep writing please and making us and our children inspire. Maria
I thought of you when I was working on The Sword in the Stone 🙂 It is a very simple retelling, for fledgling readers; I had to gloss over the exploits of Uther and Igraine!! But a nice project to work on. x
What a great experience James! They did a great work for your portraits too! I love those artworks with music. I love Turkey and wish to travel back to see Haghia Sophia the 6 Wings Angel again!
Thank you Nicola. People have NO IDEA usually. Even school teachers are shocked when they see a book sale in school, an overflowing money tin, and a queue of people. They think we get ALL the money!
It infuriates me (as an author) when people brag about getting books free or for$1. Just another case in which “trickle-down economics” does not work! What are they thinking? Would they countenance their intellectual output being so devalued?
I know, how has this psychology grown? That it is somehow an achievement to steal from creatives. Bargains seems to bring out the very worst kind of point scoring in people. BUT if all authors object to these deals, things will HAVE to change!
There is now a whole generation of younger people who don’t expect ever to pay for a film or for music. They stream or steal, it’s all the same to them – if they see a bigger picture about this the thinking is, well I’d pay but why should I when no-one else does. The same will soon apply to books. The thing with films is that the producers can get commercial input to pay for the content. Music and books – not so, though the most commercially hyped bands will of course tour and have merchandise. So that leaves books… I sometimes wonder why we bother but then I’m old now and it’s all I’ve done for the past 30 years!
Thank you for this excellent article. A sale of 5,000 books used to net this illustrator $5,000, 10k books $10k and so on. Those were glory days.The book selling market changed and big retailers demanded higher discounts from the publishers. It only takes change in the discount to the seller by one percent (50% to 49%, for example) for the author/illustrator’s share to fall by a decimal point. Not so hard on the publisher and secures the sale, but devastating to the creator. And that is the percentage on the selling price. “Net receipts” is a common model and impenetrable to analysis on the royalty statement.
Thanks for sharing your really interesting, if rather depressing, experiences. I think we can all relate to this. I am taking this matter up in the UK with the Society of Authors. Who knows, maybe, together we can encourage change…
I sincerely hope that not only authors join together, but the general public too. There are a number of things which need to change in our world today, I would love for this to be one of the ones which does.
Well, I live in hope. unfortunately, these deals play to an author’s ego. Seeing yourself with other best sellers in such catalogues helps isolated and insecure writers (like me!!!) feel they have “made it”. Publishers know how to play with such insecurities. But no more for me, and I will try to get a proper campaign going.
A good question. You are correct, authors get nothing from second hand sales – except a certain satisfaction. Second hand bookshops have existed for years without troubling the publishing industry, and they are a great way for those who feel they can’t afford books to start a collection. Also, it’s great to find out of print titles. My complaint is big bullying companies making HUGE profits (I mean millions every year!) at the expense of the creators. Second hand bookshops are a different thing entirely; they do not cynically print 10,000 copies to sell, making it impossible for anyone else to sell a copy. Personally, I love to think of my books being in second hand bookshops and going on to a second life 🙂
Though a librarian and therefore a fervent supporter of libraries, I have to say there is a big difference between book borrowing and book ownership, something Booktrust have done so me research on, if I am not mistaken, to measure the impact of their bookgifting schemes. However, as it has been said before, discounted books don’t necessarily make it into the hands of children from modest backgrounds, so I am not sure that is a relevant argument. If publishers want to support getting books into the right hands, then as you rightly pointed out James, why not support Booktrust?
I won’t lie, I have used *that* catalogue. I used them regularly when my children were little as I refused to put tat in their birthday party bags so each child would get a book. Not to defend myself in anyway, I always thought that the publisher, rather than the author/illustrator, was taking the cut 🙁
There is a huge issue of waste that goes with all this as well, because though you are getting a “bargain”, there is always at least one book you don’t really want, or you already have. If I am not mistaken, the first thing Daunt did when he took over Waterstones was to get rid of 3 for 2 because most people never read their third choice (though don’t quote me as I can’t remember the source!).
Thank you Melanie. I agree, ownership of a book is very special – and if you fall in love with a book, to cherry pick those you MUST have, then I’d like to think children especially can get hold of them. But this isn’t about discounting full stop, it is about degrees of it, and who profits, and I think the balance is wrong. Thanks also for your honesty; I, too, have used that catalogue before being enlightened by a royalty statement! And I totally agree about the waste…
I agree, but unfortunately I think this is a cultural thing, which has been exacerbated by the demise of the net book agreement. I am not sure people (in the most general sense) *value* books as much here as they do in other countries. I am not saying France is perfect, believe me, but that’s all I know so what I can compare it to: there, 5% is the maximum you can discount a book, whether you are the big A, a small independent shop or a supermarket. This means parity for every one. This also means that supermarkets have their own huge book departments. But the other thing is, to be a bookseller, you need to have trained as a bookseller (there are different levels of training, from apprenticeship to masters). It is part of “les métiers du livre” (the “book profession” – publisher, bookseller, librarian). That means that even in those huge supermarket bookshops, there will be a ‘professional’ book person. I think it shows a different ‘cultural’ commitment to books in general. I am not Britain-bashing by any means, but I do think the over-discounting is only the tip of the iceberg :(, so good for you for taking a stand and bringing out in the open.
Thank you, James, for summarising a situation which has developed over the years: it seems to channel the profits towards the Distributors rather than the “Creators” who put in the hard slog in draughty garrets etc …
My main gripe is the way we’re being “Tesco-fied”. Supermarkets were originally a great idea, when they sold FOOD. Now they are also Electrical retailers, Chandlers, Banks, Petrol stations, Travel agents, Clothing and Shoe shops, Bookshops …. while all the ‘Specialist’ shops are disappearing. When they have no competition left, of course, the Supermarkets will be in a position to charge whatever they like for the goods they can be bothered to stock (including BOOKS) because the customer won’t be ABLE to buy them anywhere else … 🙁
Thanks for commenting Paul. I completely agree about being Tesco-fied – and people blindly go for cheap convenience, oblivious of the true cost. I’m afraid human beings can be very selfish sometimes, and these big retailers prey upon that very worst parts of our psychology.
Great post, James, really well stated. By and large PB authors (as opposed illustrators) get smaller advances than that, too. Can’t possibly make a reasonable living unless you have a lot of books on the go and they’re all selling through decent channels. Good job most of us PB creators are good at dreaming or we’d all come unstuck pretty fast!
Thanks Michelle! And yes, PB authors get very very small advances (publishers recognising that illustrating takes substantially longer I suppose). There is so much more I could say – but I wanted to keep the post reasonably short!!!
Thanks for this James. I struggle to convey to people who ask that we don’t all make the ‘JKR’ amounts when a book is published. The buying public’s understanding of the publishing demographic needs to change, they don’t realise the effort made is never fully recompensed.
The bigger the print run, the bigger print machines can be used, and the cheaper the overall cost. So, they get an order in for say 20,000 from a supermarket or book club – but have to give them a 75%- 95% discount. This just about covers the costs of printing so no one (publisher or author) makes a profit from it.
But – and this is the point of the exercise – they can add on another 2,000 to the print run for practically no extra cost. They sell these 2,000 books at the usual discounts (50% being standard) and that’s where the profit is made.
Not saying it’s a good idea, as I agree with you that it devalues books, but that’s why they do it.
Interesting you say that 50% is the usual discount. When I ran a small book party enterprise (just me and my trusty motorbike) selling children’s books to young mums, I only ever got 35%.
When I was a publisher (a million years ago admittedly), ‘usual terms’ meant 50% for multiple copies, 35% single copy/single line orders, postage paid by publisher. But that’s to bookshops. Obviously, any publisher can set their own terms aka what they can get away with!
I have frequently met people who say they’ve read all my books – they’d got them from charity shops. I try to smile.. after all, you can’t argue with ‘charidee’, can you? Except.. as with not wanting to pay for music, too many people prefer books for nothing or for a few pennies and don’t think of the implications for authors. I’d like to see charity shops that stock more than, say, 500 books, pay into a licensing system linked to PLR. After all, it works with music – every shop that plays so much as a little radio will have a PRS sticker in its window to show it has the relevant licence. The admin might well be colossal or it might be quite simple. If music can do it, so could the book business, I’d have thought.
Hear, hear. Bargain books are a REAL problem for authors and don’t get me started on free downloads form pirate sites. Where do people who buy such books think the the content is going to come from if all the creatives starve – which we well might if the trend continues?
Heavily discounted sales to bookclubs don’t help authors, but neither do publishers. My UK publisher sold a entire print run of one of my books to their parent company in the USA at a heavily discounted price. Had it been published in the States I would have received the usual percentage of the cover price, instead I received pennies.
Have you considered having a backward gander thru the looking glass — so, rather than Canute-ing it and expecting people to pay for books when they really don’t have to, we instead look to something an Unconditional Basic Income. Ideally that would mean authors – prospective and otherwise – would be paid by the state (how much is an open question, but the benchmark is enough to be able refuse ‘lousy’ work, i.e. enough to feed, clothe and participate in society (again, abstract and general i know) so that your work would still find its way onto independent book-owners’ shelves, but you’d also not have to worry about exhorting people to shell out money when they know the same book is available at a fraction of the price on that there internet… The infinite and costless reproducibility of books is a fact we have to live with (i would argue) and it is about building certain supports for authors to continue to produce work in light of those facts…
Thanks for your really thoughtful comment – I like the idea of turning things on their head here. Although, upholding such a scheme would depend on successive governments; PLR, for instance, is constantly under threat. Also, I don’t think the reproducibility of books is exactly costless – it just means badly paid workers in Chinese sweatshops, and the continued rape of forests. Better, I’d have thought, to print fewer books, spare a few trees, charge a *bit* more, so authors are happier, but still have an affordable product. Instead of 10 books for a tenner, why not 3 books for a tenner? Still a bargain, frankly. In other words, I’m not saying NEVER discount, I’m really talking about degrees. It’s tricky though – because Pandora’s pricing box has been opened. But I’ll see what the Society of Authors think – I’m on the Children’s Writers’ and Illustrators’ committee and they are following this up under their Fair Terms campaign.
I couldn’t agree more about the Universal Basic Income. Though I also think that the current belief held by too many that creative people will just go on creating regardless of the return is a very weird one. That’s why copyright was originally introduced to protect creative people. What has changed?
The trouble with any government-funded scheme is that it’s the tax payers who actually fund it – and they won’t like that.
What I would propose instead is an arts foundation funded by the mega-successful (the JK Rowlings, Paul McCartneys, Madonnas and so on) contributing a substantial proportion of their excess income (how much money does a person need anyway?). This would then be redistributed by means of a grant, to the struggling artists, writers and musicians who are otherwise unable to support themselves through their work.
In order to qualify for the grant, you would have to submit samples of your work for evaluation, and this would screen out all the talentless wannabes who are only looking for a free ride anyway.
The grant would be for three years initially, renewable in further three year chunks to those who can show that their work is still worthy of support. Then, when you really hit the big time, it’s your turn to contribute to the foundation.
I know this isn’t a perfect solution, but who knows? Maybe someone will take the basic idea and run with it. Please feel free…
Excellent article and some interesting responses. I particularly like Melanie’s comment about the system in France.Unfortunately it’s not the writers and authors that need the information- it’s the public at large. Good Luck with that one. 😀
Losing the NBA was a tragedy for the industry. I remember arguing with my uncle, who would not accept that the control of the market was essential to knowledge publishing and allowing authors and publishers to flourish. I worked in bookselling for many years, for very low pay. The cost of a book supported so many in the team of people who got it for the authors head to the hands of the reader. Look what has happened to our booksellers over the last 30 years, where have they gone? They are being closely followed by librarians, and all for a short term buck.
The most discouraging thing I have noticed is that most books appear soon after publication, new on Amazon for 1p. Let me repeat, new for 1p. Even those that aren’t new are quickly available ‘as new’ for that price or near it.
It used to be fine to have quaint second hand book shops in towns dotted here and there, we all loved them, but now we have extremely cheap and second hand books available to buy in everyone’s living room, and every published book is available.
Amazon is the world’s biggest 2nd hand book shop. There should be a minimum price for all books sold on Amazon and at least a token amount should go to the author (even for 2nd hand books). Otherwise writing itself will become nothing more than an act of love or madness.
I agree… although the 1p thing is misleading as these offers often have much higher postage costs to balance out. But I agree, there should be limits to such things!
I think that the problem is a wider one. As far as I can make out, there is very little payment for most creative people. An actor visited me a few nights ago and complained about his tiny income; he wasn’t being greedy, but he’d have liked a living wage. I had some difficulty in persuading him that much the same applies to authors. Most musicians also struggle to make a living. A singer I admire (and whose CDs I’ve bought at full price) posted on Facebook her chagrin when a supplier failed to deliver her CDs. She was in the midst of a European tour, her only income for which derived from the sale of merchandise after each performance. Without the CDs, she performed without payment. She, of course, still needed to pay her expenses and thus made a loss. In effect, she paid the audience.
I completely agree, and I was tempted to pull in other examples – I have so much to say! – but I was worried the post would be too long and no-one would bother reading it. As an artist/painter I am so often asked to do things for nothing (“for the exposure”!!); the musical concerts I work on hang by a thread, and I personally make a loss. I think all creative industries are under appreciated and the finances skewed. Everyone seems to think that if you write a kid’s book, you are in the JK Rowling bracket. Likewise with actors and musicians – people assume it is all glamour and success. But it’s not.
Absolutely brilliant piece, thank you, James. If only people understood better. That whole “I’ll spend £3.50 on a Low Fat Thai Chi Moccachino Latte with extra sprinkles but I won’t pay £3.50 for a full price e-book” mentality has been frustrating me forever.
Well said. Here’s good luck to you and all of us that fortunes may change. Write on! #EternalOptimist
Interesting blog James. Thanks for citing the research re authors earnings. Incase you are interested, you can see the rest of the report (What are Words Worth Now? and also Further Findings) here: http://www.alcs.co.uk/Resources/Research.
Well said, James. So few people realise that we get very little for the time we put in. I rarely get more than about 20p per copy and often far less. I write a lot of flat-fee books, and frankly an advance is effectively a flat-fee in most cases. I also write for one small publisher for zero advance. OK I get paid as soon as books sell, but it’s a gamble as they can discount and I get no say in it.
Excellent post James, these are my thoughts exactly. My income has plummeted since returning to the West, if it wasn’t for occasional commissions from Japan, a country which doesn’t discount books, I don’t know how I’d survive. I wasn’t in this country when that change in the law regarding discounting was passed, I don’t understand how it managed to get through. There needs to be a powerful, consistent and noisy campaign to change this.
Thank you for this piece, which I shall share, with your permission. I am a writer, all four of my grown up children are musicians – and one of them, poor soul, is a poet. I only make a living because I am now mortgage free. One of the previous suggestions said “then, when you make it big” assuming that would happen. No, it doesn’t. I still sell, but make it big? I think not!
I had no idea, James, of the extent of this but will think carefully about where I buy my books, that are not ebooks (I do have most of my books in electronic form as I travel a lot) and will now buy second hand rather than discounted whenever I can. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
I am with Miriam.. I would rather buy a second hand book or pass on my books to my younger siblings. Now that you have enlightened me with this knowledge which I was completely unaware of before I coming across your post, I will make sure not to bargain on books. Thanks James, that was really thoughtful of you to bring up this matter.
Thank you James. I don’t buy books from the catalogues for the reasons you have stated. I feel the author should own the rights to the book created not as it seems the publisher. As the owner with his protected rights the author should have a percentage of the millions earned from the sale of the book.
Our family are book lovers (and me a wannabe writer with one little book struggling amongst the millions on Amazon)
At first, being a book person, I disliked ereaders, and was slow in buying one but since doing so I have been able to buy and read hundreds of books that I could never previously afford. Sadly, an ereaders does not come close to being suitable for a children’s picture book. Which need to be seen and held, pages turned and illustrations close to in all their glory.
We could never afford to buy books for our children, except on special occasions, and all my books had to come from the library. I used to wander around Heffers in Cambridge, longing to buy some books. A secret ache for bookshelves like those I saw in windows of some Cambridge houses.
I always believed that publishing was/ is an elite profession and never understood why books were so expensive. If they produced them for less I’m sure there would have been more readers. And books can be produced more cheaply as you mentioned yourself.
I feel very strongly that authors have been mistreated for centuries.
I would like to see a tv programme devoted solely to books. New books, e-books, printing, publishing, historical documentaries. Authors, adverts, interviews. If I were young enough I’d start one! ?
I wish you well in your meeting with the Society of Authours. I know the work, energy and endless hours you put into your creations. It is sad when they are treated as ten a penny.
Fortunately, I can now go into a bookstore and buy a book of my choice. I also know some of the authors, who have shared similar grievances.
It is time for the authour to be recognised.
I too went to Chapel End school. I was one year older than Dorren . But I remember her being such a petite little girl where I was not . We all have our talents and mine was not ballet dancing.
I live in brundall, member of the brundall Local History Group, and knew this site, before it was more recently developed. Would love to know about your family memories of this area.
This is very well put. Thank you James. You are so right and you help everyone by writing this – and by the way, I was blown away by reading – THEY GET TO KEEP YOUR ARTWORK!!! That’s amazing. That’s worth the fee even if you did nothing!!
Could you put a sharing button for facebook and twitter by your posts?
Spot on James. I’ve been a full time storyteller for 19 years and the struggle is real. More than ever now I’m asked to work for “expenses only”. I literally can’t afford to work! .. not on that basis. The bills are going up, my income is falling away.
You will understand that anything “arty” has little value in the UK today, certainly not in schools. The poorest relation seems to be storytelling – it’s just toddler fodder, to the general public. Unless you’re a celebrity of course. And nobody bothers to wonder how you leapfrog from jobbing author / storyteller / illustrator to the exalted realms of Rowling or Gaiman.
All I know is that, as an only child of unsociable parents, books and my own creative instincts saved my life. I believe the same magic – the same refuge – must be available to today’s young people, be that in hard copy books or any of the wonderful technologies that make it so easy to create and transmit words, music and film.
Schools need what we bring. Our creativity can reveal the purpose of slogging through those years of curriculum stuff: we model a life enriched by the arts. Our work, and sharing what we know, shows young people how learning the key skills opens up possibilities for fun *and* practical application.
It’s crazy and self defeating for schools to refuse to pay us. And the literature festivals… arts events… community organisations – nobody allows budget for performers / visiting arts people!
If we want a society in which only the rich and privileged can afford to work full time at creativity, then everything is going the right way.
Thank you Chloe – I agree with all you say. It’s a complication thing because it’s not just about a fee or no fee, but the many other ways in which our work is diminished, even if it is simply the insinuation that we should charge less, or are not really valuable. The arts here in the UK are at an all time low. Everyone compartmentalises, and art is seen as just pictures on walls, and a hobby, a luxury, a decoration. Of course art is so much more!
It is sculpture, printmaking, photography, fashion. It is the clothes you wear, the shoes you walk in. Art is the designer of the car you drive. It is the carpet on your floor, the sofa you snooze on. Art is the home you live in, the architecture around me now. It’s the design in theTV programmes you watch. the sets and costumes in the cinema epics or theatre you love. The computer games your children play. It is literature, word, poetry and prose. Art, design, creativity is the very essence of human behaviour. It is communication. It is that which sets us apart, it is that which records our very civilisation. It is our history. Without it, we are nothing.
It is also an economic triumph, for the creative industries continually inspire and surprise at their ability to adapt and regroup and still bring money and kudos as a world leader, to the United Kingdom.
WE need to, collectively, show teachers, parents, politicians, people… that arts in education is not only about very real professional opportunities. It’s not just about vocation – although it IS that too. It is also about creating fully rounded, culturally literate people who can experience and enjoy art, and find empathy and meaning from their own cultural history.
These things should not be the reserve of an elite (who barely appreciate them). This should be the fabric of all our lives, a means of expression and as you say, refuge. The fight continues!!! Thank you so much for commenting and I wish you all the best. X
Everything you have written applies to me. I write for a living. A financially illiterate thing to do. Advances are more like retreats these days. Festival bookings are great but are reliant on publishers setting them up. Royalties rely on books being stocked on shelves, UK wide and internationally. They need to be seen in order to be bought.
Schools provide a vital income boost. I have done my fair share of ‘free visits’ and will only do them rarely now, perhaps when a book first comes out and I’m doing school launch. I appreciate that budgets are tight in education but it becomes quite depressing for an author when you’re the only adult in a room not being paid.
Austerity has hit our pockets hard, as has the libraries closures. The rise of the self serving god-like online bookstore. The fearfulness of physical chain bookstores who stock big names and ‘celebrity-authored’ books, at the expense of lesser known writers. I could earn more working at a supermarket till.
I love writing. It is my job. It is my choice. But I didn’t choose to be exploited or made to feel guilty because of my decision. Authors bring a certain magic to a classroom. What we do is for life. We foster life-long memories. Ones that children can take away with them.
We generate sparks that will light up imaginations.
I wholly agree Alan – and so many people will say “Well you chose this job – hard luck!” But we did not choose the level of exploitation, on line sales, discount catalogues etc, that we currently endure. It’s insidious and increasing. Ultimately, all schools have a budget and how they spend it is up to them. They have to choose priorities. I understand times are hard – for us all. But I suppose if a school says they can’t afford us, at least that suggests they recognise the need to be paid. It’s being the only unpaid adult in the room, as you say, that is just not fair.
Great post, James! I’ll be sharing it. I’m sorting out the school visits I’ll soon be doing this term and can I just put in a good word for the many schools who do pay our fees without question, who prepare their classes, whip up enthusiasm and sometimes even give us flowers? One school has even asked for my invoice months early so they can be sure to pay me promptly. Times are hard for all of us, schools included, and those who invest in us are also, I believe, investing in their students, while enabling us to carry on doing what we do. So thank you to them, and thank you to you for explaining to the others why it’s reasonable to pay for what they get.
SUCH an important point, which I really should have made more clearly. OF COURSE most schools DO pay, without a quibble (although there can sometimes still be a slight inference that we are being a bit greedy; I really *did* hear a teacher grumble that I “earned £500” a day and she wished she did; plus the widely held belief that we actually make real money from our books). And as you say, I am hugely grateful to them. But with shrinking school budgets, is there a danger that the dreaded freebie will make a come back?
Well said James. The way in which education has been reduced to a tick sheet of figures engenders this kind of nonsense. Teachers shouldn’t feel aggrieved because someone with a different skill set is paid to do something in an educational context. We’re all on site to help children learn and think. The more people you can bring into a school to offer differing perspectives on learning and development the better, surely.
But this ‘us and them’ and ‘value’ narrative is what happens when schools have to choose between an ipad, a classroom spruce up, books for the library or an author visit. It reduces it all down to nothing and the less tangible result is the easier it is to dismiss or devalue. In fact the temptation IS to devalue it because then you don’t feel inadequate for not having it.
It’s peculiar to this country and to the state sector. While the current government marginalise the Arts subjects as worthless and airy fairy you know that most ministers went to schools where the school had a debating society, a music department and a performing arts faculty all highly valued and funded. Whenever I go to a private school I sit in a nice theatre with a microphone and am surrounded by pupils and staff who realise and appreciate that the ability to think creatively and to express oneself eloquently are required in almost every business. Amazing how those who have benefited from that education find themselves in positions of power – mainly through the gift of oratory and creative thought – now want to deprive that chance to others. Or perhaps it isn’t amazing at all…
Just today I’ve been invited to speak in Cambodia for a week – not a rich country, nor a country known for fostering creative and questioning minds – however, they realise the value of both those skills and are prepared to not only pay for my time but my travel and expenses too.
When our children enter the workforce they are not going to be competing regionally or even nationally for jobs, they are going to be competing internationally. The kids in Cambodia will have been taught to think for themselves and create opportunity. Our state educated children will have been graded into subservience and won’t understand the value of anything that can’t be monetised. Meanwhile those who have benefited from a private education will have the opportunities and skills to succeed. If it wasn’t worth having I don’t think Eton, Harrow and others would waste time with it would they?
Couldn’t agree more Ciaran, and so beautifully expressed. It’s a constant frustration to me that the arts are compartmentalised as a frilly add-on, whereas, in fact, they affect every part of our lives, and inform our entire history and civilisation. To not value them is deeply troubling, but all too common. The fight continues!
Let’s say there’s a school with no budget for author visits. The children are mainly from poor backgrounds. The school is skint. There has never been an author visit. There may never be one. Those kids will leave school without ever seeing an author. It’s a special school, with the children having moderate to severe special needs. You bump into the librarian from the school. She shyly asks you if you could visit. She knows it’s a big ask, but she loves the children and wants the best for them. She thinks they might be able to scrape together £100 by raiding various budgets. You wouldn’t go. I did. I’m not claiming any special credit for this – I lacked the courage to look the librarian in the face and say ‘no’, no pay, no play. But nor do I think it’s in the top 1000 most immoral things I’ve ever done.
Thanks Anthony, for such a thoughtful comment. I was in a school just yesterday, visiting for free, as it happens. Another local illustrator asked me, and I agreed as a favour. They were opening a new library. I like to support libraries. I’m certainly not saying an individual should never do that, given the right circumstances. I, too, have that same lack of courage to say no! But I want to raise a few points as well here. I don’t believe, to begin with, that any such school exists, unless it’s on the cusp of closing. Every school has some kind of budget and how it is spent is up to the school to a large extent. If they pay teachers, pay support staff, pay visiting sports teachers, pay the caretaker, pay medical experts to visit, pay IT people to mend the internet, pay people to clean the toilet… what does it say, that someone in the arts is expected to be paid nothing, because of their job title? Is the librarian who is asking getting paid? Would he or she give up a couple of days salary? Chances are, all these people earn more than an *average* author. This isn’t about me BTW, I’m talking in more general terms. PTA funds, sponsorship… there are many ways to fund a school visit. It’s like the discount book argument. Of course I want ALL children to be able to buy books. But why is it always the creator or author who shoulders the fiscal burden? I regularly haggle/negotiate. I’d always rather something went ahead than not at all. I’m a pushover, I really am. Soft as butter. But there does come a point where, I think, people (not just teachers) need to be educated about how much authors earn and why we charge what we do. I’d like to add that most schools are marvellous and totally understand all this.
Fair points, James. I suppose I just have that guilt thing – we visit private schools, get well paid, and well treated, and we’re just another lovely service laid on for the posh kids. Then there are the schools where the kids never get anything … I don’t know, I honestly don’t. I wish I had another job, and could go back to writing for fun, ie daubing limericks on bus shelters using my own excrement.
I completely agree. Well, not so much about the excrement, perhaps, but everything else. I feel a bit uncomfortable in posh private schools in some respects (although I do sometimes see a different kind of deprivation there in a way). It’s also the case that some schools in poor areas get support and great teachers and have a real buzz to them and treat me with impeccable manners (and pay me without quibble), while some posh schools are so entitled and privileged, I’m nothing to them, because they had Prince Harry and JK Rowling visit last week. So it’s a complicated matter. It’s not just rich vs poor. I think any school losing pupils for whatever reason, is going to be losing money. Anyway, I didn’t mean to stir a hornets nest, just clarify WHY I charge, and what you get for the money. I’ll still do a freebie once in a while. When I do, I shall think of you.
Very elegantly put and you are entirely correct – a good author visit is a thing of wonder and does involve more than just the “show”. It’s hard work and everyone deserves to be paid for the effort they put in. I’ve seen it from both sides. I’ve done school visits as an author, but now work in a couple primary schools looking after their libraries. Sadly as they’re in one of the worst funded counties author visits are few and far between; £500 is more than half my book budget. Granted schools get to decide what they spend their money on, but when redundancies loom you know that things are tight (and we all do a stack of unpaid hours, so it’s not just visiting authors being asked to do stuff for nothing). Interestingly, I remember one author saying that he found the more he charged the better he got treated – and I think there’s something in that. There is a degree of valuing your product; if you’re not putting a value to it why would anyone else? On the other hand I was at an event for gifted and talented young writers and the (very famous) author running it told me (practically as his opening line) that he liked doing big schools because he sold more books. A practical assessment, yes, but crushingly dispiriting to hear at an event where he’s meant to be inspiring the next generation of authors.
Anyway, good luck with the latest book and I’ve no doubt your worth every penny – I’d love to have you visit and if there’s any way of pulling the funding together I’ll be in touch. All power to your elbow and that.
Thanks Paul… and yes, there is definitely a tendency for us emotionally fragile creative types to UNDER value ourselves. Certainly, it’s possible with FREE visits (even I do them sometimes) to be treated with indifference! I feel uncomfortable about the whole gifted and talented thing, and bigger schools = bigger book sales. That’s not why I do it. I rarely sell books, only if specifically requested to do so. AS you say, “crushingly dispiriting”!! For me, it’s about the visit, the children, and making it a positive and rounded experience, and yes, value for money. I actually have a sliding s ale of fees depending on several factors, “£500” was just a quick example. So who knows? Maybe I’ll get to one of your schools one day 🙂
I notice the majority of comments so far have come from authors so would like to show support from the teaching side. As a teacher working in a school that has asked James to visit multiple times I can without doubt say that we have absolutely had our money’s worth! The contact before visit is extremely thoughtful, you have accommodated our requests to work with multiple large groups throughout a jam-packed day, as well as fitting in a whole school assembly and a book signing after school. Let’s not forget the travel all the way to the Lincolnshire coast the day before and back again on the day – what an exhausting experience, yet from the enthusiasm, the carefully crafted interactions with the children, the skill with which you help them develop their watercolour work – you would never know! I absolutely look forward to your visits, as do the children, and I hope it is something that my school will continue to value for years to come. You are helping to inspire and raise the aspirations of future generations – to me, £500 is a small price for us to pay! (That’s not me telling you to put your price up though!)
Thank you John, that is a very generous response. I certainly don’t want to antagonise schools – I LOVE visiting and I’m hugely grateful to the vast majority, who understand it is my livelihood. I know I always come away from your school feeling appreciated, and knowing the children have definitely benefited, because of the careful arrangements on both sides. I think very few people realise how small a return authors commonly get from their books, or how much unsalaried prep time is involved in a successful school visit. But we authors LOVE what you do in schools too. In fact, I think another blog about brilliant schools is in order soon… 🙂
Hi James, this is brilliant. All the school visits I have ever organised for you have been delighted with you. They appreciate the hard work that goes into the preparation for the day, and have felt you offer great value for money. I often suggest that independent schools invite local state schools to enjoy author visits, and they often do. They will send their mini buses to collect children as well.
I am part of a Literature Festival in a couple of weeks, we expect to pay our authors and have several in schools inviting in other schools. The festival is run as not for profit by a group of volunteers as a community venture. All our money comes via sponsorship, donations etc. Carry on the great work please.
Very best wishes Rosie (independent book seller)
Thank you James for a brilliant article explaining some of the home truths about author visits etc. There have also been some wonderful comments from other authors and also from teachers. I had the pleasure of hearing you speak recently at a conference and loved hearing about your work and of course about “Gaspard the Fox”. Keep up the good work.
What a wonderful blog post, James. Short, intriguing and with a dash of magic. Plus I now know about books that you’ve written that I can go and discover. May the seeds of this book grow into a garden of delights that you never even expected!
Hi James,
Have just found this page while looking for photos of my Dad who dressed up as Charles Dickens in the. pageant you mentioned
I also dressed up in and was part of the pageant that went down the main Street.
Wondering if there are any photos of my dad ?
Probably at the primary school with you.
Ps We lived in the mill at Lound.
Such wonderful news James, congratulations! And so lovely to see the photos of the children and their reaction to your book. That’s priceless. And congratulations once more!
It’s all very much appreciated! We love Katie and Ella Bella and all the other books, the concerts you do are unique and fantastic. My children love orchestral music and painting from watching you, and winning a gorgeous piece of art from the Nutcracker concert topped it all off – it’s all so generous of you!
Keep doing what you’re doing in 2019, and don’t forget to come back to Herts lots and lots!
Sounds like an extraordinary and very moving concert.
I always associate Elgar’s cello concerto with WW1 – so brooding yet lyrical.
Gurney of course did not die in the war although it could be said he did. Two other composers killed on the Somme with Butterworth are Willie B Manson and Frederick Kelly. Such a waste of life. Such an enduring horror.
Thank you James for your informative workshop in Bungay yesterday. It was very inspiring and full of useful tips to take on board – I now have some idea of how to take my own story forward. Best wishes Mary Gundry
Perhaps the themes of warmth, kindness, friendship and forgiveness are needed again in today’s wildly turbulent, blame and hate-filled times? Congratulations James and Joyce. Delighted for your both. I shall look out for your books.
So excited to buy these treasures for our Mouse and Mole, who found themselves in these stories as University students and who love them still even now they are few years older (but not any more grown up)!!! They can hardly wait for the new adventures.
Dear James, it’s Rachel Hickson here, Librarian at James Allen’s Prep School in Dulwich, we had a wonderful visit from you two years ago around World Book Day. I am absolutely thrilled to read this. Such an unexpected joy for both of you and what a boon to children’s literature and a new generation of Mouse and Mole readers! I will definitely be stocking these in our school Library! Best wishes, Rachel
What a truly heartwarming story. The books and characters look wonderfully reminiscent, taking me back to my own childhood. Congratulations to you both for rekindling your creative partnership and getting these back out there to be enjoyed by all. Exciting times are ahead for Mouse and Mole ?
Sounds like a truly extraordinary, collaborative, multi-media project/performance. How gratifying it must have been for all involved… especially the children and families… Such a great opportunity to build community, and also inspire the very young and the very young at heart : )
The despair and desolation of war is depicted so well in the first painting – and the second brings together those feelings with remembrance and hope so perfectly. What a fitting and beautiful tribute.
The despair and desolation of war is depicted so well in the first painting – and the second brings together those feelings with remembrance and hope so perfectly. What a fitting and beautiful tribute.
James I came along to you “interview” of (with) Jackie recently at Bishops Stortford College. My daughter, Evangeline, and I are huge fans of yours already but we didn’t know Jackie’s work as well. I say that but I bought Lost Words last year and Tell me a Dragon years before that. The evening was enchanting. Jackie was enchanting. Someone who, like Ratty, would help you put the world to rights again over tea and a biscuit. I’m in awe of you both and it was a great privilege to be able to see you both. I have since bought the Audible version of Lost Words too as I move between illustration and spell. The spells we can listen to in the car now! Thank you for inspiring and uplifting and bringing magic back into the world. Elizabeth & Evangeline x
Thank you Elizabeth! I felt very honoured to chair Jackie’s event, and there was so much more to say… but it was a lovely evening and I’m so glad you were able to come. Thank you for the kind words about my own work, I’m very touched.
I always go to have a coffee and cake at the bakery/tea shop in Lound, which I discovered by chance driving from Somerleyton. I first went with a dear friend some years ago who has since died. While browsing the books on display I learned about “Mardling in Suffolk” and bought my own copy of the book.
I took photos in Blundeston including the village sign, house, inn, church and pound. I love David Copperfield.
Yesterday, I read about your Children’s Book Illustration course in Spain in May and since reading about it, I haven’t been able to think of anything else other than how I could make this happen.
Since meeting at an international school in Surrey some years ago, I’ve been spellbound with your beautiful approach to storytelling for creating meaning, and haven’t lost the drive to develop my own interests.
I can imagine that the course is now fully booked, but I would definitely love to do this in the future, whether in the UK or Spain. Quite simply – I am sold. Is it booked up?
In the event that I will need to wait until the timing works for me (as I am tied down to term time teaching), what do you see as the prerequisite artistic skills for getting the most out of the experience, so that I can prepare myself?
With best regards,
Fran Bidwell
(formerly Artist in Residence Coordinator and now secondary teacher -Theory of Knowledge)
I hope it sounded fabulous. I played this with my school orchestra back in 1985 and it was the best fun I’ve had with a violin!! Your blog has bought back hoot memories.
Good morning, JamesI very much enjoyed reading about Brundall Gardens, not least because my mother, Janet Muter restored the garden, starting back in the 1980s, and our children and grandchildren have had as much delight and pleasure in roaming the gardens, using their imagination, and we have had many magical evenings down by the lake, watching the wildlife. Sadly, my mother has recently passed away. She has written a book about the gardens called restoration of a garden which you might find of interest. Thank you again for your wonderful blog , Best wishes, Benny Harston
Hello Caroline,
The course is only offered as a full-board, because the setting is quite remote, there are few options for self-catering locally. All the food is hand-prepared on site, and is typical seasonal Andalusian food. The next course will be September 2024, and you can find full details, and request costs, here: https://granadaculturalholidays.com/childrens-book-creation-2024
I am Max Stringers great, great granddaughter. My grandfather is Patrick stringer who was his grandson. It’s so amazing seeing pictures of my grandads stories. Would you have any more pictures you could share? My grandad has dementia now but remembers the past so well it would be lovely to see if you had any pics of places that jogged his memory.
Hi James
Do you think you will run a course in May 24? I can’t make the September one because I’m teaching – but was hoping there might be one that lined up with a half term.
Thanks
Rachel
Hi James,
I love your illustrations. They are so uplifting. I belong to a very small local art group in Hoddesdon who are trying to get a space for local artists. Hoddesdon is quite an under privileged town so the power of art is much needed. We potentially have a venue(Hoddesdon Studio) but was looking for someone like yourself who has such a great reputation to possibly help us raise some awareness of what we are doing and the venue. Do you think you maybe able to help in anyway? Thanks. James
I grew up at 46 Macdonald Road E17, same as Doreens she lived at no.3. My dad used to fix her brother Les’ motor bikes. He used to race them as a semi-pro but was tragically killed in France returning from a meeting.
tony bannister
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The Magic Flute
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came through jackie’s site. What a beautiful drawing.. Would like to see some more please
Thank you Lynx…I’m glad my first comment was a nice one! I’m a bit new to this blogging business…
More pictures to follow in the next few days – just for you!
Lovely pictures James. I am so envious, being only any good at stories, but not at pictures! Amazing to see your work (and Jackies) online. I shall add you to my bloglist and hopefully anyone visiting my blog will take a look at your lovely work.
I’m with the Ginger Cats, I like your stuff too!
Thank you Griffin, you’re very kind. And don’t put yourself down…writing well is a real skill. My writing is just dabbling, because I’m preoccupied with pictures most of the time. so I feel very underconfident about the written word!
Good luck with your writing – I’ll take a look later!
Ginger kitties sent me for a visit.
Katie looks to be embarking on an enchanting adventure.
Good ol’ Gingers!
Yes, Katie’s really in for it this time – everything goes wrong! But she’ll survive, of course…
Thanks for looking!
Hi James,
Congratulations on receiving a copy of your new book. It looks great!
I am an illustrator too. I work in more traditional methods like you. I use pencil and watercolour on paper.
I’m in the process of searching for a publisher at the moment and I wondered if you could please give me some advice.
Would you recommend having an agent?
I am in two minds about having one.
I hope you enjoy blogging.
Many thanks.
Jo.
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Hi James,
Welcome to blogger!
This painting is amazing and even better that some children painted this wonderful picture.
The colours are lovely and they have created a perfect Turner copy!
Kind regards.
Joanne.
P.S. I am now following you and I have left another comment on your previous post.
Great painting. Looks like everyone put in a lot of time as well as hard work.
Thanks for the kind comments. It was a whirlwind of activity – the painting was created in just an afternoon with 30 children scrabbling about. the hard thing for me is to NOT interfere! Obviously I guide and help, but I want the result to be theirs, not mine.
I’d be happy to help if I can. I think agents can be wonderful…or terrible! It depends very much on you and your relationship with them. It is a good idea to ask yourself: what do you want an agent for? I would look for a Literary Agent, and one who will nurture your talent, inspire and motivate you. My first agent, Gina Pollinger was wonderfully maternal and encouraging. Subsequent agents have been very good with the business/contract side of things, but I really need someone who will give me confidence and inspiration. Right now, I don’t have an agent.
Thank you James for your very clear reply about agents.:)
I think I am like you. I would need an agent who will nurture my creativity or at least be supportive. It feels a bit like a minefield out there in the publishing world!
I think agents and publishers are cutting back and not taking on so many new illustrators at the moment (with the state of the current economy).
Anyway thanks again for your encouraging words.
Jo.
I think the “credic crunch” is affecting things. Also bookselling has changed with many shops closing and the internet taking over. New digital technology (Nintendo/Kindle) is also making them (publlishers)nervous. Having said that, I think children’s publishing is more resiliant than other areas. Illustrated books will never work so well in a digital format (and you wouldn’t give expensive consoles to pre-school children!). And people will always have babies!
So…I would say, hang in there, keep developing new work, new ideas, and send things regularly. It’s all about the right image at the right time!
This picture is great as well. The kids are very talented to create such good pictures with emulsion!:)
Thank you for the information about agents it was very informative.
When you have a moment please visit my blog and if you would like to follow that would be lovely.
I can then click on your picture to visit you and see what you are up to.
Best wishes. Jo.
she’s absolutely lovely. Very, VERY happy to see you blogging. Is brilliant to be kept in touch with other illustrators’ worlds. Like you were saying to Joanne, that need for inspiration and encouragement is so necessary and I know your blog will inspire us all. Three cheers for you (and Jackie for making you do it!)
cass x
Lots of paint and you get mucky fingers!! What’s not to like?! I wonder if they will want to try it at home now they’ve done it at school. This looks fabulous… bet Seurat wishes he’d done it with hit fingers!
Coo! Gosh! I was two going on three in 1969! Interesting to see London as it was then. I only ever got taken to Guy’s Hospital as a kid – born with hole in the heart, but eventually I too got the call from both the Tate and National Galleries.
My earliest memories were being taken to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton tho’, which was like actually stepping inside the Arabian Nights Stories!
Does your sister keep getting asked what it’s like to be famous?!
Crikey! A hole in the heart. Glad you got sorted out! It’s true, even in this poor quality photo you can see how different London looks to now.
My big memory was the Museum of London, with a panorama of the Great Fire. And also my sister falling down an escalator. She is scared of them to this day!
I think my sister is mildy amused by her literary alter-ego…but she’s VERY down to earth. And she calls herself Kate these days.
Thanks for posting!
Thanks Cass, what a lovely welcoming comment! I find it hard to bear my soul and hate to blow my own trumpet etc. But when you describe it as you have it all seems a bit more worthwhile and slightly less self-indulgent!!!
Hi James, I found you through Jackie M’s blog – I love your work (and have quite a few of your books). Thanks for visiting and your lovely comment, it means a lot. Hope you’ll pop back now and again, constructive criticism would be much appreciated!
V
A shame you couldn’t get over to the Musee Marmottan in Paris… because I need to see the waterlily paintings! Those are on a curved wall so that you almost feel you are in the paintings. Lucky Katie managed it.
Reminds me of a lovely little drawing by Burne-Jones of the artist trying to get into the painting and bursting through to the other side of the canvas!!
This is lovely tho’ and in it’s own way gives the viewer a way into the picture through Katie. The frog is a perfect touch too!… even if I did have to click on the picture to see it bigger first!!
I’ve a friend who recently went to the “orangery” in Paris and saw the big curved waterlilies. they look incredible in her photos.
It is always difficult choosing paintings for Katie’s adventures. Firstly, the publishers have a huge input. Indeed they requested this book on Monet; it was entirely their idea. Then the pictured used have to be free from any international reproduction restriction. even out of copyright artists sometimes have paintings which are restricted by the gallery that owns them. From my point of view I always try to find pictures that represent the artist well, but which also offer a good narrative or potential for storytelling.
It’s a lot to juggle! But I guess it’s worth it if it gets children looking at art when they might not otherwise have done so.
Glad you found the frog! He is fairly discreet, but he’s important in the story…
thanks for all the kind comments, much appreciated.
Greetings! Jackie sent me here and I am very glad you have become a blogger! I love this photo and remember the year well – seeing Pink Floyd perform in Germany . . .
I also liked how it all began – part two.
Best wishes
Laurie
Found the frog (and on the small pic too!). It looks fabulous, bet you’re seeing Monets in your sleep now…
Hello, James
I wonder if you remember me? I hope so. And by curious coincidence we seem to have begun blogging at more or less the same time.
This is a beautiful painting, by the way. you always were a master with the brush.
I’ll be back here again to see what else you’re up to — it’s a delight to discover your blog!
Thomas
Thomas!!!!
Of course I remember you! I was talking about you just last week with Judy – we met up in Cromer. I was saying how sad I was that we all got busy and lost touch. So it’s great to hear from you.
This blogging thing is all a bit strange…but for me it’s instead of a website and is, I suppose, a chance to share things with interested folk. So we’ll see how it goes. Good luck with it yourself and keep in touch. Hope all is well.
James
Yes, it is a shame to lose touch with friends! It’s my fault – leaving the country was pretty drastic and I can’t blame anyone else for that. This is where the internet, blogging and e-mail comes in so handy. I’m going to put my e-mail address in a separate post so that you can delete it (once you’ve made a note of it:-)
I hope Mari is as blooming as ever, as well as little Gabriel. Not so little now I imagine.
I live just over an hour away from Monet’s garden, and I recognise the bridge in this painting. It’s a beautiful place to visit if you never have, best seen either in the spring, for the wisteria and the irises, or the autumn for the dahlias and nasturtiums. And his kitchen is worth a look in any season.
What was it Picasso said about Monet? ‘He was just an eye, but what an eye!’ Something like that anyway. It sounds like the kind of thing Picasso would say.
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Love this painting…and it reminds me of when I went to Monet’s garden, with my son and grandson a couple of years ago…the son being the above mentioned Thomas Taylor! Coincidently I started my own blog just before Thomas and it’s a great way to keep up with far flung relatives as well as making new friends and contacts. Will follow yours with interest, Penny
Dear Penny
Thank you for the kind comments. How exciting to be in touch with even more of Thomas’ family! I had a look at your blog and was delighted to be reminded of the Norfolk connection. Thomas did say – years ago – that he had family in Norfolk. My parents are in Aylsham and Norfolk is somewhere we are all very fond of.
James
Mum, stop following me about!
Thanks for the e-mail, James. I’m glad you are all well.
Hi James,
It looks beautiful! Congratulations! I’m a bit fascinated by your studio, you know – it looks like some sort of cluttered, eclectic J M Waterhouse painting. Good luck with the hand-in tomorrow, and DO remember to treat yourself to lots of puddings! xxx
Good luck. You are braver than me. I bundle my stuff up and post it as I can’t bear to see their faces when they look at my work. Hope the day goes well. Looking forward to talking. Also looking forward to seeing what you do next!
J M Waterhouse??? In my dreams. I LOVE his work…The Lady of Shalott is one of my all time faves.
As for Bravery with delivering, it’s only because I don’t trust the post…
Lovely stuff, very evocative and wish-I-was-there-ish which is what such a picture should be, I think.
JW Waterhouse by the way! John William. I have a horrible feeling I’m going to miss the exhibition of his work at the Royal Academy at the moment. But I love the Lady of Shalott too.
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You are absolutey right Griffin. It is J WILLIAM Waterhouse. And he deserves to be corrected on account of his wistful, melancholic paintings. The Lady of Shalott reminds of Anne of Green Gables, when Anne floats off in a dingy, reciting Tennyson (and sinks!). Kate and I watched an old BBC series back in the 70’s. To this day we call our mother “Marilla”!
Thank you so much for visiting my blog! What a treat. 🙂 My girls have truly loved your books and we have two home now from the library that I’m going to incorporate into some homeschool activites for my kindergartener. Congratulations on book 10! (I don’t know if you or your publisher send out copies for review, but I would LOVE to promote it on my blog if you would like!)
Oops! Sorry!
J W Waterhouse
J W Waterhouse
J W Waterhouse…
Hi Stephanie, Lovely to be in touch electronically. I was so touched to discover your kind words about Katie and I’m really thrilled to hear of the books being used and enjoyed in this way.And I love your blog, by the way, full of interesting things. I’ll mention you to Orchard when review copies are sent out (not for about a year I’m afraid!). if they won’t send you one, I will!
Some of the more recent titles have not been published in the US, so you may not have found them. See if you spot any titles you don’t recognise, and let me know!
Best wishes,
J
I loved looking at your watercolours, as they inspire me so much. I also like to see how another illustrator works. Fabulous!
Thanks Trish, that’s very kind. It really IS interesting to see how others work…but I usually end up hating my own work! I’m always wishing I was someone else. I suppose that’s why I enjoy the Katie books. I get to be Monet, Turner, Renoir, Leonardo da Vinci – for a few days. You learn so much from studying their paintings in such detail. Inspiring but humbling.
Oh I too hope that story is true! Imagine sunflowers in Tahiti.
Love
Lyn
xxx
I’ve heard a few variations of this “legend” but I think the bare bones are based on fact…it’s a lovely thought!
J
The illustrations are beautiful!
I am so glad that there are plans for a third book already! My niece is named Ella She has started ballet and she really loved the first book and I plan to buy her the second for her birthday this fall.
Hi Jaymie,
Thanks for the kind words. It was pretty hard to sketch this historic building, the perspective is really tricky! Also, I got messy with black pastels and felt a bit out self conscious amongst the sequins and silk of the rest of the audience! But it was fun, and really important to have a reminder of the atmosphere these old buildings have…I really wanted Ella Bella to have that atmosphere too.
Love looking inside people’s sketch book and looking forward to seeing more of Ella Bella and the swans.
I hope the series will continue…after Swan Lake, we’ll see what happens. If the American publisher Barrons continue to buy into the series it’ll be fine. I long to do Nutcracker (of course!) and The Firebird (oh how I love that one)…and La Boutique Fantasque (Ella Bella in a Fantastic Toyshop!). Fingers crossed and thanks for your kind custom!!!
Thankyou for your comment! I don’t know if you would remember but I came to your house to ask you questions about being an illustrator a few years ago with my teacher from St Francis in Letchworth. It wasn’t until I saw your exhibition in the Letchworth gallery that I even knew that I could do an illustration degree! it inspired me so much! I love your work and I just bought your Katie and the British Artists book, I especially like the crayon-like drawings contrasting with your other drawings in there, I think it makes it look really interesting all the different styles put together, Anyway good luck with your trip to Edinburgh and thanks for being such an inspiration to me, I often look at your books.
Hello Victoria,
Yes I DO remember your visit! I’m really pleased that you’ve carried your art forward and followed your dream. I think your work is looking really great and I congratulate you.
Thanks for the kind words about Katie and the British artists. I have to tell you that the crayon drawings were created by my son, who was around 7 years old at the time. He is even given a separate copyright notice at the start of the book! So I really can’t take the credit for that!!!
Keep in touch!
J
The thought of Spanish folktales sounds wonderful. I am addicted to folktales generally so this will be fabulous. I love the National Gallery of Scotland too. The last time I was there I went straight for the lovely portrait of Lady Agnew of Lochnaw to say hallo. I love the two Noel Paton paintings of Midsummer Night’s Dream too.
The only thing that gets me about Edinburgh is getting from one side of that steep valley to the other!!!
So this is your very own Edinburgh Festival show!
Well…a mini festival show perhaps. I know what you mean about getting around. Having grown up in Suffolk it feels a bit vertiginous! But it makes for a good view…
The Gallery has all sorts of gems. I love the Botticelli Madonna with roses. And although rarely displayed they have one of Gontcharova’s set designs for Rimsky-Korsakov’s Le Coq d’Or, which gets me ridiculously excited!
I have yet to learn the folk-tales by heart…Surprisingly I have found it relatively difficult to find a decent selection of folk tales from Spain. Most countries have plenty but Spanish tales are less well documented. Perhaps because of the Moorish influence at a crucial time…maybe stories got lost or were replaced with Arabic mythology…I don’t know. But I’ve found a couple of lovely stories, ideal for this visit…
Good to hear from you, thanks for posting!
Hi James,
Good to see you again. Thank you for stopping by. Edinburgh is one of my favourite places to visit. I love the art galleries there as well. It is such an inspirational place.
I hope your trip goes well!:)
Best wishes, Jo.
The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland is also wonderful. The building is fascinating as well as the paintings. You can’t go too far wrong with a Botticelli. The Goncharova must be amazing, I will have to go and see it next time I get to go there.
Many countries have similar tales or motifs that come up again and again. There’s a Turkish folktale called the Magic Hairpins that is very close to Snow White for example. I am sure there must be a lot more but with their own influences within them. Most folktales are about basic human issues after all.
Still, a couple is a good start!
I grew up in Sussex, but Edinburgh feels positively mountainous next to the South Downs! But you are right about the view! I hope it doesn’t rain on you when you’re there!
hi james! Firstly a great honour that you have come across my blog / decided to follow it 🙂 I am of course a huge fan of your work and it must be such a great experience / dream to sit and draw for people.
Do you ever remember visiting Radcliffe on Trent Infant School (in Nottingham some time around 1996) and leaving your paints on the train? If so you may remember my mum, Morag who organised this on behalf of The Childrens Book Group. A small world :).
Perhaps it would be possible and indeed wonderful if i could send you some prints to have a look at? any feedback would be greatly appreciated to a young illustrator.
All the best.
Jamie
Thanks for the tip about the Portrait Gallery Griifin. I’ve never been and understand it’s a beautiful building. Must try to get there!
And Jamie – I remember the missing paints vividly! Fortunately the school lent me some and all was well in the end. What a coincedence! I’d love to see more of your work and I’ll get in touch…
J
Thanks so much for your kind comment, I have to admit to being a bit overexcited to receive a comment from you – “Can You See a Little Bear” being one of our favourite books. I think “Ella” will be making her way onto our heaving bookshelves very soon!
Julia
Hi Julia
Now it’s my turn to be overexcited, on behalf of my wife especially. She loves your blog (me too) and as I said in my message, the images and things you’ve mentioned were a big source of inspiration for Ella Bella. Jackie Morris will be delighted with your comments on “Can you see a little bear?”. I’ll pass them on.
Best wishes,
James
Nowadays they just die of shock if a train arrives on time!
Love
Lyn
xxx
He, he! Very funny!
I always liked the hare. A very well trained animal:)
OOOh, how clever. It looks lovely!
What an interesting tale! Not heard that one before. Thanks.
Well, not really clever… but lots of fun (and hard work) !
I always liked that hare – thought it a magical hare for being able to outrun a train. I love the idea of Turner hanging out of the window to draw the picture too! He’d have got told off now in case something took his head off! Can’t have a brilliant artist losing his head after all.
Well, I’m sure railway rules and regulations were a bit different in those pioneer days! I guess if it was an open-topped carriage, he wouldn’t have needed to stick his head out of a window… but then again, an artist of his standing would surely have gone FIRST CLASS (with a roofed carriage!
The hare does seem rather speedy…or perhaps it’s actually a rather slow train!
Thanks as always for the comments.
railway-geek husband tells me that on a steam train the driver and fireman still have to stick their heads out of the window to see where they’re going. obviously, they’re looking forwards but I don’t see how this is practical at any amount of speed.
It sounds wonderful, James.
Hello Thomas!
It was very intimidating…but everyone in Edinburgh is so warm and friendly, you just want to do your best. It’s such a great city, I love it! Hope all is well with you…
I guess that’s why they always look “weathered”! I expect it was somewhat less hazardous in Turner’s day as they trains were so slow. If he tried it today he’s probably be fined anyway!
thomas taylor’s comment seconded. Sounds magical- what a happy coincidence on the train back! Serendipity at it’s best!
Oh – this took my breath away. I love it!
Thanks Sandy! That’s very kind. The little girls at the festival seemed to like it, thank goodness, because it took ages. But it was fun…
Best wishes,
James
Beautiful covers. The fifties were incredible for design. As I child I was given a book called La Danse – Art Eternel by A.L. Hasket. I’ve scanned in the cover and will email it to you as I can’t seem to attach it here. The picture of Bakst’s set design for Scherezade blew my mind.
Scheherazade is still in the Mariinsky (Kirov) repertoire with Bakst’s designs, and the English National Ballet have produced a version based on Bakst too. But neither quite captured the splendour of the original design which created, apparently, a real sensation when premiered in 1910, in Paris. Combined with Rimsky-Korsakov’s exotic music (even though his family disapproved) it must have been spectacular. Thanks for the comment…great to find another fan of Bakst!
Believe it or not, I have some cake plates with ballerinas on them very much like the ones in the bottom picture. [I used to collect china before I discovered the gym]. They’re drawn in the style of Hugh Casson and I believe you could get a whole tea set with different ballet motifs. I saw some French versions at a Paris fleamarket with the cancan danccers from La Boutique Fantasque.
Hey, James, I’ve just noticed the Ballet Annual is by the same author as my ballet book La Danse- Arte Eterne.
The china sounds gorgeous (especially the cake plates…another favourite theme of mine!)although I’m getting slightly worried that I have not, as yet, joined the gym and am still collecting ballet motifs in various guises. Ah well… How strange the annual has the same author. Obviously a big player in the 1950’s ballet-book world. Thanks for looking etc.
I still treasure my china, James. I have some 500 pieces, I think. First started off collecting 1920’s stuff. Couldn’t afford Art Deco, though I now have some pieces. Moved to 1950s [via floral 1940s] very quickly and snapped up a lot of stuff that no one else in Brighton seemed to want. The gym takes up a lot of my time [keeping obesity at bay is hard work, ha ha,] so I don’t have the time to do fleamarkets.
Your book collection is divine,by the way.
I wonder if Turner was likening the train to the tortoise by placing the hare in front, but giving the impression the train was going to beat it?
What a great story!
I’m glad you like it! It’s funny…no-one wants to publish it because there isn’t a “happy ending” (ie, the treasure isn’t found). But I think that’s the point really…it’s the journey that counts, not the destination.
Wonderful, James! I have a strong interest in seafaring tales and did a lot of research into pirates recently. This is a great story and an exciting personal background that must have wowed the children.
A Blue Peter Badge and a shark’s eye! ‘Tis gurt han’some, Cap’n Mayhew. Arrr!
I was just thinking that the journey has its own treasures. Arthur Rackham’s ancestor was Red Rackham the pirate, so that’s two illustrators I know associated with pirate treasure!!
I hope the kids got to sing, Sixteen men on a dead man’s chest, yo ho ho an’ a bottle of rum!!
I shall have to lose a leg and an eye at this rate. Already got a gold tooth… it IS a fabulous story, and there’s loads more to it than outlined here, all sorts of shenaningans. I hope I can use them in a book…one day!
No, they didn’t sing…but they did get to paint stormy seas and ships in the style of Turner, so they were not too disappointed I think!
Hi James
i wrote a version of this story which was published by OUP in one one their reading series. Kids love it, and I think the fact that the treasure is not found could be a good ending, as it leaves the possibility open that someone one day will, maybe even the kids themselves
Well I agree about the ending…but the publishers who have seen it felt differently. Although that was years ago. I must try to find your retelling. There are so many (murky) versions it would be interesting to read what you deduced from the various legends. Anyway, thanks Saviour! I feel galvanised by your comments!
That must have been brilliant. I so wish I could have seen that! Got any clips of it on youtube?
Oh I LOVE Baba Yaga!! Vasilisa the Beautiful was one of the earliest folktales my mum ever read to me and Baba Yaga zipping through the air in her mortar and pestle really caught my imagination as well as her house of bones on one chicken leg!!
The Sorceror’s Apprentice reminds me instantly of Fantasia with Mickey Mouse as the apprentice and all those brooms carrying buckets of water.
Night on a Bare Mountain could be a lot of fun tho’. Danse Macabre I love because of all those skellingtons dancing and knocking their bones against each other (crowded dance hall, obviously!) this all sounds great fun.
Well I don’t know if it was brilliant. But we do always get full houses, so I guess it must be reasonable. It takes weeks of preparation and my nerves take a bashing. Peter and the Wolf was the worst because you are really a soloist in the orchestra and have to come in ON TIME (no ad-libbing!).
No – nothing on YouTube I’m afraid. Too complicated with rights of members of orchestras etc. I’m quite glad though…I’d be mortified to find myself preserved in that way!
Baba-Yaga is a wonderful tale. I usually use the Vasilisa version (which I included in my book Koshka’s Tales) but I might use a little known variation, Ivanushka and Baba-Yaga for the concert. I’m undecided. It will be hard to forget either The Sorcerer’s Apprentice or Night on a Bare Mountain as they appeared in Fantasia. One of the first films I ever saw and it TERRIFIED me (especially the Rite of Spring with the Tyrannosaurus Rex). We are also including the Swan of Tuonela, with an extraordinary story from the Kalevala. Exciting times, busy times, scary times. But I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I love how cavernous the theatre in the pic is. Makes you think that anything magical can come out of the back.
Baba Yaga!
Watch this ogreish witch scar the sky
In her black, iron pot — see her fly!
See her sweep her path clean
As she hides where she’s been.
Baba Yaga, the child-eater’s nigh!
(I wrote this limerick years ago, but never had anywhere to put it. I hope you don’t mind me dumping it here, James.)
The concert looks amazing! Scary, but amazing.
Theatres ARE magical places, as you know. And that special atmosphere you get in dusty old play houses, flea-pip theatres and cinemas – all steeped in history – is what I wanted to suggest. I loved that faded glamour, and the slightly wistful, melancholic feel of a place awaiting something for pecial to take happen, for the curtain to rise, for the music to begin…
That’s wonderful Thomas! I could have used that last year for Mussorgsky’s version. I wrote all of that in verse, all ten pictures. Nearly finished me off! This year I’m “just” (!!!) telling the stories…
Do you know David Campton’s play The Life And Death of Almost Everybody? It’s about the magic of theatre. The cleaner uses the magic left in the air after a performance to conjure up rabbits and such. Then one day he dares create some people, with very interesting consequences.
I don’t – but I’m going to seek it out now. It sounds fabulous, thanks for suggesting it!
Most people are ashamed of their juvenilia. James, you can be proud of yours.
Oh Thomas, you’re making me blush… It’s funny though, things I was ashamed of then I can now appreciate with a sort of nostalgic tolerance…
“I was refused a place on a Fine Art degree at Camberwell School of Art, for being too illustrative.” Well so what? Illustrative has its place too. Still, your success as an illustrator is a yah boo to them!
Seeing your self-portrait reminded me of Rima Staines’ own self-portrait on her blog The Hermitage (link on my blog). There is something very serious looking about self-portraits, possibly the concentration at getting it just right.
I am never ashamed of my juvenilia, it was me finding my way to where I am now… and I am still finding my way. I agree with Thomas.
I think “illustration” was a BAD word at Art schools in the 1980s, especially Fine Art depts., but I revel in the glorious tradition in Europe of Illustration. I also think most art before the 20th century was illustrative. But that’s what they said to me at Camberwell, as if it were some terrible handicap. It made me more determined than ever to succeed of course.
Thanks for your kind words Griffin, as always. I will investigate Rima Staines at once!
Yes I seem to remember an art quiz on telly around then and Maggi Hambling used the word as if it were an insult! I thought it short-sighted. All art is illustrative – whether of an idea or of a direct representation or to show a text in a different way.
Rima is very much influenced by medieval art, but also likes Rackham and others. She’s very talented too. I do love seeing artists do their stuff!
Dear James
I am one of the people who toke part in take one picture at samule lucas school. Thank you so much for putting us on your website I hope you come again
Samantha
Age: 10
Hello Samantha,
I loved visiting your school, it was a great week and you did wonderful work. I hope very much to come back soon. Say hello to everyone for me!
james
Hello James, many thanks for your kind comments on my blog (and Griffin for the recommendation!) 🙂
Delighted to meet you and your work… How wonderful to get refused a place at art school for being too illustrative! Your work is excellent, and how wonderful to have pavement-painted, I have always thought I was too slow for such a thing!
Best wishes from the house on wheels
Rima
It is a very nice and good post. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Kids Music. I’ll certainly try to continue. It’s important to get kids excited about music, and well worth all the hard work!
I haven’t been here for a while but I have scrolled thru’ the last few posts and been all overcome by the delicate ‘rosiness’ of them all. I am going to have to ignore the lack of small girls in our family and start reading about Ella Bella just for me. The books are great too. I love the limited colour pallette and graphic lines of mid twentieth century book covers. Down with Kindle!
Absolutely Penny, down with Kindle! Thanks for looking. I guess it’s all rather chintzy, but there’s something irresistable about roses as a romantic symbol I find!
Looks great! These “sneak peeks” are fun.
Hello James.
I’ve just found your blog and I’m very happy! I met your work a few years ago, in a illustration book (by Martin Salisbury), and I became a fan of your art. I think your work is excellent, the draw, the color, the atmosphere you create… Finding your blog I have the oportunity to explain it to you.
By the way, the paintings you have posted are… gorgeous! The self portrait is excellent.
Thank you Roger, for your kind remarks. I have also seen your work, and it is full of wonderful drawing and characterisation. I am thrilled to have “met” you!
I love the street. So magical and yet real too. Can’t wait to see the book.
Thanks Jaymie and Saviour. The book will be a while yet…deadline is January 15th. But it’s started, and that’s good (I’m a terrible procrastinator). I’ll keep posting stuff as I do it – and you can tell me if I’m going wrong!
So excited to hear there will be a new Ella Bella book. My four year old daughter and I love the first two. Incidentally, my daughter’s name is Ella, we have called her Ellabella since she was a baby and she loves her ballet lessons!
Thanks Lisa!
I’m working away as fast as I can…
I really like the atmosphere in these, esp the swan one!
Thanks Victoria. It’s not quite there…it needs to be very cold and nordic to suit the music by Sibelius. But I appreciate the vote of confidence!
James
This is great music. I’m sure you will manage, James. these samples are superb.
Break a leg! But not a paintbrush.
Hi Thomas,
The music is fabulous… so I really want to do it justice. I’m sure I’ll be pinging paintbrushes all over the place in my frantic bit to finish as the music does…
J
You’ll do it James, we’ll all be rooting for you. Wish I was in London to come see the show.
Thanks Saviour, that’s kind… I’ll try to remember that when I’m a crumbling wreck of nerves!
Sounds wonderful
Wow, this sounds like it was quite an experience. Bet the kids loved being sprayed with paint. And today I saw someone buying a Katie book from Foyle’s in St.Pancras.
I’m so pleased for you, James. Congratulations! I love the last picture — are those trolls?
For next year, how about Cantebloube’s Song’s of the Auvergne? Or does it have to be spooky every time?
Ahhh, the Cats Duet! Wonderful to hear two grown sopranos meowing at each other!! Maybe Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and the Pastoral that are evocative rather than narrative. That wonderful bit from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet – Montagues and Capulets I think. It was used for the theme of Cyrano de Bergerac the movie. And Nuits d’ Amour by Offenbach… it’s not offen back but I like it! Oh, and Mozart’s Horn Concerto cos it’s fun! And the Flight of the Bumblebee!
Thanks Maryom,
and it really did SOUND wonderful – the orchestra are really good, made up of a mixture of prfessional and local amateurs…
Saviour, it was indeed “quite” an experience. I don’t think I’m a natural for the stage by any means, I get exceptionally nervous. The day of the show I’m always wondering why on earth I got talked into it. But once I’m there on stage and the audience are in, the nerves go and I’m off. It’s a very strange experience, and I feel very unlike “me”. It was a mother I got with the paint, but she was very good humoured about her new bright red hair (ooops). Glad sales of he Katie books are still trickling… and thanks for the kind comments.
Hi Thomas,
yes they are indeed Trolls – for the Peer Gynt piece “In The Hall of the Mountain King”. Only last 2 mins, so it’s a bit frantic! I’d love to do something with voices like Cantaloube, and it doesn’t need to be Spooky. Last year we did Pictures at an Exhibition, and before that Peter & The Wolf and The Firebird. We tried to escape Russia this year (although Liadov and Mussorgsky still featured). I long to do Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade… but at the moment we are looking at Carnival of the Animals (which is dependant on the cost of hiring 2 grand pianos!!!)
Hi Griffin
thanks for all your brilliant ideas. I love the Prokofiev – a Shakespeare concert would be wonderful (Mendelssohn…Sibelius…Tchaikovsky as well).The conductor is keen to avoid the Russians next year (see above comment) and Flight of the Bumble Bee was used last year as a (very funny) encore (also hitting the 100th anniversary of Rimsky-Korsakov’s death). Anything with a good story attached is going to work…
How lovely. Isn’t that a special gift! I think handmade gifts are the best kind.
I hope all that cake sets your creativity flowing. (You’re not going to have any of it with custard are you?)
Well now, custard IS the best way to revive stale cake. Question is… will this cake be around long enough to become stale???
That cake looks delicious! You do desevere a carb treat after a concert. Performing does take it out of you. Well done on all three counts, the concert, the Ella roughs and the cake tin, which I am sure your wife will treasure.
A little Italian poem for Ella:
Come bella
quella Ella
quando fa
la tarantella
Thank you Saviour. what a lovely little poem. I think I may have to put that out there on the blog for all to enjoy. And a lovely link to our old favourite La Boutique Fantasque, which has that famous Rossini Tarantella (now there’s a good idea for a concert…hmmmm)
I love the pink umbrella in the first picture, and the gold of the dawning sun. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
I’d better crack on then, Mr Pirotta! Thanks for looking and for words of encouragement…
How lovely, I agree – totally charming.
Doesn’t poetry in Italian sound so much more profound?
Oh yes! It’s a beautiful language. Perhaps that’s why I love opera so much. All opera singers agree that Italian is the most musical language…
Looks beautiful! Are you considering a Nutcracker book for next Christmas?
Hi Jaymie,
I think Swan Lake will actually be published (believe it or not) in 2011, so a Nutcracker book would have to wait until 2013 as my publisher seems to alternate between Ella one year and Katie the next. Next year is Katie’s year: Katie and the Waterlily Pond is due out in September. But if the schedule on Ella changes I’ll let you know!
James, seriously – this is impressive stuff! Thank you for sharing the insight into your work. I love the mood you capture in your pictures and I for one am very much looking forward to the release of your book (though I can’t believe it’ll be 2011!) An intense weekend well spent! Bravo!
This looks great! So interesting to see how it all comes together.
I got my copy of Ella Bell and Cinderella in the mail – I ordered it for my niece for Christmas. I love the illustrations – even more than I loved the first book.
Thanks Chas. Sometimes it just takes time and a bit of experimenting to find the right solution. Happily Orchard like it as well, so it’s full steam ahead!
Thanks Jaymie! I’m so glad you like Cinderella… it’s quite interesting to take on something which has been done so often. Happily Prokofiev’s version is a slightly different so I hope I avoided any cliche. Meanwhile Swan Lake is gathering momentum. I think it just might be the best yet!
While in England in September, I purchased Ella Bella Sleeping Beauty for my 3-yr-old granddaughter who is obsessed with ballerinas and especially ballerinas in music boxes. I loved the realism in your illustrations and the sweet faces of your characters. Your book has become her favorite. I am now online trying to find Ella Bella Cinderella for her (she knows the Disney princesses by heart). We live in Washington state, and I see that Barnes and Noble carries your books. Hurray!
Dear Charlotte,
Thank you for your very kind comments. I’m so glad your granddaughter likes Ella Bella and I hope you find the new book easily. I’m in the middle of Swan Lake right now, so a busy Christmas, but it’s a good excuse to listen to the gorgeous music again!
Season’s Greetings to you and Washington and thanks again for looking!
James
Gosh, I wish I looked that young when I was 21!!
Well that gives me the Spring term to save up to go to Edinburgh for Easter then! Should be fun to see kids in the gallery enjoying the pictures too.
Who knows… one of them might even be a future illustrator?! Inspired by you.
Katie has aged well, it’s true…
It will only be a very small exhibition – around 8 framed works and a case with sketch books etc. But it will be up for three months in the education centre there, and hopefully the “Katie trail” will get even more children excited about art. The workshop (for adults)and storytellings (for everyone) should be fun It’s all about sharing a passion, and yes, inspiration – if not from me then from Edinburgh’s wonderful Art collection!
Congratulations, James! What a superb location for an exhibition.
And Happy Birthday to Katie.
Twenty-one and no boyfriend? Is she keeping something from you?
Ha ha! Very droll Thomas! I guess having met knights in shining armour, magicians and kings, her standards are a little high…
It’s only a “bijoux” exhibition… but still exciting!
Well done James! What a perfect way for Katie to celebrate her 21st (and far more digified than getting drunk and throwing up in someone’s front garden on the way home…)
I’ll be popping in to the exhibition, James. Well done!
Now I’m getting scared. it’s ver small this exhibition!!! But you are obviously very welcome Saviour…
Not at all James, it’s not size but quality that matters after all. The exciting thing is that the children may go and have a look at the pictures in the rest of the gallery and see them in new and different ways.
I love the portrait of Lady Agnew of Lochnaw and the two paintings by Noel Paton from Midsummer Nights Dream in the gallery.
I wonder if the pictures inspired Katie to become a storyteller or an artist… or both!
Oh I love those Midsummer pictures too. They’re extraordinary aren’t they?
And absolutely, I agree that even a small exhibition, if it gets children looking and imagining, will be wonderful.
Congratulations James! Very exciting news 🙂 I think I’d rather enjoy coming along to the Katie Exhibition too! I’m thinking that April sounds dandy. Will your storytelling and workshop sessions be open to the public James?
Thanks for all the kind comments. The events are all open to the public and will take place on April 24th. More information will be available in the New Year on the National gallery of Scotland website. But…in short… everyone is very welcome!
Duly noted in my crisp 2010 Diary. Woo-hoo!
Hi James,
I see I am your first new follower here. I will look forward to visiting you in the future and seeing your creative ideas. As it is your blog you can blow your own trumpet if you like. I don’t mind!:)
Oh by the way, I see you like dusty old books too. I found ‘The Snow Queen’. An early addition from 1905, in Oxfam the other day.
I nearly bought it but it cost £40.
The cover was still in very good condition but it had a few worn pages. Beautiful illustrations though. I was very tempted to buy it!
Good to see you again. I know I have not visited you for a while but I will see you here in the New Year…
Best wishes for Christmas and for 2010.
Jo May.
Hello joanne May,
Thanks for looking! The Snow Queen sounds almost irresistable! I wonder who the illustrator was? I love that story, even though it scarecd me when I was little. I’d love to illustrate it one day myself…
Yes I love “dusty old books” and think the book as a form should be celebrated and enjoyed in this digital age. Doesn’t 2010 sound really “space-age”? But we’re not wearing tin foil jump-suits with jet packs or anything. not yet…
Happy New Year!
Hi, my daughter and I love the Ella Bella books, she has always been known as Ella Bella Bing Bong! and her best friend is Eloise so we were thrilled to discover the books. Looking forward to Swan Lake and hopefully Nutcracker (my favourite)
Thanks Helen, I’m so glad YOUR Ella Bella (Bing Bong) likes the books. I’m really hoping to do the Nutrcacker at some point – it would be great fun. I’m also longing to do the Firebird (which is MY favourite!)
One day I’ll afford some of these orignals, should you want to sell, James. They are divine!
Thanks Saviour… I’m sure we could work something out (like swapping for a story about a Clockwork Ballerina???). These illustrations are hard to sell actually (indeed impossible) because they are constructed with layers. They look very odd until printed. But I have lots of sketches and other things that would be more satisfying… Anyway, I’m very flatterd, and I’d be happy to give you a picture sometime!
I look forward to reading it! Happy New Year,
love
Lyn
xxx
Thanks Lyn… It won’t be out untill autum 2011, but I’ll give you some sneaky previews on the blog…
Happy New Year !!!
Thanks for sharing. I really enjoy hearing about the experience of being published for the first time. Maybe oneday I’ll get to share my own version. 😛
Ooh, this looks great, James. And getting a book about opera off the ground is no mean feat. I remember trying to sell the idea to David Grant at Hamish Hamilton in the mid-eightees when I was starting out and, although he himself loved opera, turned it down because he thought no one would buy it. Things have changed for the better now. I’ll try and find a second hand copy of the book online.
Greetings! I have no idea how you found me “Art With Mr. E”…but I’m glad you did! I love what I’m seeing about your work!! I’ll have to ask my school librarian if we have any of your books!!! If not…she always asks me what I’d like her to get!! 🙂 Blessings to you.
Ted E …aka..Mr. E
I’ve only been introduced to shadow puppets fairly recently, and I love knowing that it is not a dead art! 🙂 This play looked beautiful, I hope one day I can see a play in real life too. So far, I’ve only seen recordings, and it’s just not the same.
Hello Sarah, and welcome. I really enjoyed seeing your blog. The shadow-play was a bit of an experiment, but I think everyone appreciated it’s “genuine-ness” in this modern world. Working behind the scenes with the children it was hard to see the effects created… it was all created in just one day!!! But I think it was actually rather special. The photos cetainly suggest so. Let me know if you have a go one day – I think it would be very beautiful!
Hello Mr E and welcome!
I just happened upon your work online – art/education being the theme. I loved your blog, full of creativity!!! Keep in touch.
These look beautiful!
Bless you Jaymie,
As time runs out and I start to panic, a little vote of confidence is just the thing!
J x
Katie in China would make a great book. Imagine all the chinoiserie
That would be fun. Plus an all expenses paid trip to do some research of course!
I love these–they are gorgeous. Can’t wait to see the rest of it!
And you might need someone to carry your sketchbook. I’ll do it!
It’s a deal Thomas! And you can sharpen my horrible pencils as well!!!!
I think that’s a wonderful way to introduce children to Shakespeare,or any other play. Lizzie through reading his plays in class has come to the sad conclusion that they’re all boring. Not even David Tennant can tempt her to watch Hamlet.
Well I found Shakespeare woefully boring at school (although I did rather like Olivia Hussey in Zeffirelli’s Romeo & Juliet!). We only studied Julius Caesar, one of the less scintillating plays to a teenager…
It was only when I illustrated the plays that I found a way in. I suddenly found really strong and interesting characters that I wanted to draw, and interesting settings for them.
With children I think it really helps to do a bit of acting out…and in miniature like this it’s great because they get to be director/designer/interpretor. It gives them power. It allows them to think about the story/settings/characters without writing as well, which was very helpful for the less able children. It WAS a lot of work, but I felt it was definitely worth it.
But not even David Tennant eh??? Lizzie has got it bad. But I reckon it’s normal for her sort of age. She’ll get it. In time.
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! My aunt gave me “Koshka’s Tales” as a Christmas gift years ago. I’ve always enjoyed reading through it and the illustrations are just divine. I’m looking forward to following more of your work here on your blog.
It seems that I spend far too little time with children these days, but their enthusiasm and creativity always inspires me! I really enjoyed this story about your son’s class. Thanks for sharing.
Take care,
Courtney
This looks brilliant James. I think secondary school students could really benefit from this too. It might sound unlikely but I bet, delivered in the right way, it would get through. Good work sir!
wonderful ! I couldn’t agree with you more. Have a great week.
Thanks Elise! You to!
Hello, thanks for visiting my blog…I am still reeling from the shock of seeing the author of one of my elder daughter’s favourite books in my followers list!
I thought the shadow play you did before Christmas looked incredible by the way.
Hello Flora May,
What a kind thing to say… I’m glad your daughter liked the book. That’s always really lovely to hear, thank you. I just happened upon your blog and loved it. I’ve always adored stained glass and admire anyone who can do that.
The shadow play was lots of fun, and we hope to do more with the story. If you look at the list of links, visit the Rhapsode site. They’re the charity I sometimes do these events with!
Take care and thanks for visiting!
I’m so glad to hear Constable country is still unspoilt. There’s nothing more dreadful than a place used by an artist that has been swallowed up by the greedy leviathan that is modern day tourism. I’ll never forget the disappointment I felt when I finally got to Monet’s house and garden in Giverney, armed with a cook book of the artist’s favourite recipes. It was mayhem. You could hardly see anything for the flash of mobile phone cameras. There’s a main road cutting through the garden which, though hidden behind a fence, still makes the garden shake with the sound of traffic. And I nearly got pushed off the famous bridge by a tourist guide.
The only good memories I have of that day are the visit to the chapel where Monet is buried and discovering the works of Mary Cassatt in the American museum down the road.
It looks fabulous. I went to the Constable exhibition years ago at Tate Britain with a friend from Suffolk. She stood in front of one painting and said, ‘Ooh, my sister got married there!’
Canaletto was a great one for playing about with bits of Venice in his paintings too! Wonderfully confusing to art historians who go looking for the viewpoint they think he may have used… until they realise that view doesn’t actually exist!!
What a great project- one that I am sure they will remember!
I am very very glad someone told you had to have a web profile! I have already gotten several ideas on bringing literature to the classroom- I was responsible for a Christmas program a few years ago and did shadow theater- loved it and wanted to do more- will put your post in a folder for future reference~!
Hello Julia Kelkly,
Thanks for looking at the site… I’ll try to keep on posting interesting and useful stuff. Your work is beautiful, by the way.
J
I mean Julia Kelly,
Sorry – bad typing!!!!
It is great to see how messy other artist studios get after a project and I agree the clean up is very theraputic!
It is interesting how similiar our processes are- though I use fabric- I also use a very detailed line drawing on tracing paper- to look through and place the pieces of fabric.
Congrats on being so close to being done!!
Sounds like a really good idea to keep children occupied while adults look at the art!
Well let’s hope so! Not quite sure how it will work yet…but I expect I’ll come up with something!
It’s shocking how messy it is… but you lose any sense of decorum when you are in the middle of something!
I think your work process sounds remarkably simular. I love what you do, it’s really lovely. It must take you ages with all those bits of fabric… but it must be so good when it all comes into focus!
those pastels certainly look delicious. Almost too delicious to use!
They’re almost like candy aren’t they? Edinburgh Rock!
I hope they do well in China!
wonderfull insight into the way you work ..it gives the images a lovely atmosphere . as someone who struggles with colour i realy enjoy the way they eco the books that i was passed as child.
Oh James what a horrific tale. The illustrations are wonderful and I can completely understand the personal investment you made in them as I can remember experiencing similar wonder at watching my own son as he made discoveries in his exciting new world. What a shame your book was handled so badly by the publishers. Not good at all.
Thank you for the kind empathy. It happened a while ago but it’s still very painful, not least because children grow so fast…I get very wistful about that! Anyway, thanks for the kind words, it means a lot 🙂
good luck !!
If you want some press for your book, just get in touch,
Your experience sounds very similar to mine, James. It wasn’t the chicken house, although I do know of an author whose series was dropped by that company too. I don’t see why BOY wouldn’t be taken up by another publisher, though.
I’m very sorry to learn you’ve had a simular problem with a publisher. And I know the Chicken House didn’t just cancel Boy but other stuff too. One of the reasons I couldn’t develop the series elsewhere was that I had to wait some time before getting the rights back. But now I have managed that, it may be worth showing it to someone else. I feel it’s rather a fragile thing though… I confess I’m nervous of more rejection, especially considering that review. But you are right – I will have a serious think about that.
Thank you Elise, for both the good luck and the kind offer. I’m sure I’d be delighted to take you up on the offer, and I’m very open to good ideas. Thank you!
I knew you’d had problems with that book, but I didn’t know the full story – that’s awful James! You MUST go to another publisher with it… I’m sure I’ve told you this already, but BOY is one of my favourite picture books!
The penultimate paragraph particularly resonated with me.
Thanks Sam, that’s a kind vote of confidence! I know you’ve had a few run-ins with publishers too. It’s a bit of a night-mare isn’t it?
Just the one publisher, but thankfully the book is back on track now. With everything that’s gone into it, I think a scathing review might just tip me over the edge though! Be kind, BFK!
Hope all’s well. 🙂
Well I’m sure It’ll be fantastic. Tell me when it’s out won’t you? Everything here OK thanks – just finished (nearly) Ella Bella 3, delivering it on monday…
Aw, thanks! I’ll send you a copy when it’s out.
Big congrats on Ella Bella 3 – great news! I hope you’ll be celebrating!
James, I’d never come into contact with ‘Boy’ before, but the artwork I see here is stunning!!! You definitely, definitely, definitely need to get back in the saddle on this one. It’s a fight worth fighting! Lovely, lovely work- your passion shines right through. Good luck with the Ella Bella hand-in and see you Thursday! x
Congrats on being sooo close- it is true those last little details sometimes seem to be the things I have put aside for the funnier things and in the end they have to get done too!Its like eating dessert first and then having to go back and eat the veggies!
Boy.. does “Boy” need to get out there- for the fact there are sooo few good stories for boys!! The illustrations are wonderful, the idea is beyond unique- I am just getting started in this crazy industry, and just got me first ” project on hold due to overextending ourselves” phone call from a publisher- reading your post- this is a occupation of “Faith” isn’t- because we do open ourselves, are so exposed, to then a very biz, clinical judgemnet.
Oh too true. I would always leave my veggies till last 🙂
I must say I’m overwhelmed by all the kind encouragement. THANK YOU! I will try and see what can be done. Picture books for boys (a few notable exceptions aside) tend to be very mundane. I really believed in this idea… but we’ll see. It IS a frustrating industry. I suppose the only good thing is that this did make me more resiliant and ultimately a bit more philosophical. Last year a major project about Katie’s Picture Show ( a TV series five years in development) collapsed. Of course I was disappointed but I shrugged it off pretty quickly. But then I didn’t have the same emotional investment I have with Boy.
James, this is so touching, and you are very brave to bare your feelings – creating beautiful text and drawings is an emotional thing.
Perhaps the fact that you still have all the MS and work for Boy and its sequels is a really good thing. They are yours and for you and your family, and a wonderful gift of love for Gabriel. If only all children were so lucky.
I totally believe that if something is important to you, you should go ahead and do it. Make the rest of the books. If you make them with love and passion, they will be a success, no matter what the arsehole critics say.
xxxx
Thank you Caryl, a lovely idea. You know, I should make books, even if they’re just little dummy-book versions. Gabriel’s a bit old for them now but whwen he’s grown up he’ll love to have them. When I get time… I’ll get the pastels out and play around. I did LOVE making these illustrations… it will good to return to the character of Boy again 🙂
James, I tiptoe into these discussions rather sheepishly, being neither author nor illustrator. But I LOVE those illustrations, and as Caryl says, those stories are a gift without price to your son, and to the future. It’s hearbreaking that commercial considerations and indeed just the act of putting something in the wrong box can take the shine from even the most sparkling little gem. I SO hope that these stories will be taken up and published as you intended. I for one would be first in the queue to buy them! Good luck, James.
Thank you Penny,
I must say I DO feel galvanised to look at them again. In some ways it will be hard as my inspiration is no longer 3, he is 10. But I’m sure I can find a way back to the memory of those magical pre-school days. Publishinging them won’t be easay I don’t think. But I can always post pictures here I suppose, just for fun!
There’s a tiresome school of thought out there that has it that all literature for children should be informative about the real world, and it’s sad that this delightful book ended up in the hands of such a tight-bottomed reviewer. I bet this is the sort of person who begrudges children their day off school in the snow, or confiscates lost footballs.
I’ve tried for years to sell a prehistoric picture book story, without success. Maybe publishers just aren’t keen on the stone age, but Raymond Briggs’ Ug isn’t that old. Perhaps it’s just me. Anyway, James, I really hope you can relaunch the Boy series. I love the pictures and how you handle the seemingly limited palette, and all the little details (such as the strata on the boulders and that tiger’s sabre-tooth grin). I think Boy is a charming character who would, especially in a series, balance beautifully with Katie and Ella Bella.
As for the other thing, it’s a painful story, but it’s good to share it, if only to alert new generations of writers and illustrators that contracts can be so easily broken. May you have the last laugh!
I love this book. It is one of my favorites and I know a little boy who slept with it under his pillow. That is I think the best review a book can get.
It’s certainly the best sort of compliment. Thanks Jackie x
confetti flying, noisemakers going and really good reason to eat chocolate or whatever hits your fancy and definitely put your foot up! congratulations
Well done, James!!
I’m glad Orchard are thinking of continuing (or whipping you into continuing) Ella’s cultural-adventures, they are fab! The Nutcracker has been done so many times though, keep pushing for The Firebird!!!
Gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous! Can’t wait to hold it in my hands.
Can I have a signed copy of Boy, signed ‘to Charlie’ if you have any. The thing I love most about Boy is the child himself. He is just so very beautifully drawn and observed.
This is off on a sidetrack completely, but many years ago I was in a cinema watching Terminator 2, as you do, and the man in the row behind me just scoffed and said, ‘that motorbike would never go that fast!” I wanted to say, “Listen mate, that man there isn’t a man he’s a robot and he has just come back from the future with his liquid enemy. If you can swallow that then surely you can give a little leeway on the speed of a small motorbike”. But I didn’t. But I did think it funny, what some people take seriously.
I just think it is one of the most beautiful books you have done.
My daughter loves Ella Bella Ballerina ‘sleeping beauty’book. She will be thrilled that there is a new book out! She has asked to go to London for her 5th Birthday so she can meet Ella Bella!
Fantastic news! Well done them, and you:)
Thanks Thomas – I’m very proud of them, and it’s really deserved. It’s a lovely school and we had such fun with this project.
There is something deeply moving about these images, James, please don’t allow them to languish – childhood is too short as it is, so when it is captured so perfectly – the wonderment and newness – as it is in your art work, it calls out to be appreciated again and again.
This looks wonderful, James. It will make the kids realise that you can engage with a picture in more ways than just looking.
Finger crossed!
Lovely, exploratory drawings, James. He’s a charming little fellow, and the hand-print title page looks great.
I think chickens are the last thing you should be counting after what happened last time;-)
Finger crossed!
Lovely, exploratory drawings, James. He’s a charming little fellow, and the hand-print title page looks great.
I think chickens are the last thing you should be counting after what happened last time;-)
Ha ha! Very droll Thomas….!!!!
Ha ha! Very droll Thomas….!!!!
What a wonderful blog! Thank you so much for letting us into your work process.
My daughter, Ella (nicknamed Ella Bella, of course) loves your books and we practically know them by heart. Can’t wait to buy your next one!
Ifat Samuel
I’m not surprised- at all. The illustrations, even the “experiments” are so full of feeling, looking at them I can see on of my little ones, being still on a couch, pouring over them- the real mark of a good picturebook!
I’m not surprised- at all. The illustrations, even the “experiments” are so full of feeling, looking at them I can see on of my little ones, being still on a couch, pouring over them- the real mark of a good picturebook!
James…I have just read your other post and the comments about BOY…I am so overwhelmingly sad and angry for you!
To think that the reviewer could be so narrow minded and closed hearted is, I suppose, why they are doing that sort of job in the first place…they obviously have no talent for anything else.
I love BOY…I have two sons and they were just like that…mind you so was my daughter!
I’m shocked (although I shouldn’t really be) about the publishers too…but then they have no souls either…much like the critics.
Please don’t give up on BOY…it’s too dear a thing to let go of without a good fight…much like your very own “Boy”, Gabriel.
Have you thought of doing GIRL?
Maybe the PC lot would go for that more ha ha!
How are the dusty old books?
Found any new ones?
James…I have just read your other post and the comments about BOY…I am so overwhelmingly sad and angry for you!
To think that the reviewer could be so narrow minded and closed hearted is, I suppose, why they are doing that sort of job in the first place…they obviously have no talent for anything else.
I love BOY…I have two sons and they were just like that…mind you so was my daughter!
I’m shocked (although I shouldn’t really be) about the publishers too…but then they have no souls either…much like the critics.
Please don’t give up on BOY…it’s too dear a thing to let go of without a good fight…much like your very own “Boy”, Gabriel.
Have you thought of doing GIRL?
Maybe the PC lot would go for that more ha ha!
How are the dusty old books?
Found any new ones?
I’ll try not to give up. We’ll see…
There will be more dusty old books. I have rooms full of them…. it’s just time! I don’t have rooms full of THAT!
I’ll try not to give up. We’ll see…
There will be more dusty old books. I have rooms full of them…. it’s just time! I don’t have rooms full of THAT!
I hope it all works out. It think it would be a lovely book.
But they apparently aren’t asking Mommies who have boys.
I hope it all works out. It think it would be a lovely book.
But they apparently aren’t asking Mommies who have boys.
It’s so interesting! Unfortunately I’m afraid the museum is a little far away from my house in Barcelona!
The illustrations (and sketches) are wonderful…
Thanks saviour and Roger.
Actually Edinburgh is a long way from me as well. It would be quicker to fly to Barcelona than take the train to Scotland!
That’s brilliant James – if it’s published I will definitely be buying a copy. I really “got” that whole “watching your infant child discover his exciting new world” vibe that you spoke of in the previous post. Fingers crossed here…
That’s brilliant James – if it’s published I will definitely be buying a copy. I really “got” that whole “watching your infant child discover his exciting new world” vibe that you spoke of in the previous post. Fingers crossed here…
Ah! Pagangracecat…if only you worked for a publisher… :-)))
Ah! Pagangracecat…if only you worked for a publisher… :-)))
Hurrah for coloured pencils!
But not graphite Thomas!
I’m a bit slow in noticing you’d posted on here recently. I’ve just read all about your BOY . It does seem a shame. But that is encouraging that you now have some interest. Thanks also for sharing about Chicken House. Very interesting.
Your pastelwork is beautiful. You are obviously a whizz whatever medium you choose. The softness and expression in these is charming.
congratulations on finishing…look forward to seeing it 🙂
know what you mean about guinipigs!
Thanks one and all for kind comments! I’ll post pictures of things when the proofs come in.
Thanks for the encouragement- “And I have to fight past the initial sense of disappointment that I don’t like what I’m writing,” that is a good reminder to let the idea soak in its on juices for a bit and come back to it with a fresh eye-
And congrats on the door openning for you at the Opera gift shops and new program- keep us posted!
Thanks for the encouragement- “And I have to fight past the initial sense of disappointment that I don’t like what I’m writing,” that is a good reminder to let the idea soak in its on juices for a bit and come back to it with a fresh eye-
And congrats on the door openning for you at the Opera gift shops and new program- keep us posted!
Looks beautiful James! Griz is in his final days! i will blog it as soon as i can! Can’t wait to get my hands on your book!
Hi Susie,
Great to hear about Griz – I can’t wait to see it! I’m so happy for you! xxx
Probably more appealing to children in bright colours rather than ornate gilt.
Parkes Bonington was a Nottingham lad and there are paintings of his at the Castle Museum in Nottingham. There’s a real sense of drama in Victorian history painting, but they always remind me of the novels of Alexandre Dumas.
I suppose artists who do work now use other media to comment on politics (like Wallinger at Tate Modern commenting on James Haws’ protest against the Iraq war). But a painting imagining Blair and Bush making the decision to go to war is perhaps considered old stuff nowadays.
Indeed, a mere “painting” wouldn’t work as it used to, not least because photography can be suitably subversive instead.
Interesting that you mention Alexandre Dumas – you might enjoy looking at a post on Dusty Old Books:
http://jamesmayhew-dustyoldbooks.blogspot.com/
About his son’s infamous novel.
Thanks for visiting Griffin!
That’s quite something given that it’s by children.
Monet, Monet, Monet… must be Manet in a Renoir’s World?!
I just did Monets waterlilies with my class three. we did tissue paper collages, they loved it.
Looking forward to adding the new book to my collection of Katie books.
Love
Lyn
xxx
Thanks for the comments Griifin and Lyn. The children did Monet proud I think…
Always a pleasure to have a look to your works…
Thanks Roger – the same applies to you!
It all looks great, James. I went to Fort William once — a brooding, romantic place. Have fun in the Highlands.
I’m sure I will have fun…as long as the trains run. Otherwise I might be spending the night at Crianlarich station! (there are only 2 trains a day). Anyway, six weeks to go. What I really need to do is perfect my sketching kit so I can do stuff easily en route!
You will love the Highlands. Have a great time! Hope you get decent weather!
lovely!
Fantastic!! I’ll definitely give it visit at the end of April when I will be returning to Scotland for a few days to perform in an outdoor performance of Alice in Wonderland- or rather ‘Alice in the Dundee Botanical Gardens’!
Amy, you are hilarious. Only you could possibly be in such a bizarre situation. Bet it will be fab!
wow, wow, wow, James! So exciting! I love that you’ve put out a sketch book display too- Looks fantastic- if only I were up North!
realy like the images .
good luck
These pics look wonderful. Can’t wait to see the whole book.
Just in time for Christmas!! I will keep an eye out for it in the US- for my daughter under the tree!
Awww James, the picture is lovely, and the competition sounds wonderful! xxx
Thanks lovely Faye. it’s a start… and it will help children keep their Nessie’s reasonably consistant with mine! Although I may add some stripes…
What a great way to make “art” pretty darn cool for kids!
Good feet. Nice one. Cold enough here for Loch Ness monsters.
great visualisation of him james 🙂 if i pictured nessie in my head it would be a battle between this and the family ness! Will look forward to seeing how kids draw him too (by the way is Nessie a ‘him’?). Hope youre well.
jb.
Thanks Jamie
I’m worried it’s a bit too ordinary…but it’s got to kind of fit in with the “evidence” a bit. Oh, and Nessie is a she… I think!
Gosh! What a compliment!
Fantastic James… I just love these pictures. The drawings are beautiful. :-)))
I love these too Vanessa, and am reminded (as ever) of the Picasso quote: something about spending his whole life trying to forget what he learned at art school and draw like a child again. The children were often quite critical of themselves. But I hope when they see their work in print they will get a sense of pride: they deserve to!
What an amazing community project for the children to participate in! It would be so nice to have an “open house” where the public could view all the drawings, even if they can’t all be included in the book.
Thanks Garden of Daisies, for looking. I think there will be an exhibition, at Letchworth Arts Centre, to coincide with publication and the festival. I hope that some not included in the book will make the exhibition! And of course I can post things online on my own sites.
If you see the real Nessie,please, post the photos!!!!!!!!!!
Oh I will! you can be sure of it!
I like the drawing at the bottom of the post best. Most Nessie pictures seem to make her fat and how many females like being drawn fat?!!
She looks slinkier and lovelier in that one. Maybe a trip to the Natural History Museum is in order to draw a Plesiosaur.
James, thanks for visiting my blog and leaving kind comments. Now it is my turn to enjoy your work and let some of your enthusiasm and that of the kids rub off on me! I think Picasso was right. We worry about our painting far too much instead of just relaxing into it and enjoying it. Love your Boy project by the way.
these are stunning James 🙂
Hi James,
I haven’t commented before, but I love that shot of your sketchbooks in the cabinet…
Such a lot of work! Makes me want to leaf through and marvel!
And the work you do with schools is fantastic!
Good luck with all your up and coming events – all sounds wonderful!
Best wishes
Carrie…
Thanks draw-a-rama. Not all that much drawing in them; but I had a clear vision!
they are so beautiful! i am jealous!
xx
Get away Ann – you’re work is SO gorgeous! And I bet you could make a brilliant toy theatre!!!
Dear James
How beautiful this pictures are!You should’ve entered….but your destiny would have been different,we all have a STAR that sends us to the path we are meant to be,it may not be what we want but the great ENTITY is the one that decides!Your books are a real inspiration and it will give amny positive points to the young generation that is a bit confused at the moment and they need artists like you to give them a vison!
What a very lovely drawing James and lovely to find your blog too. I am wishing I was a child and could enter the competition!
Hi James,
I am intrigued to hear about your past lack of confidence from someone as professional, successful and prolific as you… I am also remembering a previous post of yours about not entering your first Katie dummy in the Book Prize…
I always imagined that the people who have ‘made it’ as such, got there because they had great self belief, focus and determination etc.. ( as well as sheer hard work of course!)
I love your costumes with the fabric samples and the stage sets… You sound so passionate about this subject I’m sure you must carry on with this someday…!
Best wishes, Carrie…
Dear Nelly: Thank you for the kind words! Yes destiny plays it’s hand, I’m sure.
Carrie: Thank you for looking. I think a lot of creative people lack confidence, and certainly I sometimes imagine what I could have achieved with a bit more self-belief! Most of the illustration students I teach are quite fragile characters, self-critical. Perhaps it’s an illustrator thing. I don’t know. But the self-doubt is definitely there, believe me!!! I’m never really happy with anything I do. And that’s (I suppose) what drives me!
These drawings are absolute gorgeous- isn’t funy to look back and see the evolution of what we are doing- thank you for sharing!
These are wonderful- and I am sure would of been more than equaviliant to any of the other contenders- I hope you get the opportunity in the future to realize your dream!
Thanks Julia. It is funny…looking back. I’m hopelessly nostalgic at the best of times. Although I was disappointed about many parts of this project and how it fell through, I do look back fondly a these pictures now. It was an exciting time and they were all done for the love of it, which is a good thing!
Perchance to dream…
James! I’m going to Scotland today too! But will miss your saturday event because I’m in Dundee on Saturday for the Botanic Gardens Fun Day performing ‘Alice in the Botanics’! (Follow Alice on her adventures through the gardens to different favourite scenes from Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass) I am of course playing the Mad March Hare.
Last time the Tea Party Crew stayed in the same place in the garden in character for an hour- we didn’t know we were supposed to stop in between shows, people just stood and watched us getting more and more exhausted. I’ll be in Edinburgh on monday, thinking of having a look at Katie’s picture trail with my pal Tom!
Aaaggh! I go to Fort William on Monday! Typical! Crkey the Alice thing sounds weird and wonderful. i nearly went to art school in Dundee…
have a fab trip!
Off to pack!
A lovely post, James and great sketches. The castle looks fabulous up there on its ancient volcano. The scary australian couple with their brick-counting fetish sound like a right laugh!
I went to Loch Ness once and spent some time skimming chocolate digestives out across the waters in hopes of enticing Nessie. I can reveal that the Monster is not attracted to chocolate.
Glad you had a great trip! I particularly like the sketches of the exterior castle.
I’m glad you had a good time in Scotland! I felt very inspired by your workshop. Sorry I didn’t have time to stop and chat at the NGS on Wednesday. We’d had a completely wonderful but utterly exhausting day with the visually impaired artists’ group, drawing and painting with a dancer all day – the hardest part was finding everyone’s taxis to go home! I will look out for your drawings of Nessie. Did you see any spooks in the Old Town? All the best, Emily
Thanks Thomas. the digestives were all gone… perhaps Nessie snaffled them later on!
Hi Nicola, good to hear from you. I guess I spent longest on the exterior castle drawings… it was early, so no Australians to ask me to count bricks!
Emily, it was lovely to see you at the workshop and fleetingly on wednesday. Don’t worry about not chatting, I could see you were busy. i was having a last little look around before coming home. It was a great experience and I loved meeting everyone at the workshop. Loved your cards too and I wish you luck with publishers. =I’ll keep my ear to the ground in case I hear of anything useful for you…
Yes! I hope we do have it for Christmas!! That would be fantastic!!
I love this story!!
Scotland is pure great. Can’t believe I went three years without visiting all my pals- though that’s what happens when you make enemies and suffer from extreme paranoia! ho ho ho!! I had a job interview at Hallmark the day after I got back and they assumed I was Scottish- I’d picked up the accent. Obviously I didn’t get the job because they were xenophobic.
Our class 2 children have been writing a riddle about Nessy this week. Our topics go on a two year cycle so next time we do this topic we can also read your book to them!
Love
Lyn
xxx
Sounds like you had a great time. Urquhart Castle was probably a great deal more ‘atmospheric’ than when we visited last August – it was absolutely FULL of tourists and necessary to queue to go up, or down, the tower stairs. I’ve visited Loch Ness many times but the nearest I’ve come to Nessie (apart from the exhibitions in Drumnadrochit) was seeing the Monster Hunting Expedition back in the 60s.
Hi Amy. It’s a hard accent to master… but I’m still saying Aye and Wee, so even I have absorbed a little Scottishness! It is a fabulous country, I love it.
Lyn, that’s great to think the book will be useful. the riddles sound like great fun.
Mary, I suppose that’s the advantage of going out of season – I had the castle to myself for the first hour. But the Monster Hunting expedition sounds fab. I’d have loved to see that!
Me too Amy, even though it’s barking mad (maybe that’s why!). It will be fun to illustrate I think, in the “Ella Bella” way!
Thank you for the mini tour- make me want to go there even more.
Thank you for the mini tour- make me want to go there even more.
Your sketches are wonderful, cooler then the photos! I love the comments you get and the analyisis, when you dare to sit down and sketch- counting the bricks-tops anything anyone has said to me. I limit myself to a small box of colored markers and a selection of sized black felt tip pens- get too overwhelmned with choicies otherwise.
Thanks for sharing these photos of Scotland. Really beautiful!
Thanks for sharing these photos of Scotland. Really beautiful!
It’s a beautiful country, and everyone was so friendly, I just loved it!
It’s a beautiful country, and everyone was so friendly, I just loved it!
What a wonderful sketches! Thanks for sharing them! And thanks for sharing your way of work, it’s very interesting.
Thank you Roger, that’s very kind. it took a while to reach this stage but I am much happier with the way the book is working now! I hope all is well with you…
oh wow these look brilliant! im excited to read the final thing eventually!
Love the pencil sketches especialy James. Just wonderful.
Yes James, thanks for asking.
I hope I’ll find your book in Barcelona (a few months ago I found the book Miranda the Explorer, it’s beautiful…!)
Oh my god, I love it!! Nessie is adorable- and full of facts!
A great dragon! Love the use of bright colours.
James, that snow is a permanent feature. We drove past last August and it was there then!
James, that snow is a permanent feature. We drove past last August and it was there then!
What a lovely thought! Pity there’s no way to capture the scent, short of artificial bottling.
its a lovely painting… and I too love lilac time. Our white lilac is just gorgeous to smell and is full to bursting with flower at the moment.
I think it’s beautiful picture and frame, James! Quite wonderful. We have a lilac tree under our kitchen window, and they are stunning. Ours is just about to blossom… Aaaaah, it’s scent is stunning.
It’s over so quickly, lilac, isn’t it? Bit of a shame… But it’s rather stunning when at it’s peak. Bloomin’ hard to paint though!
Reminds me of the song in Nunsense
Great news I hope!!! Will be checking in about 3 weeks!! 🙂
http://www.nessie.co.uk/htm/nessies_news/news.html
http://www.loch-ness.org/news.html
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1645086?UserKey=
3
Nessie in Italian attic mystery
Mystery drawing may have been done by master illusionist
By neil macphail
NESSIE IN ITALIAN ATTIC MYSTERY – Artist M.C. ESCHER 1898-1972 NL
Unpublished Artwork Nessie and the Black Man without a face date 1949.-
Nessie in Italian attic mystery
Mystery drawing may have been done by master illusionist
By neil macphail
http://www.nessie.co.uk/htm/nessies_news/news.html
http://www.loch-ness.org/news.html
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1645086?UserKey=
http://www.eschernessie.it/
http://www.eschernessie.it/
Nessie in Italian attic mystery
Mystery drawing may have been done by master illusionist
By neil macphail
http://www.nessie.co.uk/htm/nessies_news/news.html
http://www.loch-ness.org/news.html
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1645086?UserKey=
Wow, the ad looks great! Will there be postcards?
Your exhibition at the NGS is very popular – every time I walk past, there are people looking at your illustrations – especially your sketchbooks. I just wanted to let you know that my website is FINALLY finished (with a very small blog) It is http://www.emilylearmontillustration.com.
Best wishes from sunny Scotland,
Emily
Congrats, I hope our school will get a copy soon to go with the other Katie book in the library.
Love
Lyn
xxx
It looks beautiful! Congratulations!
Cool! Do you want to swap a copy of Firebird for one Waterlily?
Thanks Thomas.
Yes please Saviour!!!
What a beautiful illustrations you did for the Nutcracker, James (even so many years ago!). It’s so pleasant when I find illustrators that don’t use the computer!!! Nowadays it’s really dificult. This encourages me to keep on with my pens, inks and watercolor.
I am terrified of computers! I much prefer to produce something real. I could necer abandon my pen and ink! Nor should you – you drawings are wonderful!
I mean NEVER of course Roger!
So many things end up hanging in the balance don’t they ? Not much you can do about it though !
Alas they do… but you can fight and not give up, which is what I intend to do!
I bought a copy of this from the wonderful Letchworth Arts Centre at the weekend, and really recommend it- its a gorgeous book, and the children’s illustrations are lovely. My own children expressed a lot of interest in the wartime theme, as well as the fact that children’s drawings are published in a real book! The local references really bring a piece of history to life. Congratulations to all involved.
Thanks Something Wonderful! Glad you like it…
James, this piece made me cry…
Thanks Caryl… she is an amazing person, and to arrive at a school and see all the children dressed as famous painting… that made me cry too!
I keep being told (as we look for school places) that the headteacher makes or breaks a school. This post seems to prove that. I want my children to go to that school too!
A wonderful tribute, James.
Thanks Thomas,
And yes, the head will make a big difference. Sadly since Margaret retired the ethos at her old school has changed. Most modern heads are managers and run schools like a business. Of course you need a practical side as well. But there has to imagination, creativity and love. Pertinant questions to ask: Do they have book weeks? Which authors have visited? what books do they use for teaching children to read? Do they have a library? In many ways I have not been happy with Gabriel’s school. But he’s only got 4 weeks left so it’s a bit late to worry now! But I am especially disappointed with the methods used for teaching reading at his school…
Thanks for that, James. I hope that my childrens’ future school will at least have ME as a visiting author! Actually, I might pick your brains before long (if I may) about getting back into school visits. It’s been a long time since I did one.
At Max’s current school he is discouraged from showing too much interest in learning to read because they are all going to learn together in the same class later. The teacher doesn’t like it if some can already do so, though why should their convenience come before the childrens’ natural curiosity about words?
We’re teaching Max to read at home.
It’s all madness. We taught Gabriel to read and told him not to worry about the school reading books. They were unutterably dull and would put any child off books for life.
You’d be a fantastic school visitor Thomas and if I can do anything at all to help, just say. I hope we’ll be able to meet up and catch up when you are settled – it’s been fat too long and we’ve missed your erudite and charming presence 🙂
As a primary school teacher in an inner city school I found this post a breath of fresh air.
I love the way the books are made to come alive for the children. I hope that I inspire the children I teach in some small way, we are about to have our own Mad hatter’s tea party. So anyone spotting the line of kids walking to our allotment with a middle aged mad woman in top hat and tails will know it is us. We are reading parts of the book (EAL children find some of the language hard so we show them pictures and act it out for them)we have made the cakes for the party (in a maths lesson on measures) and will be serving “tea” from a collection of teapots.
Dear Charlotte,
Thank you for your lovely and optimistic message. I’m sure you have a huge influence on your children, and the Tea Party sounds like a tremendous idea. I’m so happy to know of other excitingevents with brilliant and imaginative teachers, because the future of the next generation depends on you! I realise with curriculum restraints it is sometimes hard to do things the way you want. But like Margaret, you are proving that it is possible to be inspirational. Children deserve nothing less!
Dear James, so many happy memories and an especially beautiful firebird. We were so lucky to have you as a friend of our unique and special school(the head wasn’t too bad either if you’re reading this Margaret!) Much love to you, Mari and Gabriel
Sounds like a wonderful night! And I bet you could do a great job designing the sets! I just got the opportunity to see Phantom of the Opera- unfortunately the shorter version in Las Vegas and was taken back by the engineering and “coolness” of the sets!
Sounds like a wonderful night! And I bet you could do a great job designing the sets! I just got the opportunity to see Phantom of the Opera- unfortunately the shorter version in Las Vegas and was taken back by the engineering and “coolness” of the sets!
That sounds wonderful Julia! I do think the visual element is really important, and it can make or break the performance for me. It doesn’t always have to be spectacular or traditional, but it has to be right and suit the flavour of the music. These sets really didn’t work for me. But fortunately the singing was so incredible it was still a lovely experience, although your Las Vegas performance does indeed sound cool!
That sounds wonderful Julia! I do think the visual element is really important, and it can make or break the performance for me. It doesn’t always have to be spectacular or traditional, but it has to be right and suit the flavour of the music. These sets really didn’t work for me. But fortunately the singing was so incredible it was still a lovely experience, although your Las Vegas performance does indeed sound cool!
Dear James, wonderful memories of a special school and author (I agree with Carolyne the head was good too!). Your visits always inspired the children, my boys are now nearly 17 and 20 and both still remember all your visits (bugle boy is now at university) and making their square to add to the ‘Cloth of dreams’. They still have all their ‘book week’ books and your signed books (perhaps to read to their children some day)treasures of their childhood.
You were always so eager to help the children and staff I remember saying to you ‘James the entrance to the libray would look great with some sunflowers’ and out came the brushes and paints and what a fantastic result. We were lucky to have you as a friend.
Love to you, Mari and Gabriel (still can’t believe he is starting high school)
Hello Carolyne and Linda
Lovely to hear from you and what wonderful memories we share. I’m so lucky to have been part of what was a true Golden Age. I will never forget all the people and children who were part of it and who have influenced me and my work in so many ways.
It’s astonishing how time has passed. Gabriel had an “induction” day at his High School yesterday… all very grown up and I feel OLD! We all send our love to you both and cherish our friendship. Here’s hoping we see you soon.
XXX
Thank you, dear James for celebrating Margaret’s headship in such a wonderful way. As you know,I was lucky enough to join the staff as the “KS2 teacher” when the school became a Primary and had the great pleasure of becoming a friend of you, Marie and Gabriel over the years. The ethos of the school during Margaret’s tenure was exactly what it should be – true education, developing real learners, enjoying learning, learning by doing and “being” – not just “reaching targets” and “ticking boxes”. Like Margaret, I am now retired from teaching and not a moment too soon!
Dear Lyn,
It’s wonderful to hear from you! I remember you joing the school very well. At first I wondered how that would work – being such a tiny team. But being you and being Margaret you fitted in perfectly: a Kindred Spirit (as Anne of Green Gables would have said; I always thought of her when I visited Tacolneston; the school was straight out of Avonlea!) I miss those days and I miss my annual visit and I miss all of you. And I worry about the next generation of children being taught by managers and box tickers, and not by teacher who have a passion for true learning. But we did our bit didn’t we? Those children who passed through your hands and whose lives were touched by the ethos of the school will carry those values and that wide-eyed wonderment with them all their lives. And so indeed will I! Hope you are OK and that we see you soon Lyn.
XXX
I adore your illustrations. They make me tingle, when I look at them.
Thanks Trish, that’s very kind, I like to make people tingle!
You know, I can’t help preferring this version too:)
Lovely to see a proper paint, glue and scissors dummy.
I kind of prefer it too Thomas. It was only my second book – these days I might have stood my ground a bit more…
I bet they liked dancing to Marc Bolan… and T Rex! Sometimes publishers ought to just let the book out as is and not second-guess it. This looks a lot more fun!
My library’s copy of Ella Bella Ballerina and Cinderella just arrived – we are all so excited! I have tons of little girls (and their moms) who adore the first Ella Bella book and are always asking me for more. I can’t wait for the third! If it doesn’t make it over here to the US I will definitely be buying the original through my UK sources…
Hello Jennifer,
Well, I hope Cinderella will not disappoint! I am happy to tell you that this week I got news from Barron’s that they WILL be taking the third title, Ella Bella Balllerina and Swan Lake. I presume not until 2011 – while the British edition is published this October. But it will be coming… which is great news!
thanks for your kind enthusiasm and support, it’s greatly appreciated.
James x
Such beautiful (and coloured too)drawings for a dummy book!I love the pen and ink work and the dinosaurs expressions, really full of life and energy…
I’m barely starting my first attempts at creating dummy books for my own stories and illustrations – it is fascinating to see how differently people make their dummies and how personal to each they are.
Thanks for the inspiration… my artwork is on hold for now because of overwhelming business stuff, but hopefully I can come back to it soon with some fresh ideas!
Wishing you well,
Carrie…
If the sketches have this high level, I wonder how should be the final art…!
Yay! I will mark it down in my order list for next year!
Hello Griffin – yes T Rex would be perfect!
Thanks Carrie and good luck with all your plans.
Roger – that’s very kind; I think I often do better work with my rough sketches as I’m so much more relaxed!
I have the same problem, it’s very frustrating…
By the way, I mention you in the last post of my blog.
Such things are exactly what makes me wonder about working with publishers. I have a feeling that too many books are not at all written to fit children’s taste. But ultimately it will be the parents who’ll buy, so you need to appeal to them. It feels wrong to me, that’s not why I want to become a children book illustrator! I want to make children dream.
As one who lives near Nessie, I’d say this is a very good version of her!
What a lovely tribute to my mum! We are so proud of her and so happy that she leaves such a trail of vibrant memories of school-life blazing behind her! Katie and all of James’ stories and pictures and visits have played such a vital role in her career, and continue to inspire her in her retirement.
Depending on how your contract reads, perhaps you could publish the original story yourself on some self publishing website such as lulu.com
I am overwhelmed by the blog from you James. We did what we believed in educating the whole child and in so doing enriched their learning experiences. It all seemed so right and the Tacolneston team were magic together. It’s not a job you can do on your own and the whole team were totally committed to this ethos which is why it worked. I was the luckiest of Headteachers in having that team and you as as part of our rich provision for learning. I meet past pupils from our school around town and when we talk they always remember book week, our many visitors and of course you James.
How good it was to read that you are offering your chidren, Charlotte such a really brilliant experience. They will love it and remember it forever!
How glad I am to have left when I did 3 years ago after 17 years of Headship at Tacolneston which was a truely wonderful teaching and enriching experience. My two daughters benefitted from my love of books and reading to children even though I did spend long hours at school!!How touched I am by Victoria’s comment and those of my colleagues and friends.
hi! this is allie (mom) and four year old mallie (little ella bella princess) from the midwest / usa! 😉 i was thrilled to receive a message from you. 🙂 we’ve been sitting here looking at the pics on this blog and mallie keeps saying, look at all the princesses! she loves each and every page in sleeping beauty, from the old majestic theater to ella bella’s pink (dress)to the spindle and old woman and fairy tale castle.
you are truly an AMAZING ARTIST and our new fave author / illustrator. we can’t wait to check out cinderella. is your katie series similar? i’m a bit new to all of these girly books as mallie has three older brothers! 😉 thank you for sharing your wonderful artistic gifts with all of us! 🙂 hugs from a little girl in kansas. 😉
Hi Allie and Mallie,
This is when I love technology – to be able to be in touch with a lovely family like yours so many miles away, and share the things we love, is simply wonderful. I would really like to send Mallie a book from England. Do you think that would OK? Let me know what you think :-)))
we haven’t read cinderella yet. that’s on our next library list. 😉 how are the UK and US copies different? we love the story and the pictures truly are fairy tale magic.
i’ve only been to england once but its on my bucket list to go again. went to this marvelous little place called the cat and fiddle and that’s the spot i want to go back to someday.
you’re lucky to live in such a magical place! 🙂
The principal difference between UK and US editions is the slightly more lavish production values in the US. In the UK it is rare to have a dust cover, but it is a standard in the US. Also American editions sometimes have reinforced binding in the spine which makes books a little bit sturdier.
I hope you like Cinderella when you find it 🙂
I wonder where the Cat & The Fiddle is???
james, wow! 😉 that would be OUT OF THIS WORLD CRAZY FANTASTIC! 🙂 really and truly, simply loverly. her bday is in august (she’ll be 5). maybe you could inscribe happy bday? ;)that seems a bit presumptious on my part; forgive me if it is!
can i just say how impressed i am that you take the time to answer “fan blogmail” 😉 like this. that is truly an amazing quality and i am THRILLED to correspond with you too (yes, technology is amazing!). really and truly, thank you so much! 😉 the book would be a priceless and much treasured gift. 🙂
is there any way i could email you then? its my not so secret dream to become an author so you really don’t know how COMPLETELY EXCITING this is for me, just to blog chat like this with you.
as much as i adore children’s books i feel compelled to write about my adoption journey and then consequently our trials and triumphs in raising an adopted deaf / special needs child. i’ve had some encouragements to write out our story so someday when i have a bit more time (i have five kiddos at home right now!) i hope i can achieve it! 🙂
wow again. just so exciting to be chatting with an accomplished author / illustrator like this. YOU’VE MADE MY DAY. a million times over!!!!!!!! 🙂
thanks so much again, allie b. 😉
even if our correspondance goes no farther, just know how much it meant to me to be in touch with you even for a day! 🙂
Allie, why not leave a “comment” with your email. All comments are screened by me before being posted, so I can just not post your comment & details publicly, it will only come to my private email address.
J
It was lovely to read your recollections of visits to our school and to revisit in my mind such happy memories. Margaret had the ability to inspire and enthuse all those around her. You too have that real conviction that drives your work. Your special relationship with the school meant your visits were always a highlight in our year as staff too. The children appreciated your eagerness to join in doing things with them. Emma still treasures the personalised sketches that accompanied your signature. Benedict remembers the moon he contributed to Gabriel`s ‘cloth of dreams’ when he was 5 and he can even recall wanting to be called James – and if that doesn’t suggest you were inspirational I don’t know what does!
Magical! I don’t know what else to say, except that there’s a whole book here!
Magical! I don’t know what else to say, except that there’s a whole book here!
It really haunts me Thomas… but you know how it is; sometimes things are SO precious that one is almost afraid to use them in a book in case it doesn’t live up to the (unrealistic) vision… But I must try… one day… when I have a few spare seconds…
It really haunts me Thomas… but you know how it is; sometimes things are SO precious that one is almost afraid to use them in a book in case it doesn’t live up to the (unrealistic) vision… But I must try… one day… when I have a few spare seconds…
Congratulations! What a great day for the kids and you! Hope there are lots of pictures!
Thanks Julia, I’m really happy. At one point I thought it wouldn’t go ahead, but this solution – two performances – is a wonderful opportunity.
I’ll try to get some picture. Some musicians don’t like it (something to do with Musicians Union rules!) but I’m sure there will be some snaps :-)))
wow- its rings of secret gardens where I think mamany many stories are hiding and you are just the one to find them!
wow- its rings of secret gardens where I think mamany many stories are hiding and you are just the one to find them!
One day Julia… one day! Of course “The Secret Garden” has rather covered this subject matter. But there are other stories hiding in that garden…
One day Julia… one day! Of course “The Secret Garden” has rather covered this subject matter. But there are other stories hiding in that garden…
I keep thinking about this post, James, because it reminded me of something, though I’ve only just remembered what: Chantemesle by Robin Fedden. It has that same golden glow of times lost and the landscape of memory. Have you read it?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=robbin+fedden&x=0&y=0&ih=9_1_0_2_1_0_0_0_0_1.126_142&fsc=-1
I keep thinking about this post, James, because it reminded me of something, though I’ve only just remembered what: Chantemesle by Robin Fedden. It has that same golden glow of times lost and the landscape of memory. Have you read it?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=robbin+fedden&x=0&y=0&ih=9_1_0_2_1_0_0_0_0_1.126_142&fsc=-1
oh that’s marvelous news! wish we could hop across the pond 🙂 and come to your concert. maybe you can make it an annual event and we’ll make it over there someday! 🙂 allie and mallie b. 🙂
That must be the toughest part….selecting…when all are eligible.
As a Monet fan, I am really looking forward to the new Katie book. I have the other “Katie at the Gallery” stories and used them recently with my Reception Class. They really loved the idea of disappearing into the paintings and were able to talk about paintings they have seen in museums or prints that they have at home.
I am also tempted by the idea of the Ella Bella concert at Hatfield however am not sure my three boys would be so keen!
I love the idea of the ‘stone hart’ with its built-in double meaning.
I love the idea of the ‘stone hart’ with its built-in double meaning.
Wow – it’s really magical there, a lot of stories to discover in this garden …
I love the picture of this old house :-)!
Have a wonderful day,
greetings from Germany,
Katrin
my blog
Wow – it’s really magical there, a lot of stories to discover in this garden …
I love the picture of this old house :-)!
Have a wonderful day,
greetings from Germany,
Katrin
my blog
Thank you everyone for the comments. Katrin, it was a very magical place. I hope I can go back oneday… Gillian – it’s a great title! I just need to write the book!!! Thomas – i have ordered the book. Thanks for the recommendation… I’m intrigued!
Thank you everyone for the comments. Katrin, it was a very magical place. I hope I can go back oneday… Gillian – it’s a great title! I just need to write the book!!! Thomas – i have ordered the book. Thanks for the recommendation… I’m intrigued!
I hope you enjoy the book, James. The Seine Valley in Normandie is very beautiful and sultry, and Fedden captures that lost moment wondefully. It might suggest a treatment for your own writing, though one thing Fedden couldn’t do (but you can) is illustrate it with charming little memory sketches.
I hope you enjoy the book, James. The Seine Valley in Normandie is very beautiful and sultry, and Fedden captures that lost moment wondefully. It might suggest a treatment for your own writing, though one thing Fedden couldn’t do (but you can) is illustrate it with charming little memory sketches.
I can’t wait to read it. And I can’t wait to develop ideas of my own for a Brundall book. I’m always scared of “good writing” as everything I attempt immediately seems inadequet. Still, as you say, I can always fill it up with sketches (and hopefully distract everyone from my clumsy prose!)
I can’t wait to read it. And I can’t wait to develop ideas of my own for a Brundall book. I’m always scared of “good writing” as everything I attempt immediately seems inadequet. Still, as you say, I can always fill it up with sketches (and hopefully distract everyone from my clumsy prose!)
What a fabulous recommendation for your stories…! And quite right too!
‘Tis a thrill, certainly!
de ja vu! i’m exceedingly glad you were on the receiving end this time around. 😉 excited for and with you!!!! 🙂
Thanks Allie. Keep your eyes on the post :-)))
This looks absolutely amazing!
Thank you Sarah!I hope it lives up to your comment!
Mr. Mayhew:
A friend of mine who lives in London informed me the other day that her three-year old daughter can’t get enough of Katie and Ella, and that she refuses to go to sleep unless her mummy reads her one of your books. Further, she imagines herself to be Katie and believes that Ella Bella is her friend, albeit an imaginary one. I, being her godfather, think it’s cute.
-J.R.D.
Goodness! I had no idea I would cause such complications. But I agree – it’s cute and I’m glad the books bring pleasure…
Thanks J.R.D.
This book and others in the Katie series are available from the National Gallery shop:
http://www.nationalgallery.co.uk/shop/search/katie/1031402
Buying books from galleries is a great idea – every purchase supports their work, preserving wonderful works of art. I always do ALL my Christmas shopping at the National Gallery!
I’m following you back from your comment on my blog to say that I’m going to have to read more of your books to make up for lacking picture books in childhood.
Congratulations on writing ten children’s books.
Hi Erin,
Ha ha! Well, they’re not exactly Shakespeare either, but I do think that within the genre of Children’s books, there are some important works it would be a shame to miss out on!
I did read some– Six Dinner Sid, for example… and the Stinky Cheese Man… And… I can’t think of any others.
Which ones are important works I shouldn’t miss out on?
NEVER TOO PINK! 🙂 or girly. and this is coming from a mom with three boys!!!! 🙂
Oh, oh, oh must have this one!
beautiful! 🙂 and that is a loverly surpise! 🙂
wow, can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
Beautiful! We’ll be waiting for it to travel over the sea to Wisconsin!
Great site – we first discovered Katie when our eldest son Alexander, now 10 was 3. Now both Giles and Harry our other sons are big fans. We will be ordering Katie and the Waterlilly Pond from our favorite children’s book shop in Christchurch New Zealand, near where we live. Having visited London with the boys, the stories have particular significance.
Thank you Martin!
It’s always exciting to think of the books being enjoyed so many miles away!
Oh JAMES, this is such a beautiful post, and you absolutely HAVE to write that book! Please, please, please! *looks beseeching* xxx
Oh JAMES, this is such a beautiful post, and you absolutely HAVE to write that book! Please, please, please! *looks beseeching* xxx
Touche Faye! If I ever have the time… bad excuse but I AM especially busy this autumn. But if I try, will you advise and guide? Should it be auto-biographical or dreamy fantasy. Or a mix???
Touche Faye! If I ever have the time… bad excuse but I AM especially busy this autumn. But if I try, will you advise and guide? Should it be auto-biographical or dreamy fantasy. Or a mix???
James. Me? Advise and guide YOU????? *stunned pause*
I’ll happily try to help in any way I can, but (if talent were relative to size) it’s a bit like a sparrow offering an elephant a piggy back.
I think a mix of auto-biographical and dreamy fantasy would be wonderful!
James. Me? Advise and guide YOU????? *stunned pause*
I’ll happily try to help in any way I can, but (if talent were relative to size) it’s a bit like a sparrow offering an elephant a piggy back.
I think a mix of auto-biographical and dreamy fantasy would be wonderful!
OTHER COMMENTS:
Elise said…
Hello, I just stopped by and wanted to leave a comment to say how much I’ve enjoyed reading your posts. I’ve learnt so much today ! Your photographs are beautiful and I’ve had such fun looking around your website.
Thank you for sharing your writing and your thoughts and best wishes !
12 August 2009 17:42
Lyn said…
Wow your work is lovely, showing promise at an early age, well done you for ignoring your teachers!
Love
Lyn
xxx
12 August 2009 17:56
James Mayhew said…
Thanks Ginger darlings, Elise and Lyn. I’m glad you all approve. I must admit the whole blogging thing scared me – I’m not one for blowing my own trumpet or bearing my soul. But I did hope that other writers and illustrators and interested parties might find it vaguely enjoyable! Now I feel encouraged to carry on!
Elise – I really enjoyed your ballet blog. as you’ve probably gathered, my other series of books is all about a ballerina called Ella Bella. Perhaps she deserves a blog as well…
12 August 2009 18:27
cassia said…
that second picture is beautiful- I could see it in a book now! This is why I want to work in a school- I’d find all the most talented children and become their agent. They’d have best-sellers by the time they reached secondary school!
Really loving your blog, James- Looking forward to the next installment!
cass x
12 August 2009 19:38
3 comments:
Thomas Taylor said…
That’s a lovely sketch of a train! Neither of my children draw that well. Oh well…
30 July 2009 14:36
Griffin said…
I remember Casey Jones!! With my brother tho’ it was dinosaurs made out of plasticine!
I thought this might bring back a memory tho’,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuChht_7kSw
They also do Champion the Wonder Horse!
30 July 2009 15:34
James Mayhew said…
Fantastic!!! Thank you. I can’t tell you what memories it brings back. And I could remember the words!!!! A real frisson of recognition. I probably haven’t seen it for 40 years.
WOW!
13 comments:
joanne May said…
Hi James,
I enjoyed reading this post very much as it brought back a few fond memories, of the 70’s and Blue Peter. How lucky you were to receive a badge. Every kid’s dream, back then, in the 70’s was to own a Blue Peter badge!
You were a very disciplined and focused child. Being able to create sketches and entering drawing competitions regularly.
The Abba illustration is great!:)
Unfortunately I was never that good or had the encouragement from my parents. So artistically I started a bit late in life, in my late teens!
Thank you for sharing your creative journey.
Best wishes, Jo.
6 September 2009 23:42
James Mayhew said…
Thanks Joanne May,
I was pretty excited to find the badge after all these years! I don’t know about being focussed etc, but I was always happy with my own company, happy to go off sketching and painting. It’s funny about competitions…I wouldn’t enter now, I’d be far more scared of rejection and failure! Not that I entered all that many as a child. But it’s sometimes good to have something to aim for, even if you don’t win. I’m much too critical now though!!!
I was lucky with my parents – less so with my teachers – encouragement is so important. I’m glad you get round to expressing yourself eventually, and good luck with YOUR creative journey!
J
7 September 2009 05:36
Doda said…
That’s very cool to have found these after all this time. And how true – what you said about motivating your children.
7 September 2009 14:02
Griffin said…
Ooh, I had a Blue Peter badge too! I love the picture of you drawing at Tintern Abbey – just like Turner did! And I loved ABBA then too… but then went more for the Beatles.
I agree with you that a teachers job is to encourage children – especially in the things that they like to do. Not in what they think children ought to like.
7 September 2009 15:34
James Mayhew said…
Thanks Doda and Griffin,
Yes, encouraging is vital. But so many parents and teachers don’t bother with art. They think it’s “too messy” or they can’t be bothered. It’s a terrible shame. Also, learning objectives – which schools have to consider – are harder to specify with art, I think, and that scares teachers because there is so much pressure on them to be accountable. But there are wonderful teachers who embrace the idea of creativeity and find ways… The benefit are enormous and all areas of the curriculum can be inhanced. You just need imagination!
7 September 2009 17:53
Griffin said…
Oh yes, you definitely need imagination. I wouldn’t be caught dead without mine! It makes everything more magical than mundane.
Art is so wonderfully indefinable, so beyond the mundane, so catlike in refusing to do as it’s told. That is it’s strength because it lies at the heart of who we are as human beings. Beyond measure and use, we are if we allow ourselves to be, so much more.
7 September 2009 18:08
Elaine said…
Wow james Your Abba pictures are really lifelike and excellent.
7 September 2009 19:19
James Mayhew said…
Ah well…having a schoolboy crush on Agnetha Faltskog did wonders for my artistic development!
7 September 2009 19:24
OTHER COMMENTS:
6 comments:
Roger Simó said…
Wonderful paintings, they are so fresh! And thanks for explaining its story, it’s so interesting.
18 October 2009 12:12
James Mayhew said…
Thanks Roger!
The illustrations are a bit crude here. I was only just beginning to find my feet. Katie changed a lot before she was published.
Very best wishes!
James
18 October 2009 12:44
Elise said…
such wonderful art. You are immensely talented !
18 October 2009 14:56
James Mayhew said…
Gosh, thanks Elise! You’re making me blush. It’s interesting that people seem to like these sketches. I can only see the (many) faults!!! And I worked very very hard to find a way forward and make my work publishable. But I’m touched that you can see the potential in them. Thanks for looking! (I think your blog is wonderful, by the way!)
james
18 October 2009 16:21
Griffin said…
Aha, proof that opinions should be questioned and challenged. That sometimes, those who are ‘supposed’ to know better, don’t. The result is something that’s done wonders for you and for a lot of children everywhere. I like these too, mistakes if any don’t matter too much, they show where you’re going to.
18 October 2009 16:37
James Mayhew said…
Indeed Griffin – well put! I look back at these drawings fondly, and wonder if my old tutors would draw the same conclusion as I prepare to publish the tenth book in the series!!!
18 October 2009 19:49
A few more comments:
5 comments:
Thomas Taylor said…
A great post as ever, James, and an encouragement for all would-be-illustrators to get out there and actually talk to publishers, not just send them stuff.
(*whispers* is that a small typo in the last para?)
16 November 2009 08:13
The Mole said…
Do you ever wonder what would have happened if you had phoned Faber and Faber? Sometimes fate intercedes I believe.
16 November 2009 08:53
maryom said…
It’s amazing how much of the world seems to turn on luck,coincidence and mistakes, happy ones in your case.
16 November 2009 09:39
James Mayhew said…
Ooops… A Freudian slip perchance. You are absolutely right Mr Taylor – nothing beats actually meeting people and letting them get the measure of you. Of course email is a great thing (in my day I had to take 35 mill pictures with a camera, wait a week for precessing, then post samples off…)
16 November 2009 16:10
James Mayhew said…
Hello Mole and Maryom,
Oh the fickle finger of fate eh? Well it hasn’t always gone my way, alas, but on this occasion it did… Thank goodness! I wonder what I would have ended up doing if I hadn’t had this lucky break?
16 November 2009 16:14
5 comments:
Thomas Taylor said…
Champagne! They never gave me champagne! Humph.
Well, okay, not really humph:)
5 December 2009 09:25
James Mayhew said…
Oops! sorry Thomas. Maybe a change of policy by the time you came along… At least you have youth even if you don’t have the bubbly (but living where you do I can’t image you’re exactly deprived of it!)
5 December 2009 10:12
loodles said…
what a lovely back story. Really great to read James and so very proud to have had you as a lecturer :o)
5 December 2009 12:26
James Mayhew said…
Well it was a huge pleasure to have you as a student, and great to see you go on to do wonderful things!
5 December 2009 12:58
Henrietta said…
Hi James, stumbled across your blog and am loving reading about Katie’s development! Since leaving Orchard I’ve had 2 boys and we enjoy reading Katie’s adventures together. She frequently appears in my classrooms too! Will never forget the wild and windy book launch at the little school in Norfolk – a lovely day despite the weather that ultimately provoked my career change!
14 December 2009 22:13
Wow! This fantastic news, James! Congratulations! I look forward to seeing it.
And good luck to Gabriel for tomorrow.
And, and, and… the Chicken House really are a nice bunch of people, aren’t they:)
Oh dear, poor Thomas. I was really worried that I’d cause trouble with this story, because of your own new deal… and I really didn’t want to do that. Your news is truly exciting and I’m positive it will be fine. Rest assured they ARE lovely people, especially Elinor who is fab. Also rest assured that fiction is much more their territory than picture books. I think it was a financially difficult time for them (it subsequently became one for me, too!). I was unlucky.The tragedy for me was that I LOVED working with them, and I was especially sad it all collapsed. It could happen with any publisher. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And I’ve forgiven them, which is great cos now I’ll be able to buy your book 🙂
BRILLIANT!!
I’m so pleased for you James. And I just know the book will get the success it deserves this time around.
James- yeah yeah and yeah!!! I remember the first posting and the absolutely wonderful illustrations and it being something to capture your son at that time! Let us know when and where we can get it in the US!Good for you- that you gave it another try!
Thanks, James. Everyone at the Chicken House has made me highly welcome and they all seem very nice indeed, but yes, mostly focussed on MG and YA.
It’s great that Boy has this new chance. He’s such a dandy little character, and everything prehistoric gets my vote:-)
Congratulations James, I’m sure it will be a great success..
just noticed the date. that was mallie’s bday! 😉
Just saw the thumbnail of this on Thomas’ blog and I remembered the first installment of Boy’s woes – so it’s wonderful that it has a happy ending (or a new beginning!) – it’s a classic waiting to happen.
I wish two things-
1. I was aged 7-11
2. I lived nearer to London!
good luck and have fun!
love
Lyn
xxx
There’s always the adults workshop… or you could put your hair in bunches and squeeze into your school uniform…!
Congratulationbs.
I hope your son’s first weeks at ‘big’ school have gone well. It is such a cultaral change from Primary, no matter how good the school is at transfering pupils.
All the best to him and you.
Cheers
Charlotte
ps, I can spell, honestly, it should have read congratulations…
I got bounced on the keys by an over enthusiastic cat!
Please, let me know, then THIS book is written – I want to have one of it!!!!
I am sure, my English is not so good, but I will take the time to read this book :), it sounds like a great book, yes, I am sure, hehe!
Please, let me know!!
Have a wonderful weekend now,
sunny autumn greetings from Germany,
Katrin
my blog
Please, let me know, then THIS book is written – I want to have one of it!!!!
I am sure, my English is not so good, but I will take the time to read this book :), it sounds like a great book, yes, I am sure, hehe!
Please, let me know!!
Have a wonderful weekend now,
sunny autumn greetings from Germany,
Katrin
my blog
Thank you Katrin for you enthusiasm. I must find time to think about this… it may take a while but i feel very determined after such lovely positive support!
Thank you Katrin for you enthusiasm. I must find time to think about this… it may take a while but i feel very determined after such lovely positive support!
Don’t worry Charlotte, I’m always making a mess of my typing. It’s very sweet of you to leave such a kind comment. Thank you!
James, this is so exciting and so well deserved. Katie is an enduring and lovable character, just like her creator. I shall come down to see you in action at one of the workshops. love Margaret
Bless you Margaret. It’s the support of dear friends like you that has allowed Katie to endure!
XXX
oh congratulations! i’m excited to see it in print! i remember visiting letchworth museum when you had the originals on show a few years ago!
Brilliant news for a fab book I remember very fondly from when I worked in a children’s bookshop. x
Thankyou Victoria and Liza, very kind words which mean a lot 🙂
ooh, James, that’s brilliant. So exciting! Know you’ll all have so much fun inspiring eachother! Good luck!
James, that’s brilliant news. So nice to have that kind of support from a publisher too! Amazing! I really hope you can go and take the pictures personally though. I can barely think of anything more exciting than having ones’ work performed… and I can barely think of anything more exciting than Tokyo. Tokyo with ones’ work performed is… well, I can’t even think of a word. Please say you’ll go!
Oh, thanks Cass… Actually I was once invited to speak at the American School in Tokyo. But I got ill and it was cancelled :=( I have not been invited on this occasion… but who knows. Anyway, I can’t be downcast as this very sunday I am off to PARIS to celebrate Katie at the British School there!
I am alvise and i am in the british school of Paris Junior school the one that James is going to come and i am so excited to see him.
Gosh! Well done you, James!
yeah!!! Keep up posted about US releases!
I certainly will Julia! xxx
Congrats, James. Saw lots of copies in Foyles at St Pancras station today.
What a fantastic and exciting experience James. Katie is being celebrated very well. The cake reminded me of the Tacolneston katie cake!I really enjoyed reading all about this wonderful event!
Thank you very much for visiting our school and painting for us. You were a really kind author who inspired us to write your unwritten book “Katie in Paris”.
From 5T and Mrs Richards
Dearest Margaret,
I immediately thought of you and Tacolneston when the cake was unveiled. Happy memories!
And Marianne, it was so lovely to meet you and thank you for giving me a tour of La Grenouillere!
Many thanks for visiting the school, my children really enjoyed your visit. My 6yo daughter is now decided she is going to be a famous author/artist. My 4yo son is sticking with his red arrow pilot/surfer/b-boy dancer intentions but enjoyed making his input into the painting you did with the nursery children!
I loved every minute of the visit! And the world needs surfers and pilots. Indeed my father was a pilot! Thanks for the kind words…
James
Bon anniversaire a Kate! I hope your first visit will be the first of many, Paris is such a lovely city.
The Musee Marmottan and the Musee Rodin are lovely too. I do hope you go again.
Hello Griffin, great to hear from you.
I’m sure I will be returning and I’ll put your suggestions at the top of the list! Thanks for the tips….
I’ll be posting more Parisian pictures over the next couple of days, here and on my other blog 🙂
yippee skippee!!! more ella adventures! we can’t wait! 🙂
Hello James! We’ve been having a Parisian time here in Edinburgh for the Impressionist Gardens exhibition at the NGS. It has been exhausting but amazing too. Linda created a garden full of activities for children that ran throughout Autust, and we took easels to the Botanics and had 187 people drawing and painting in the sunshine. We’ve spent the past 6 weeks doing community tours of the exhbition with lots of interesting comments and questions. It has been very busy in the galleries – but I think Katie would have squeezed through to see her favourite paintings. Now it has finished, it is a bit sad without the waterlilies, orchards and flowerbeds – but hopefully I’ll have time to get out my own paintbrushes once again. On a completely different subject, I’ve been researching the work of Phoebe Anna Traquair – do you know her murals and illuminated manuscripts? They are beautiful. With best wishes, Emily Learmont
ahhh… again I am reading this looking out at sagebrush and dirt! Was in Paris the summer before I went to college- you reminded me how much I want to go back!
WEll the grass (or Sagebush) is always greener on the other side. I bet someone in Paris is dreaming of the USA right now! 🙂 But Paris is very lovely… I, too, long to go back…
i love how you swapped autographs!!! best of luck at the concert! hope you post pics here!!! 🙂
It was kind of cool! I am a bit of a fan of hers, especially her Cordelia Grey (“An unsuitable job for a woman”), so it was really exciting to meet her. She was really lovely :-)))
I’ll try to get some orchestra pics. It’s tricky as you can’t film or photograph performances. But I’ll get some rehearsal pics…!
i’m on the wrong side of the pond! :O best of luck to you, its going to be spectacular and i truly wish i could be there! 🙂
WEll maybe one day… I’ll get to do this in the States… I guess stranger things have happened?
My mother bought ‘Katie’s Picture Show’ for me a long time ago and it has always been my favourite children’s book. I’m going to look for a copy to give to my roommate; she’s an illustrator (http://babanangu.blogspot.com/) and I’m sure will love it too. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and especially seeing the dummies!
Thank you BH – that’s a lovely thing to discover! I hope your roommate likes it. I’ll check out the blog…
Thanks for being in touch!
We saw that you were going to give a course to children at the National gallery during the half term. The course is on the basis of first come, first serve. We live outside Lodnon and are concerned that we may not be able to get the places. Do you run any other courses? Please let me know. Many thanks in advance.
Hannah (hannah.chinalink@gmail.com)
Hello Hannah,
Yes, I started the workshops today. It was VERY oversubscribed and some people were turned away. I would recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes before it begins. Unfortunately it seems to be the policy of the gallery to not issue tickets in advance. In their experience you then get people who don’t bother coming, and those spaces are wasted.
I sometimes do projects at other museums or festivals. Details would be found on this blog or the “Katie’s Picture Show” blog. Keep looking – I hope you can get to the gallery… or find something near you soon!
SUPER DUPER SPECTACULAR! you definitely deserve a window display, or two or ten, in your honour! 🙂 warmest wishes from across the pond…allie b. 🙂
Thank you for the reply. We will try tomorrow and also follow your blog. Hopefully, our girls may attend your courses. Hannah
I loved your telling of Firebird, James. It was great fun!
Ah, thanks Saviour. I wish I had heard you speak… My retelling was hopelessly clumsy, but you are very kind. I am determined to work with you… we have SO MUCH in common!
Looks fantastic James. What an amazing place to work.
It’s been incredible Jackie, both the surroundings and the response from everyone, which has been lovely. A good memory to hold onto.
Also a fantastic memory for all the newly fledged artists. It is this kind of experience that kicks off a love of learning, exploring and making new things.
Sometimes I wish we were nearer to London!
James’ half term workshops at the National Gallery were great. My 8 year old daughter had a fantastic time. She didn’t initially want to go to the art gallery as she had “been there before”, but once we got started, she was riveted, and is really proud of her paintings!
Thanks Derek, I’m so glad your daughter enjoyed the session… and I hope she’ll go back to the gallery soon!
all the luck in the world, James. It’s going to be sensational. I’d be there if I lived closer.
Thanks Saviour, that’s really kind of you. Maybe one day we could do this together – wouldn’t that be something?
I am sure it will be fantastic- and hope you can post a clip or photos!!
do you say ” break a leg” for good luck- well whatever the right way to say it- the best of luck- though I doubt you need it-it will be a magical night I am sure!
Break a leg will do just fine – thank you! Very nervous this evening, but trying to be organised, pack all I need to take… and practise at my easel one last time!
I’ll try to get some “evidence” of proceedings… filming and photography are forbidden strictly speaking… but I’ll try to get a few discreet pictures…
i didn’t know balletic was a word. 🙂 HAVE A MARVELOUS, MAGICAL TIME! 😉 you will be fantastic! 🙂 pls post lots of pics so your far away fans can get a glimpse of what we missed! 🙂
My son is being homeschooled so I was searching for information on Leonardo da Vinci and came up with a link to Katie and the Mona Lisa. I ordered it from our public library. My daughter (who is 5) is enjoying it too. I will be ordering in the books from the rest of your series (and Ella Bella too – as Isobel just started ballet lessons in September).
Your books are a fantastic way to introduce children to art (especially when you live in the middle of the Canadian prairies and don’t have an art gallery nearby to take them to).
I will be posting a review of your book on my homeschool blog and hopefully find you some more fans!
Blessings from Saskatchewan, Canada!
Denise (this is my son’s google account as the blog is under his name).
it was so good to see you in action again James and to see the children respond so immediatly to Turner and of course Katie.Even my baby grandson drew on the paper with pencils that dear Gabriel helpfully shared. Your week sounds truely amazing and was so pleased to hear that someone from Tacolneston came. The children excitedly waiting to get their books signed brought back happy memories!! Well done as usual. Love margaret
And lovely to see you too. It was Rachel’s daughter who came… so grown up now. Make sure you keep your Grandson’s first picture (well, first at a major art gallery!!!)
Hope you are well – missed you at the concert.
Oh James, I’m SO proud of you!!! xxx
Thank you Faye – but you’re not half as proud of me as I am of you. You’re brilliant! :-)))
WOW! here i am thousands of miles away and i can sense / feel your enthusiasm!!! LOVE the pic of you in the moment. and just terrifically excited for you, that you were able to live out this fairy tale dream come true!!!! that truly was the event of a lifetime!!!! 🙂
its bittersweet for me to read posts like these, having a second daughter who will never ever hear a musical note for as long as she lives. guess she can still enjoy the pictures, right? hope this becomes a yearly tradition and who knows? one day you might have someone there all the way from the u.s.!
are you a teacher then too? did i read correctly that you mentioned students from cambridge? 😉
much, much love from the land of oz. 🙂 cheers! from allie and mallie…and quincie too! 🙂
Thanks so much Allie. It was a very special day… and one day it would be lovely to have you there. It must be hard with knowing your daughter will miss out on so much. But then again… I have a deaf friend (I know there are degrees of deafness so it may not apply) who “hears” the vibrations of music and gets a lot of the sense of what music can be. Up on stage you FEEL the music physically rushing through you. We need to get your daughter up on stage to see what she can experience!
I heard once of a deaf child who went to see The Magic Flute. When the Queen of the Night sang her famous high notes – she could hear them! So you never know. There maybe something in someway that can give her pleasure. And if not – there’s still the art.
Anyway, I really appreciate your kind words and as always, thanks for reading!
Hi James
I came to the concert with my 2 year old Daisy and 4 year old Mollie (our baby Esther was a little young and waited outside with Mummy).
Both girls were entranced – they know the tunes very well from listening in the car so it was great for them to hear tunes they recognise; and they both loved the paintings – especially of Odette and Aurora. Daisy was a bit disappointed you drew Puss in Boots as she loves Beauty and the Beast! We thought we had won a picture at the end but we had the right number but it turned out the wrong colour (but anyway it was the sorcerers daughter so not the prime one to win anyway!).
I was very impressed with how you managed to fit your paintings in exactly the time of each movement. It was a really lovely experience for all of us.
Oh and finally a request – Mollie wants to know if you will do Ella Bella and the Nutcracker for your next book.
Dear Graham
I’m so glasd Mollie and Daisy like the concert! It’s great to hear that as everyone worked really hard to pull it all together. It was quite a day!
My apologies for the raffle mix up; I have some early sketches here and would happily send you one if you can send an address. You can email me at:
katiespictureshow@googlemail.com
Oh, and guess what? I’ve just signed a contract for Ella Bella and The Nutcracker. It will publish in October 2012, and I’ll see if I can convince the Orchestra to honour it with another concert!
Oooh, I like secrets!
You’ll like this one!
Allie wrote (but was accidently deleted…sorry!):
wow! that really was a wonderful review!!! i love that you kept brushstrokes in time to the music and kept the audience all in suspense as to what the final image would fully reveal. ANOTHER MASTERPIECE by james mayhew! we are so gonna get over there someday!!! 🙂 and wouldn’t it be neat if quincie could be up on stage, just for a moment or two? 😉
i finally ordered our own copy of sleeping beauty for mallie for xmas. guess we’ve kept this library copy long enough. 😉 it doesn’t look like swan lake is available over here yet…does that sound right? has it been published here yet? mallie said ella bella sleeping beauty is her favorite book in the whole wide world…still. what magic you paint with your brushes and weave with words… 😉
I want to buy a ticket now!
Fantastic news, James!
I’ll make sure you and the family have the best seats in the house Thomas!
Congratulations! That’s really exciting news 🙂
My daughter’s name is Katie so when I was looking online for children’s books about art, yours grabbed my attention. We have three or four of your books now and all three of my children love reading them together. They are such a fun way to introduce famous artists and their works to young children! I am looking forward to buying more of your books for our home library. I hope you continue to write more Katie books in the future!
Hello Sushimom. There are more books on the way for sure! I’m so glad your own little Katie likes them and thank you for the kind words.
Thanks Nicola. I hope it all comes off!
please let us know how far afield the school work will go, we have had companies in to do play in a day and musical in a day work with our kids. They have the most wonderful time and create the most fantastic theatre.
James, your life is far too interesting! How do I get one of those?
It’s truly not THAT interesting! Anyway, I bet when your novel hits the shelves there will be effigies springing up all over the place…
Wow! Can’t wait to see the play. It’s going to be brilliant, I’m sure
heh heh, the glasses are almost the same….
Charlotte, I’m sure they will cover the whole of the British Isles…
Saviour – thanks! Fingers crossed… I think it should be fun!
I think they borrowed the glasses from Harry Hill 🙂
love the coleman’s mustard jacket. wish they would have given you some jeans or something though… 🙂 AWESOME! 🙂
Yers, my legs do look rather chilly!
scary, i had that color kittens book as a kid! 😉 i love the name of the shop. ah, to live where you do. 😉
We are delighted that BOY will continue – it is my (almost) two year old daughter’s favourite book; the only one we own depicting a co-sleeping family. She believes it is about her, and delights in shouting “me!” when she sees Boy tucked up with his parents. I must have read it a thousand times, but it still makes me cry to read that there was “just enough room”. Thank you for persevering and bringing the sequels to us after all your troubles.
Angie
Thankyou, Angie for your really kind words. Our son (the real “boy”) inspired the co-sleeping theme! He still creeps into our bed sometimes. We could never do “sleep training” with him, but we don’t regret that. He’s a great kid.
I really hope there will be more books: certainly I have written other stories. But it all depends on how well the reissued book does next year, so keep your fingers crossed for me!
James- I dont know if you do Illustration Friday on your blog- but the theme this week is “prehistoric” I thought of your book.
Wow James I hear the weathers pretty chilly over there! I keep getting distracted by the snow here in Prenzlauer Berg whilst trying to work on other deadlines. Greetings from Germany and all the best Christmas Wishes.
Jamie
Thanks Jamie, same to you. I hyope your work is going well…
Hi James
The work is getting there thanks, I think the time of year helps as its more appealing to be exploring the world through illustrations than to be outside (today is more English drizzle) 🙂 ..i’ll stick some sketches in an email for you to take a look at if you like? nice to hear back from you.
its also sad to hear that it may be the last katie book, definitely would be the end of an era, however moving forward and pastures new balances this out in exciting ways 🙂
I’d LOVE to see more of your work Jamie. Thought what I saw before was really interesting, honestly! As for Katie… we shall see. Maybe I just need a little break…?
Well said James!
Re PLR: I don’t think most people realise what meagre earnings sustain (often barely) the vast majority of children’s authors and illustrators. The high-profile success of the few, masks the knife-edge existance of the many.
In these belt-tightening times, we are already threatened with losing our other lifeline – the school & library visits. It is especially difficult for illustrators, as the time-consuming nature of the work, when it arrives, makes it impossible to maintain a ‘day-job’ as a subsidy to ride out hard times.
Thanks Lynne and well said by you as well. Our industry has absolutely no support or help and yet we do a damned good job and I think Britain should be proud of both the tradition we follow and the future we create in the world of children’s literature.
This is scary. It’s the wrong place to save money once again.
I totally agree with Lynne, people assume that just because you are “famous”=in the limelight, you must be rich. Wrong!
In Switzerland we have Pro Litteris taking care of such rights. In fact I got my yearly payement yesterday. It’s a small sum but always welcome.
It’s a very good plan, they do have a pension fund, and also legal help.
And if someone is in need there are possibilities of getting financial help too. I am glad I live here.
Beautiful work, as always!
Thank you Roger. I hope you have a very happy Christmas and successful New Year!
Thank you for highlighting this James. I was unaware of the situation.
I am new to all this business, having just published my first children’s book. I was confused findign that I seem to be working every hour of every day but am still skint. It great to hear that there is a group of us in the same situation but it doe seem a shame that although the job title of ‘author and illustrator’ sounds quite prestigious, it’s a struggle to pay the bills for the ‘less-famous artists’.
At least we are ll do something we love, I guess …maybe we should all move to Switzerland.
Hayley Welsh
Well it makes you think, doesn’t it Hayley? A lot of European countries – Norway for instance – have incentives from their governments to support publishers and therefore authors. Still, I do love my work. And cvongratulations on your first book!
A Nutcracker with no sweeties? What’s the point? As the name suggests this is a work of art that celebrates feasting!
It was very odd. And rather than enjoying the dancing I found I was trying to fathom the interpretation (but left the theatre none the wiser). They should have asked YOU to direct and ME to design…
They should have, James.
Can’t wait for this to come out! happy christmas!
And a very Merry Christmas to you!!!
A very happy Christmas and a restful and peaceful new year to you.
Hi,
My 4 yr old granddaughter has all your Katie books.They live in Melbourne and receive the journal from the National Gallery of Victoria. There was a post card in the magazine which had a Claude Monet’s painting on the front (I forgot to ask which one). It was laying on the table and the 4yr old picked it up and said ‘why is Claude Monet sending me a post card?’ Isn’t this terrific, proof the children learn so much from the books.
That’s a lovely story! Thanks for taking the time to send it. I love to think that children will grow up familiar and comfortable with art. Some many grown ups seem a bit scared of art; scared what to think. But your Granddaughter will always know her Monet!
Excellent post, James!
Thank you Katherine. I just hope all our combined efforts can do a bit of good. At least it is good to see the community of authors joining together like this!
hej James!
Hoping you had a wonderful Christmas and wishing you a fab 2011!
I sent you some mail to the email address we used to correspond but fear as it was such a long time ago maybe you changed it..anyway heres hoping!
All the best
Jamie 🙂
ohh i love to see Princess Margarita she really looks princess of Spanish,nice to share information this blogs
Thank you! Spanish art is a great inspiration…
The boys and I are off to London again in half term and are looking forward to following Katie’s trail. Great stuff, James!
It will be wonderful to see you Henrietta!
If you want to contrast to the more difficult emotions, and into his ability to feel joy, have a look at The cherry blossom. It was painted to celebrate the birth of his nephew. It is the most beautiful picture and also really illustrates his pleasure and interest in chinoserie and japanese art.
Happy New Year, am looking forward to a new Katie
Happy New Year, James!
Good luck with all your plans. The Naxos project sounds especially suited to you, so I hope you get it.
And to you Thomas! The Naxos thing is a small thing… but yes, right up my street!
That’s a lovely theme Charlotte. Unfortunately there are permission restrictions on that picture! Drat!!! at the moment I’m thinking about stars and wishes…and dreams maybe.
What rotten luck! However Starry Starry night is a good start, what about Katie trying to sit on the chair with the pipe? I gather if you ever tried to make it it would fall over due to skewed perspective.
It’s amazing how many pictures have restictions or are in private collections (both things a “no no” with my publisher). And then other paintings have “hospital” or “Asylum” in the title, which isn’t ideal. Nor is using a man’s bedroom. I hope I can use the chair. I will have to ignore the pipe of course!!! Oh dear…
speaking about reference book- just picked up a copy of a how to make picturbooks by a gentleman named Salisbury and low and behold- there was a very impressive feature on you- love the sketches and finished work on the page!
I stumbled upon your blog looking for loch ness monster art ideas for my little girls 5th grade class… I am thrilled to stumble upon your blog!! =) Beautiful art… what fun… I will check out your books on Amazon soon! =) Blessings!
It’s a small world 🙂
somehow i do not think you will ever be forgotten… 🙂
Stars, night-time, dreams and wishes have to be great starting points – perhaps you’ll be lucky and something will come to you in a dream 🙂 And yes, starting is always difficult isn’t it. But I also find it exhilarating as things are really wide open – for me it’s like when abseiling, and taking that first step off the top – the thrill of those first feet over the side is like nothing else!
Dear James
Having only just discovered this blog, and being Mum to two avid fans of yours – I am truly gutted that we have missed out on the concerts. They sound magical!! My four year old thinks that Ella Bella is the most beautiful princess in the world (her words not mine!) and my eight year old has dashed from painting to painting in the national gallery to inform us of Katie’s adventures with the characters. We have also had to change our italian holiday plans to fit in a trip to the Uffizi, as we HAD to see the dancers in the Primavera. You have inspired them, and what a gift that is – thank you! Now that I know where to get hold of your info I look forward to not missing your next concert or book reading….thank you for all the beautiful pictures and words. Jo, Hope & Evie x
Thank you, Jo, Hope and Evie (what lovely names!). Such kind words always mean a lot to me, and I’m very happy to think of you all in the Uffizi; Florence is a wonderful city – what lucky girls!
There will, I hope, be other concerts (like everything these days, subject to funding, alas…) and I’m going to be at the National Gallery in half term – details are on my Katie site – click on the link on the right for information…
Thanks again for looking and commenting!
Well said, Mr. Mayhew!
Long live the Printed Word!
JRD
Thankyou JRD.
I intend to fight the good fight… the pen being mightier than the sword (we hope!)
You’re right, James, and it does always seem to be the arts that get the boot first. By the way, did you read this superb article that was buzzing around facebook:
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/terence-blacker/terence-blacker-pity-those-who-are-too-busy-to-read-2203580.html
(Sorry, I can never remember how to put links into text)
Anyway, long live the WRITTEN word, printed where possible;-)
I’m so glad that this story has a happy ending! I just discovered your blog(s) and am enjoying exploring no end. Looking forward to following BOY’s progress 🙂
Dear James,
Here’s an «Olá» from Portugal to wish you All The Best with this fabulastic Katie Trail… we (me and my three girls) follow your work and own and love all the Katie books. They seat at the throne of our special books shelf! When I told the girls about this amazing 23rd February event the screams were so loud I’m sure you must have heard them… We all wish we could be there, but we are far far away.
This seemed the ideal time to thank you for your wonderful work and how it has helped me show the girls how magical Art can be if we see it instead of just look at it.
Best wishes for the upcoming event. Here in Portugal (where your books are not available and sadly missed…) 4 of your greatest fans will be thinking of you. Love from the Byrnes Teresa, Sofia, Mariana and Teresinha.
Well said! I work in Letchworth and am glad that we will keep our library for the time being at least.
I’m not sure if this is the best way to contact you about visiting our school and working with our children.
I teach at Grange Junior School in Letchworth and would like to discuss that possibility with you. My email is judst@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Judi Hurst
It’s very exciting! Hope all is going well with the launch today.
Do you know the date- I’m guessing late 40’s early 50’s- fantastic covers!
Hello julia,
Yes, late forties or early fifties. The records are not dated though…
I find myself wishing — and not for the first time — that you had been one of my tutors, James. And would you believe that I’ve never even been to The Fry Gallery? Maybe next time we drive up to Norfolk…
James
It would be great if that book was written. I live in the NEW Redclyffe House (Now renamed Redcliffe House) situated at the top of that old stair case where the old house stood. This leads me to be fascinated with all the history of Brundall Gardens and Redclyffe House. I have been collecting everything I can find and have some great photos, postcards etc. I cannot find any images of the ruins of the original Redclyffe House or much info about the fire.
You would be very welcome to come and visit the new Redcliffe House and spend some time in the gardens, the views from the house are fantastic! We see the odd very large Carp swim by, though we are yet to see that pike.
It would be great to hear from you.
My contact no is 07889412440 or email yarmouthstadium@gmail.com
If anyone else reading this has any old images of Redclyffe House or the gardens, also anything that may be of interest, please let me know. I am willing to pay for anything of interest, can copy photos and return originals.
Justin
James
It would be great if that book was written. I live in the NEW Redclyffe House (Now renamed Redcliffe House) situated at the top of that old stair case where the old house stood. This leads me to be fascinated with all the history of Brundall Gardens and Redclyffe House. I have been collecting everything I can find and have some great photos, postcards etc. I cannot find any images of the ruins of the original Redclyffe House or much info about the fire.
You would be very welcome to come and visit the new Redcliffe House and spend some time in the gardens, the views from the house are fantastic! We see the odd very large Carp swim by, though we are yet to see that pike.
It would be great to hear from you.
My contact no is 07889412440 or email yarmouthstadium@gmail.com
If anyone else reading this has any old images of Redclyffe House or the gardens, also anything that may be of interest, please let me know. I am willing to pay for anything of interest, can copy photos and return originals.
Justin
Wow! Congratulations!
Thanks Thomas! I can’t think why they chose me but it’s kind of exciting… How’s the novel???
Congratulations and the very best of luck James! You’ve done so much great work with school children and young artists that I can see judging by your posts, I’m sure it will be a real treat to behold!
Carrie …:)
Thank you Carrie, what kind words. As someone used to his own company it will be quite a thing to have such a vast audience… but I am pretty excited!
Oh this is so lovely :o)
How nice to have a Sugar Plum Fairy Godmother!
There certainly is something magical about her. She is off to sprinkle fairy dust at another publisher (Templar) and I will miss her very much…
Oh James, you are a star!!! Congratulations to you most talented gorgeous artiste! You are truly amzing and ispirational! x
Now then now then, Rosita, you are making me blush. But it is almost as exciting as you getting to meet Mary Portas Queen of Shops! (yes everyone, Rosita is a star as well!!!!) xxx
James, that’s fantastic. It looks so much like her. You’ve captured her fairytale beautifulness to a T!
Would that be a “cup of T (and a cream cake)” perchance???
Yup, depressingly it appears we’re now living in a society that not only doesn’t value creativity and the arts, but in fact actively sabotages them and/or is intent on retaining culture only for the elite. The arts add colour to our lives. It really is that black and white and that’s why the cuts are so totally, utterly tragic.
I wonder where civilisation is heading sometimes…
Is there another kind?! x
Not in this house 🙂
Congratulations James – it will be a wonderful experience!
Thanks Eliza! It’s already keeping me awake at night…
WOW! well OF COURSE you are one of the elite 15. i never would have doubted that. 😉 marvelous news friend!!!! enjoy every minute of it!!!! is that broadcast stateside? he he he. 🙂
Hi Allie,
I guess it will be available on the revelent websites and maybe Youtube. Not sure about seeing it live as it’s 11 am in the morning here – an unsociable hour for you!
Superb painting, James.
James, that’s sooo yummy! Love the lightness of colour and the gorgeous, wibbly line- just as lush and expressive as the music. You know, I think you might consider going pro with this art gubbins..!
I’ll think about it Cass… but I’d hate to give up the cleaning job…
Anyway, he seemed pleased! Which is the most important thing. It’s a strange thing, because I was so critical of myself producing this. But I enjoyed it in the end. And I loved sketching the orchestra… hopefully I can do some more of that!
James, just wanted to say how much we enjoyed listening to your talk and watching you paint at Just Imagine on Saturday.
You were very inspirational to my 7 year old daughter who has spent every spare moment since Saturday drawing and painting ballerinas. (I even caught her drawing a cupcake upside down!)
Thank you so much for the pictures that you drew in both her Cinderella and autograph book – it was very kind of you and much appreciated. We hope to see you again soon.
It was lovely to be there and I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
oh james! 🙂 this post was funny, and despite farting guinea pigs i imagine you are being much too modest. i’m sure it was fantastical! 🙂 translation for the american readers…what is a luvvie?
oh my goodness…i have to add i was screaming and jumping up and down when colin won that oscar!!!! 🙂 shame on you for trying to take it away from him. 😉 but i am sure you are a formidable contender!!! 🙂 lots of love, allie and mallie from across the pond…
oh! every time i read one of these posts, i just lament that we are in the wrong country!!! we still love our ella bella books…they are nothing short of magical. 🙂 love, love, love, allie and mallie from across the pond…
Hello Allie! A “Luvvie” is an affected and rather pretentious type of actor, the sort who wears a silk cravat and calls everyone “darling”… Don’t worry though, I think Colin’s Oscar is safe for now 🙂
The 6 year olds’ grey wolf is all kinds of brilliant James : )
It is brilliant isn’t it? Even her preliminary sketch was precosciously wonderful. In fact she was 10 or 11 (Year 6 is the last stage of primary education in the UK), but even so, it is an extraordinary piece…
Thanks for looking and commenting!
Ah! I got confused with Year 6, even at ten it’s still amazing, such a nice age group to work with
: )
Absolutely still a knockout.
Wonderful cover!
Thanks Roger, that’s very kind!
James, I read whole of this post and I have to say that I want to just keep on reading. It is genuinely inspirational!
Witold
Thanks, Witold… it all seems so long ago now. I think we all have things in our lives that inspire others – like your own work, which I adore!
Now look. You made me cry! Thanks Mr. Hope you like the book and that it distracts and entertains. Looks lovely.
I’ll send you a hankie. The book is good so far… thank you again x
Oooh, look at you with your swanky sketchbook. ‘Katie and the Starry Night’ sounds wonderful! Can’t wait! xxx
Looks like we’re both going to be busy Faye! x
Just back from Edinburgh. Maybe could have done with this as a guide book!
It also makes the perfect momento!
Unfortunately, it is hard to purchase some of your books in the US. But we persevere, and troll the library often! I am anxiously waiting for Kate and the Waterlily Pond – which hasn’t made it onto the US Amazon site yet. Thank you for your wonderful stories and for creating Katie – a character that my own children and my students have so enjoyed! : )
Hi Karen, thank you for your kind message – and for your perseverence! I wish I could do something to help the situation. I did in fact go to New York to meet with the director at Scholastic, but he wasn’t easily influenced, alas! However my British publisher is investigating importing the books in a more formal manner, perhaps via a US distributor…
Thanks again,
James
Congrats on the book. Nessie looks braw!
Thanks Doda! I wish it could have been a longer book with more of Scotland in it. But I did the best I could with 30 oages!
PAGES!!!
Lovely, don’t know if I can join up for the session as we are in the “dreaded” Sats week.
However will pass the details onto a colleague I know will be interested.
You might like to know that one of Katies books was being read by a small girl on tv last night; she was in hospital for major surgery and was taking her mind off it with your book.
Oh shame about the SATS – I remember that with my son last year: He had tests fell on his birthday and he was very cross about it! Thank you for your kind interest though and for passing the info along.
Touching to hear about the little girl in hopsital as well. I hope she alright; I am imagining all sorts of stories about her. And I hope Katie distracted her for a few minutes at least!
She looked like she was thoroughly enjoying her reading. It was part of the (fascinating) program about the pioneers of maxillfacial surgery at the John Radcliffe in Oxford. These most inspiring, brave men give children the chance of a quality life. I know this as we teach one of their patients at my school. He is an amazing child and their expertise has meant he has been able to be part of mainstream school.
Very nice, thanks.
rental elf
Hi Charlotte. Thanks for all the info… it sounds really wonderful, I’ll investigate!
Thanks for looking Griya!
Fantastic, I hope it goes well.
Best of Luck, and enjoy it.
If you are interested I have just posted about a subject I know you are interested in(sorry new blogger here telling you about her rantings)
Truly BRILLIANT James – I enjoyed this so much! You should totally have your own art series on kid’s TV… a Tony Hart for the 21st Century!
BRAVO!
Ah, thank you Sam. It was nerve-wracking but in a good way. And you are the THIRD person to mention Tony Hart which is a huge compliment, because I loved watching him as a kid – he was fantastic.
It must have been scary! You don’t come across as nervous at all though – just really warm and engaging. You should watch the vid. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Oh you are fantastic, drawing upside down!!! I don’t know a teacher in the world who would not give their eye teeth for such a talent…
I love that the BBC have done this, it brings authors to schools who either can’t or wont pay for the privilege. Thank you, thank you and thank you again for doing it.
Perhaps when I’m old and grey Sam… (and that’s not a long wait!)
Charlotte, such kind words mean a great deal. I was lucky because I was given a great opportunity to share the things I’m passionate about with children. I’m sure teacher have their own talents as well. But art is unfortunately a neglected area in many schools and I’m grateful I had the chance to show a little tiny part of my world. It was a lot of work, but you’ve reminded me of how worthwhile it can be!
Oh James!!! So cool!!! Cangratulations!!! What a wonderful experience!!! super worth it!! 😉
Thank you Marta! I hope you had a safe trip to Spain and please keep in touch!
Thanks Charlotte… I’ll take a look!
James
I was the scottish family at your excellent stories from the ballet performance that my kids adored and loved meeting you.
How do I send you my pictures from this, that we took last year? Really looking forward to coming again
Scott
Hello Scott. All messages go to my email first before being posted, so if you send contact details on the blog, I can just not post them here and so keep it all confidential. Great to hear from you, by the way, and thanks for getting in touch!
Fabulous, you couldn’t make it up could you.
I wonder what Katie made of flying half way round the world
It’s completely crazy! in this modern age you don’t imagine slow-boats from China anymore… And I’m sure Katie loved every minute of it!
May be she can find out about van Gogh’s love of chinoiserie and set of too China and Japan to find out more?
I’d love for Katie to go East and see Oriental art. Interestingly, the line between gallery and museum then becomes blurred. Oriental art and artefacts woukld be found in the British Museum, not the National Gallery. It’s makes me realise how “Western” galleries tend to be (not all… but many). SO… now I’m thinking of a Katie – Museum series. We’ll see. Depends on the publisher in the end!
brilliant. Beautiful. Thanks James.
It IS beautiful, you’re right. The natural world never ceases to astonish me in it’s beauty, form, design and structure. X
I love your dummy books James. Can we do a swap some time, one of mine for one of yours? I was looking at the sketches for Boy the other day. They are just so beautiful.
Ah but you are only seeing the good ones, not the rubbish ones. But yes… I’d be happy to swap! I know who’d be getting the better deal!
James, that one with the cellos is superb, you should make it up as a print! I can think of at least two Bach fans in my family who would give it pride of place.
Thank you Charlotte, that IS kind, because I really needed a little encouragement. I’ll think about the print idea… (even though they were playing Beethoven at the time!)
Not kind, truthful…
I mentioned Bach as my husband is a huge fan of the cello suites, we have many different versions which often echo around the house.
Father and father in law are similarly fond.
Where as I am less of a Bach girl and more of a Mozart/Vivaldi.
Yes, I’m with you. Bach is incredible but somehow slightly mathematical. In truth I’m a terrible old Romantic and love a nice bit of Rimsky-Korsakov. Which is a clue to the next children’s concert I’m doing with the orchestra. Watch this space, it’s going to be VERY exciting!
I love the flow of these.
I wish they flowed a bit more… but with time and practise, I hope I’ll get braver!
I think I guessed when you mentioned Rimsky Korsakov. One of my very favourites, always reminds me of my dad.
Bingo! Yes, we’re performing “Scheherazade”, and I’m doing loads of research into tracing – as far as possible – the original stories that inspired Rimsky-Korsakov. And THEN I have to work out what to paint in time to the music… It’s funny how music reminds us so much of people and places.
Love, love, love this music. The last cover you posted is the one my dad has. I remember loving the mystery created by the music. The overwhelming Russian-ness of it, even though he was evoking Arabia, is something that I adored as a child. Where will the concert be taking place?
Blogger is playing up again, it tells me I am that ubiquitous anon. Actually I am Charlotte!
And Charlotte you must remain!!! Blogger has been odd recently. Anyway, your father has one of the very good Scheherazades, I must say!
The concert (I should have said) is in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, and the University. There’s a concert hall there called the Weston Auditorium, lovely acoustics, nice size, seats around 500, so quite intimate. Perfect for this!
It’s 20 mins North of London on at A1.
Hmmm… it is a bit far from us, but would love to see this. Might have to do some nifty talking to the ‘boss’.
Well… see what you can do. We had families from Brighton and Glasgow last year… so you never know!
Your blog overflows with creativity. I’m inspired by your giftedness. I’ll definitely follow your posts.
Cheers
Thanks Mr lo-tech! And I’ll be enjoying your blog from now on too. Although I’m no Luddite, I do so admire the love and design in these old things. I live in the wrong century really! You might enjoy one of my other blogs… “DUSTY OLD BOOKS”. I don’t post so often as I’m busy these days, but it kind of celebrates lo-tech too! There’s a link on the right under “favourite things” >>>
I LOVE the album covers you posted here, especially the first two. I have to go back and listen to this piece now!
They are great aren’t they? And I think the music is fabulous. I hope you like it too!
James, I have rare copies of Scheherajazz, on vinyl from the 50s and limited edition cd. It is glorious.
Hello Saviour!
I’ve got the vinyl Scheherajazz too (but not the CD). Not sure I’d call it glorious… Hilarious, maybe! But I don’t think you can improve the original. Rimsky was the master of orchestral painting and musical stoytelling. No one used the orchestra more brilliantly or with more colour. I guess I’m a bit of a purist!
Oh James, how lovely. But then what goes around comes around. You should get loveliness. Rebeccaxxx
Thanks Rebecca… that’s a kind thought. It certainly is things like this that make the job worthwhile!
They are delightful, what a tribute. Doesn’t it just show what joy you have bought to their lives. I bet the only thanks they need is to know how much you appreciate them.
There is a great sense of movement, the first violin are following the conductor’s body with their bows. I am not sure I would even be able to attempt such a thing. It’s very impressive James.
WEll you never know Charlotte. Thank you for the kind words. I’m never satisfied! I suppose that’s what drives me – the want to be better. But the word “attempt” is right. It WAS an attempt; a risk. It has to be that. Otherwise nothing would get done! I hope to improve, the more I do!
It’s funny how you just never stop learning, and wanting to keep on learning. Risk taking is fun, life would be very boring without it.
Wonderful! It’s inspiring how you find art in everything.
Ah, thankyou “I dream”. Not quite everything, perhaps, but music and instruments and players, certainly. And vintage typewriters, of course!
Please help!!! I am a Literacy coordinator at a primary school in Morden, Surrey and want to invite James Mayhew into our school to inspire our children. Looking for contact details however not been very successful. If you know how to contact him (or if you read this yourself) , please let me know how. Thank You
Tanja Doig
Dear Tanja,
I hope you return to the blog to find my message.
Please contact my publisher, Orchard Books. Try Sarah Bennett:
sarah.bennett@hachettechildrens.co.uk
Thanks for your interest
PS or there is an email link if you look at my profile…
Wow, great post, and a very interesting story. Nijinsky as the golden prince! James, I collect easy listening and exotica on vinyl and I have quite a few versions of Scheherazade. I also have a wonderful piece called Scheherajazz!
That is absolutely gorgeous. I love the mural you all found. The Rou-hew (sorry, it could as easily be a May-sseau) Can absolutely imagine a wobbly ladder, paints and artists abounding.
In case your interested we found a dinosaur at our school. Do pop over and have a look.
Thanks James, the comments are much appreciated. We have loved making Dippy.
What is more we have loved Katie: she helped my new to English children access art. I plan to put the best writing for What is art, and the writing it inspired on the website at school.
I really believe children only truly enjoy writing when they are passionate about the subject. Dippy has given me the best explanations and instructions I have had this year.
Today we had the battle of the cakes: two teams, two recipes: tomorrow is the taste test. Out of this is going to come a history of chocolate and baking, The Sacher Hotel in Austria and a newspaper spread on our favourite food.
What great things you do at your school! Wonderful memories being built for those children. I bet they hardly notice they are learning things too. And you can’t go wrong with chocolate!
Oh I wish I could leaf through your LPs Saviour!!!!!
I want one too. However I am currently banned from large scale projects on grounds of storage and display.
What a brilliant idea! You should do it up North, James.
Congratulations, James! It’s wonderful how you have managed to bring this charming book back.
Well I really wouldn’t have if you and other friends had not urged me to not give up. Easy to scorn blogs and FB but the comradeship can be powerful when you work in isolation (as authors do). So thanks Thomas and good luck with all your plans – I’m cheering you on!
great stuff, James. You’re so brave, as well as talented. What are you using there? is a paintbrush, or one of those paintbrush pens, perhaps? x
Brave? foolhardy perhaps. I love doing this but at the same time I get frustrated because obviously the art is *not that good* in the timespan. But I have to remind myself it’s to entertain children and get them enjoying music. It’s just fun… and yes, for this concert I’ll be using brush pens some of the time. Love/hate relationship as they can go dry just when you don’t want them too!!!!
It looks lovely, I shall see if I can find a copy locally. It would be lovely to see your books in any of these (my favourites) The Bookcase in Lowdham, Rhyme and Reason in Sheffield and Scarthin in Cromford.
Ah, thanks Charlotte. I hope some of the books are stocked by at least one of these shops…
i watched this plus st george and the dragon!!! 🙂
first, you sound british! 🙂
second, you can draw / sketch upside down. wow!
you are a gifted author, illustrator and storyteller!
i really sat the entire length of time mouth agape and in rapt attention. i can’t even draw a stick figure…so really was blown away at watching you in action. 🙂
allie across the pond… 🙂
*shucks* x
It all sounds pretty wonderful, James. Good things come to good people! Really enjoyed following these events. Bravo 🙂
Brilliant!! I wonder if there’s a market for them as toys instead of awful plastic wendy houses.
There used to be giant cardboard castles that you could draw all over… simular idea, but a book might be more narrative. I think children love things on this scale… it’s why they climb inside boxes and ignore the gift from inside, on Christmas day!!!
wonderful. And isn’t Dylan just a lovely man! Brilliant festival. WOuld love to get Dylan and Derek Cobbley from Swansea Wordplay together.
Yes! Dylan is an absolute kindred spirit, and although I simply didn’t have a chance to look around I could tell he’d pulled off something truly special!
Oh my…now I want one even more. That is quite the most fantastic and wonderful thing I have seen in ages.
James you and Dylan are part of a magical group of people who leave the world a much better place.
Charlotte, how kind. But I can only accept the compliment if you include yourself in the merry gang of magical people 🙂
Thank you kind sir, will accept as graciously as I am able.
AAAAAAWWWW!!! James that is AWESOME!!! Look at the children faces!! :_)
Oh I wish I lived nearer! Good Luck
xxx
Perhaps you should whisper in the ear of your local orchestra, Lyn…
This looks wonderful, really wonderful. I hope one day I’ll be able to attend one of your live illustration with music events – they always sound so magical!
Thanks Zoe… they are hard work, but it’s something I really believe in. There’ll also be one in Hatfield in November, Scheherazade…
I really enjoyed my brief stint on the book and I have to say the end result looks brilliant, especially the pop-up castle!
It was great to see you Nicola, and I loved the giraffe. I hope whoever has the book now knows how priceless it is!!!!
Found your blog…how wonderful….:))))
Hello Dutchess, delighted to meet you too!
James, you know I have said that I want one too. Well am thinking that build it yourself is a good maxim. Could you let me know what you think of this idea:
We are going to put together a cross school production of Alice in Wonderland, each member of staff has a lead job and has to recruit a team of kids to help. I am the scenery person (along with our wonderfully talented Mr Gardiner polymath artist and musician). I am considering the pop up book idea for the stage set! Something the children can get from rabbit hole to garden and then the white rabbits house. Thinking the tables etc can grow either on a green screen behind the kids, or on a concertina and pulley.
How easy was the book to actually construct?
Hello Charlotte. How exciting! I constructed the pop up book from Foam Board – there are lots of suppliers, and I sued PaperStone who were v helpful. The boards are easy to cut etc, but not cheap… it might be worth shopping around. The “pages” were laid out one at a time of the floor and a spine created using self adhesive A4 paper (from an office supplies shop). The pop ups were stuck in the same way. Doors etc can easily be cut out of the pages. It was a strange challange, but surprisingly easy. the important think is to remember to make the sticky paper spine wider within pages accomodating a pop up insertion (if you see what I mean) or the book won’t close.
Another thing I did a while ago which might work brilliantly for parts of Alice was a shadow show. It’s one of the first posts on this blog I think – Mr winter’s Vanishing. It is a good way of getting around the need for “special effects” !!!
Fire away if anything above is unclear…
J
Hi james are the pages made out of foam board too?
Hello,
Yes, everything was made out of foam board 🙂
I “used” not sued Paperstone 🙂
Love seeing the work.yes always too much to do.hope you get a holiday soon.
Maybe the Edinburgh trip can be a holiday?
The days are not long enough…………Cromer – will it become a fixture? A clutch of illustrators on the beach hunting crabs………Enjoyed our brief visit and meeting up. Love Mad Dave. X
Maryom, yes! Although I’ll be working in Edin burgh as well, it will be a different kind of work, and there will be *days off* inbetween! hurrah!. And David: An annual tradition? Why not!? A great ideas…
Fabulous James, I am looking forward to seeing a copy.
Thanks Charlotte. hope you approve! x
PLEASE don’t cut off your ear. I’m not coming to see you in Edinburgh if you do!
Pardon??? What was that???
Thanks for showing your process, it’s very interesting. As it’s usual, the book will be a wonderful one!
My pleasure Roger. I love to see YOUR sketches also… Sometimes I think my best work is in the sketches and preliminary drawings!!!
My friend, this is my eternal problem: I always prefer my sketches than my final art. I think I lose something intangible (the same word for english, spanish and catalan!) in the process…
You have created a beautiful character in Katie. She has been a beloved “friend” to each of my children, and will continue to be one for my young students. Thank you James, for introducing us to such wonderful stories and through them to some of the world’s best art!
Thanks!
Ah, James! The Katie series is something you should be immensely proud of, whatever you decide — a strain of beauty on the bookshelf, and a gateway to a world of art for the young.
Congratulations on sending Katie off her 12th adventure! I’m thrilled to find that you blog, too, Mr. Mayhew! (I was doing research on 2-3 of my favourite picture book illustrators for my blog tomorrow and am so glad to find your posts.)
I love your stories & paintings. =)
Lovely post from a beautiful city. I first went to Edinburgh on a freezing February day and my first sight of the city was with the benefit of a perfectly clear blue sky. I will always remember those wonderful landmarks against that bright blue sky… however many times people tell me that the real Edinburgh is beneath heavy grey skies!
I used to read the Katie books to my children… many happy memories!
Jane Gray
Thanks Jane! I think the grey skies soon pass… that’s a the great thing about Edinburgh, the weather is fast moving… and we were certainly lucky this last week – one day of rain out of seven. I’m glad you have enjoyed Katie over the years…
James
Thank you all for the kind comments. I hope Katie has done a little to celebrbrate art; I hope she continues to do so. There will still be events and other Katie related things, so the show isn’t completely over!
It sounds the best kind of busy to me! I have thoroughly enjoyed the time to paint. Oh for an independent income, alas it is not to be.
Ah, well you touch on something deep and pertinant for as much as I love my job (and I do) I long to paint “for me” (as opposed to for a publisher) but of course never find the time (or the motivation).
You have me curious now, what would you paint for pleasure?
Oooh, great big landscapes in oils. I used to use oils, years ago. I love the smell of them, I love the sheer physical nature of them, and the energy required when painting “en plein air”… But I don’t think it would quite keep the ol’ wolf from the door!
Here’s an idea for you. You kick start the paintings with a landscape, then send Katie to visit other landscapes from other artists.
James that is wonderful, what are you using, oil pastels or paint? I would give my eye teeth to come. If we can find the cash I may persuade the boys and Tim to come with me.
Oh DO come if you possibly can!!! tickets are very reasonable – £5 for children £12 for adults. I’m experimenting with paints at the moment. It needs to be fast and silent… I may use emulsion paint or acrylic. Also I’ll be painting on BLACK canvasses or boards… Each piece of music is only 10 minutes long, so I need to be really swift!!! But the stories are astonishing, I love them. Some quite rare ones…
You have left a wonderful legacy with Katie, you should be proud…!
The other thing I wanted to say is that the ilustration you have post here is just wonderful, it has something special…
Thanks for sharing.
And thanks for visiting, Toyin.
Hi James! Thanks so much for your blog about your Grange murals. I saw them in the flesh last week and they are GREAT! I’m part of a group working on the artistic ‘decoration’ of schools – please see our blogs, including an earlier one on the Jack O’Legs mural by Pat Tew, at:
http://thedecoratedschool.blogspot.com/2011/05/patricia-tew-mural-grange-junior-school.html
It would be great to be in touch – not least because I know you’ve done Firebird scenes in a Stevenage school – and I’m into things Russian…
You can find me via the University of St Andrews webpages. I work in Art History there.
Keep up the brilliant work!
Jeremy Howard
St Andrews
Fife
Thank you Jeremy! I’d love to be in touch and yes, indeed, the Jack O Legs mural is stunning!
I love these two illustrations, so different and both bursting with life! You’ve captured a playful jubilance in the first, and the fierce fireworks of Beethoven’s soul in the second.
We had a Peter and the Wolf LP as children and listening to it painted vivid pictures in my head. They’ve faded a bit over the years though, so I’m looking forward to seeing a shiny new one!
I remember my wonderful 4th year junior teacher introducing us to Beethoven. We listened to each movement of the Pastoral, talked about the pictures created by the music and then we wrote prose “poems” for each movement. I can still remember those lessons and have an affection for Beethoven as a result.
I love the covers, may just have to purchase (not that I need any excuse to buy books and music) the piano cd for our boys. Trying to inspire the playing of a recently gifted instrument.
Hi there, Haven’t been here for a while! Just catching up a bit now that my little one has started school!
The endpapers looks fab! So do all the things you’ve been up to!
Hope all is well.
Doda
x
Hello Doda,
Gosh, a big landmark for your little one! Gabriel is so grown up now (in year 8), but I remember when he started… I think I like the endpapers best in the whole book!!! It was a hard decision to reach about Katie but i think it’s the right time to stop. Best to leave the party while it’s in full swing!
Sad that this will be the last Katie book (and I bet your sister is a little bit sad too) but the cover is absolutely stunning.
My children are grown now, but I’m going to get these books of Katie with the famous artists, just in case I have grandchildren to read them to in future!
I’ve added you to my sidebar by the way 🙂
Jane Gray
Thanks Jane… I hope that Katie will live on anyway. But for now I need new adventures!
Beautiful, beautiful cover…
Thanks Roger – very kind!
Awww, how cute! I have at least five little Ella and Ellys at my library who are always delighted to find a book with their name in it. And YAY Nutcracker! We can’t wait!
This is a wonderful and well deserved review. I love how they captured the essence of the book!
Beautiful wolves, I spy Brusho which I assume helps the luminosity.
I am still longing to go to one of your concerts but the distances are not doable for us at the moment (teaching being the time eater it is).
I hope they all go well.
I ADORE Brusho – great for a quick rush of pigment… But for Scheherazade it will different as I am painting on… BLACK!
As a slightly accident prone person, I don’t think I’d EVER dare use those wonderful glasses!
Ha ha! Oh dear Mary, that’s so funny. We are TERRIBLE in our house. It’s the weashing up that does for things very often. Anyway, the glass survived it’s whiskey baptism (as did I) and is now safely put away!
just booked the ticket! cannot wait to see the performance!
It will be lovely to see you there Yiting! Thank you!
Me gusta tu mundo imaginario. Un cordial saludo
Hi Jennifer, thanks for your kind words. I am glad the books bring pleasure… and I hope get girls asking to listen to classical music too! Nutcracker will be such a lot of fun… I can’t wait either!
Good Luck James! This sounds a fascinating and very challenging project which I’m sure you will perform with aplomb.
My daughter Rebecca would sometimes slam doors too, and when her dad came home on one of those days and said hello, she would reply “NOT hello!” very crossly 🙂
The Time Sculptor
Thanks James (and yes, it crossed my mind that a disaster will not be too easy to spot; however there is a possibility the composer may attend… which makes that trickier!)
I may well add “NOT HELLO” as an ad lib!
Mr. Mayhew,
What a lovely blog! It truly made or Ella’s day! We cannot wait to have the Nutcracker under the Christmas Tree for her:) Best wishes in your illustrating!
sounds like you had a good time, James. Bath is one of my favourite cities, as O Mio Babbino Caro, one of my favourite [ok, THE favourite] aria.
It was a good trip, Saviour, and everyone there was so welcoming and lovely to work with, which really helps! and you have good taste is arias, Saviour!
Wonderful, what a glorious day, in a lovely city, doing fabulous things. If you won’t swap for a wooden eye, would you swap for … bother not sure I have anything that beats a shark eye lense.
Thanks Jammo,
Think you forgot Fatty Bouncers and Chester the *$!** Worldly Pig! But very good effort – wish we still had a Lapin between us!
Back to birthday cake…
Kate (aka Katie)
How could I forget those! Enjoy your cake… and see you soon. X
I planned ahead this time and bought TWO copies of the hardback – I still hardly ever have Ella on the shelf though!
Good luck with this one, James. Wish I was going to be south to attend. I’m sure it’s going to be a huge success. Afterwards, you should have tea and crumpets in honour of La Rutherford.
Thanks Savious! tea and crumpets it is! just the thought of it gladdens the heart…
What a brilliant afternoon! Thank you so much!
Another concert next year in Saffron Walden? I do hope so!
Can I just send you some fan mail? We discovered you two years ago when one of my twin boys, then age 2, pulled “The Knight Who Took All Day” off of the library shelf. We’ve been enjoying that ever since and have just discovered Ella Bella Ballerina, Kate, and Shakespeare. I am reading your books to my ballet class, my preschool cooperative, and my own children. We are looking forward to the opera book and Peter and the Wolf, already one of my boys’, and my, favorite stories.
Thank you for bringing the arts to our children in such a creative and understandable way. It is important to me to pass on a love of these things to all of the children in my life and your books are a delightful part of that process. Thank you and keep it coming!
Looks and sounds like it was all very exciting, James.
Fingers crossed lucy!
Thanks saviour. It was exciting and a real team effort.
Hi lucky mommy… I’m always happy to have fan mail! I’m so glad your children enjoy the books. It’s sometimes pretty hard to convince a publisher to take on themes that i’m passionate about but which they see as non commercial but i am truly passionate about sharing the things that make my life rich and filfilling with kids.
I love this story. It’s so full of hope and encouragement. Growing up a lot of teachers discouraged me too, and I lost all my self confidence and stopped making art. Only the past 2yrs or so I have started up again and i’d love to illustrate children’s books 🙂 Your story is very inspirational 🙂
This is great! Hope your sister had a happy birthday. Reading this reminded me a bit of my sister and I. She is 23 but in my mind she’s still 11! We also had an apple tree in the back garden that we would always try and climb! 🙂
Great post!
(my name is kate too, yay! Although i get called Katie if im in “trouble” ha!)
Thanks for your comments! Memories are so valuable for inspiration… I hope your sister inspires something from you too!
Looking forward to it very much. The excitement is building in our household!
What a wonderful place your head must be right now
🙂
Hi James, we’re very excited by the new addition to the Katie collection! Can’t wait to get our hands on a copy!
We’re trainee teachers and are using ‘Katie’s Picture Show’ for a major module on our course. We were wondering if you could give us any advice regarding possible art activities children may wish to engage in following reading the story? Whilst we appreciate you are extremely busy, we would love it if you could contribute an illustration towards our project.
We shall be encouraging our fellow trainee teachers to use your stories in their lessons as they are so inspiring!
Hello Kav and Charisse, thanks for your kind comments. I think a good follow up is to paint collaboratively on a very big scale, with something like emulsion paint. It handles similarly to oils but dries fast, and the colours are far more subtle than usual school paints, which is a big advantage. Also cheap: if parents donate unwanted matte emulsion it’s free (and environmental!). I paint on hardboard panels when I run this sort of project, usually based on a specific painting. Go to my profile for an email link if you want to discuss further!
good luck with your project!
wow!! I wish I could of brought my daughter to see this! Thanks for sharing the pictures!!
Thoroughly enjoyed the event. Kicking myself for not getting there early enough to enter the raffle. My 5 & 7 yr olds were transfixed throughout by the stories, the pictures and music.
Nigel
Thanks for coming Nigel!
I love this book. So glad it is back in print. Deserves to sell and sell because it is a small piece of perfection.
It looks as wonderful as I had imagined it, love the costumes.
I think your innovative approach to introducing story and music is fantastic and I am so disappointed that we were not able to come.
Hopefully next time.
Wonderful! I don’t know how you can do this James — I’d be paralysed! And I don’t doubt you were over-whelmed by the moment at times. What a spectacle it must all have been!
Thanks, both of you, for the kind wiords. It’s a full-on day, to be sure. and I get terrible stage nerves. But I truly believe in the point of it all… and I’m rubbish at saying “no”!
wow! sooooo glad you could live out this dream…see this wish fulfilled. i would have LOVED to have been there. someday! 🙂 the costume really was fabulous! 🙂
Sinbad The Good…………..Bravo!
loved the story!
love your work!
thanks for sharing that magical time!
Thank you for your kind words…
cant wait to hear more!! after settling my girls to bed with 3 Katie stories tonight, my eldest Amelie 4 says mummy what else does this james mayhew do? now i can tell her… thanks x
I was searching through the web and I encounted this picture, and I must say its such a colourful and flamboyant piece of illustration art. It remains me of the illustrations you did in 2004. I don’t understand why you didn’t do your Ella Bella books in this style honestly.
Hi cmtable, and thanks for the kind words about this picture. It was fun to do, but as you say, it is like other earlier illustrations. I felt it was important for Ella Bella to look very different to my other work, as it was a “new beginning” for me after some frustrating years, and in this decision I was supported by my publisher. Very often the publisher is an influence on these decisions. Personally I am particularly fond of Ella Bella; I think they are some of the best books I have made – and you must remember they are aimed at much younger children. The work you admire (thank you) felt a little too sophisticated for pre-school children.
Hi James,
I don’t know if you remember me but I was teaching at a school in Letchworth and you came and spent the week with us. You worked with all classes and finished the week with a collaborative piece of artwork on four panels which included Surprise! (tiger), Van Gogh’s sunflowers and Monets bridge. It was fabulous! I have now changed schools but would like to contact you about visiting children in my new school. How can I discuss it further with you?
Kind regards
Emma Hawkins
Hello Emma,
i hope you check b ack and get this message. If you go to my “About me profile” on the right, you’ll find an email link there…
Hello James Mayhew
I must say when I was young I have always dreamed of becoming a illustrator and I’ve always looked up to you because you used to produce such amazing illustrations. I mean in the 90s you had such a unique style but nowadays you’re just making as many great illustrations as you used to.
I remember searching on the web and I found an image of the cover of your book ‘The Knight who took all Day’and I thought “this is not Mayhews best work” To be honest the only books of where your illustrations are still the same are in your Katie books.
I’m not being rude but you make as many unique illustartions as you used to which is a shame because you’re such a talented person.I mean now when you produce illustrations with your classic style it’s good, but when you try different styles(like in your Ella Bella books)its like you’re giving a wrong impression.
Well, well, cmtvable, what abn interesting comment. i think you mean to say I no longer make illustrations as I used to? otherwise… why a shame? You have missed the crucial word out! Anyway, I can’t honestly agree with your subjective point of view. I love making Katie books, but a large portion is pastiche, imitating the art of others: hardly “my” style at all. I would, however, agree that the Knight book is not my best work. Let me tell you a little about the publishing industry…
It may surprise you to discover how much control a publisher has. I was really forced to change my work for the Knight story, as my “Katie” style was considered too “sophisticated”.
Regarding Ella Bella, I believe you can see more of the real me than in Katie, where i imitate other artists.
but really, the most important thing to say is, that over the 1/4 century I have been working, is it not a good thing to experiment and evolve? If I was only producing the same work that did 25 years ago, do you not think it would be rather… boring and stale? I do. and that’s why I need to try new things… Ella Bella may be the wrong impression for you, but millions love her just the way she is, preferring her to Katie. It is down to individual taste.
I am flattered that you have been inspired by my work, but the best advice I can give to any other illustrator is: don’t get stuck in a rut. be courageous and be preparted to push yourself in new directions. As a person i have changed a lot ion 25 years. For my woprk to remain the same would indeed be the wrong impression!
I except your decession if its what you want to do I’am okay with it too. It’s just that I love your early work more but thats just my opinion, also its a shame when something or someone I thought was so great before goes to such low expectations . But that was such an interesting reply I’ll keep it in mine.
P.S Thanks for indicating that mistake in my comment
Love these, they need some school sized booklets to go with them and make up classroom packs. Especially if you incorporated ideas for drawing pictures, writing stories and creating poems.
You’re not busy are you?
Actually, it’s not a decision in the true sense of the word. I am on a journey to learn things. Somethings work out well, some don’t. I believe you have to take that risk. I don’t feel my work today is as terrible as you evidently do! But I am still going to experiment and change. If you like my earlier work, find Pinocchio and Koshka’s Tales. They should please you.
James, It was so lovely to meet you at the Portrait Gallery on Monday. You were an inspiration to our children, thankyou for all you did to help create some lasting memories!
You were even mentioned at our Friday assembly!
We hope you enjoyed your trip up, you make Edinburgh sound wonderful!
Rebekah
Likewise James – it was a pleasure to meet you!
It was fantastic to have someone with such enormous warm and passion to support the launch of the competition.
Very best wishes,
Lawrence
looooooooooooove it! 🙂 and can’t wait! 🙂
Thank you Rebekah and Lawrence. It was a huge pleasure to meet you both, and I was very honoured to part of such an important collaboration. Oh, and Edinburgh IS wonderful! I look forwartd to seeing what happens with the competition… Best wishes to you both.
Happy Christmas, James, to you and your family. It looks like 2011 was a good year for you (love the pop-up castle, in particular:). Best wishes for 2012!
I agree with your conclusions and looking forward to your coming updates. Thanks for sharing.
Yatching News
Thank you Diya, for looking and taking the time to comment. Now there’s another dream: Sailing away for real whilst listening to Rimsky’s “The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship”… !!! Happy New Year!
How wonderful, I loved the story of the Nutcracker as a child. Dad bought me an LP of the Nutcracker suite and Swan Lake when I was very little and I was entranced by both the music and the story.
These days I introduce it to the children at school as a Christmas story (alternating it with Dickens). I am always amazed at how few children are familiar with these Classics anymore. They need keeping alive and re-interpreting for each coming generation.
I am really looking forward to seeing your take on the story.
Charlotte.
PS, got a copy of Boy for Christmas, I love it, what a wonderful story. It will become one of my stories for reading to KS1 (We get to guest star at story time at our school, so teachers from the other end of school go down to Foundation and year 1 & 2 to share our favourite stories).
A visit to the kingdom of sweets always sounds a treat, James. Can’t wait to see the book…and I love the new ship theme on your site. Happy new year!
Ah, Thanks Charlotte! So glad you like Boy. AS for the Nutcracker, I illustrated a Dorling Kindersly “Classics” book of the original Hoffmann tale many years ago. It is extremely “random” as my son would say, and dark and twisted too. Ella Bella’s visit to the land of sweets will be altogether more “sweet”!!!
And Happy New Year to you Saviour! Glad you like the ship. All these templates available; I can’t stop fiddling!
Oh My! You will need the sugar highs to get that deadline done!! Sure it will be wonderful- hope time ticks slowly and you paint fast!!
Well, I was at school with Doreen, at Chapel End Secondary Modern School, Walthamstow, and am very proud of her success. I wonder if she remembers me? I was best friends with her colleague Jonathan Hartnell, and drew a comic for the school every week, called ‘Komic kapers Weekly’, which became affectionately known at ‘The KK’.
I too, have had some success. See our website: http://www.widgeripoo.net
Nice to “meet” you Pete. It was obviously an illustrious year!
oh wow I love this! it’s definitely got a very magical feel to it!
Too good to eat!
Yay! James it looks simply wonderful! And so brave to experiment under such a fierce time constraint! Am so proud of you and it looks absolutely beautiful xxx
I am totally attracted by the wonderful Kingdom of Sweets! and I love The Nutcracker ballet, so enjoyable!
Thankyou! I needed a bit of encouragement to finish the book!
Thanks everyone, very kind of you… I hope it’s the sort of place that little bal
let mad girls would like to be 🙂
I think the end result is wonderful, with very much of a retro feel to it!
Thanks Julia! I changed the Prince’s legs though, to something more manly!
Truly a masterpiece of illustrative detail and colour. I mean this is a beautiful example of how your illustration breathed such character these pictures are so amazing there are no other words to describe them. Back than you took the Nutcracker to a grade A level.
Do you think Dickens would recognise the place? I’ve never been to Suffolk and, probably wrongly, imagine it to be caught in a time warp. I grew up in DH Lawrence country and I think he’d be completely lost if he saw it now.
Oh, it hadn’t changed much when I was there; but as I explained… not been been back for over 20 years!!! Actually I had a little look on Google Earth; it had not changed enormously as far as I could see, only lost it’s two shops! It was a very sleepy village. One bus a week to Lowestoft on a Friday, otherwise completely isolated!
Oh James, I think you have to make a return trip… I’m sure it would be full of inspiration. But maybe wait till the snow clears up 🙂
I think it needs to be a beautiful day. I think of those days as sunshiny days. Although as it’s the East Coast I’m sure they were anything but!
Thank you for sharing these memories, James. I still haven’t read David Copperfield, but you inspire me.
Oh it’s wonderful! Although quite long. And if I’m honest I prefer the first bit when he’s young – one of the great evocations of childhood in all literature. When he grows up and falls for drippy girls, it’s less thrilling. But still good!
What an amazing coincidence! Only a few days after you post this piece and here i am in the sitting room of the very same Rookery in Blundeston on the iPad trying to find a little more history about the house. It is sleepy and snowy, I can see the Pound, St Marys church, and the school from the window. We bought the neglected old building six years ago and have spent the last years sympathetically restoring it. You’ll find Blundeston hasn’t changed much over the years, but then that’s exactly why I left London to return here. The buses are more regular too, and we even have the Internet!
The children read your books and we never knew you were a Blundeston boy! A lovely story.
Hello Matt,
That’s extraordinary! What a wonderful place to live. As you describe it… I can see it all before me. I had friends who lived in the farm next door to you. At the time, I think the Rookery was empty. I remember lying on the front lawn looking up at the clouds through the trees. They were happy days!
It’s lovely to know that my books made it back even if I haven’t (yet)!
Still only one bus a week.😂
That is wonderful— get some well earned rest!!
Thanks Julia… I intend to!
This sounds utterly brilliant!
Well let’s hope so!
Just booked tickets!! Looking forward to it already 😀
It’s really enchanting as is! I work at a school library and am constantly asked by wide-eyed little girls if there are any ballet books. Unfortunately, our budget is non-existent, so we really don’t have much to choose from. But I just discovered your Ella Bella books and have decided to buy some to donate to the library! I can’t wait for the Nutcracker book to come out!
That’s very kind, thank you!
Your work is so beautiful! I found a wonderful picture book of the ballet “Giselle” by Violette Verdy and illustrated by Marcia Brown, and also one of the Steadfast Tin Solider. Your books have that same magical spirit to me!
Those are amazing. Have you ever considered a Coppelia Ella Bella book?
I would love to do Coppelia. It’s my publisher who is slightly resistant. I will try to wear them down!!!
That would be wonderful! Who could resist a dancing doll? And if Coppelia is a less familiar ballet for some, all the more reason to share the story~that’s what Ella Bella’s all about, after all! ~Best wishes!
Ha, ha! I know, I have one of this Katie/Carlota adventures in my bookcase! (Katie and the dinosaurs-Carlota y los dinosaurios) Can you tell me the name of the magazine, I will buy it!
Hello Rogeer. I can’t remember! But I will find out… and tell you!
I can remember that first print run of The Voice of Britten. I seem to remember that we were working out of the temporary library opposite Mr Boor’s office, and as a volunteer librarian we all were asked to sell copies around the school.
I seem to remember one of the later editions was a Star Wars themed cover, and I was unaware of what Star Wars was, and who was that on the cover; Mark Hammill I was told by all the girls present, showing that it wasn’t just boys that liked it.
It is a shame that teachers at BBHS did so much to dissuade you from what is clearly something you are so good at, which shows, really, what they know.
I can’t imagine what it must have been like to have been published for the first time, I get a hint of it from your words above.
Funnily enough, I’ve been back twice to Blundeston in the last five years. I used to take my parents to the Plough for Sunday lunch for years before I moved away.
Last time I went back was about a couple of years ago, to photograph the church, as that is now one of my hobbies.
Growing up, Blundeston meant fruit picking, as we used to cycle out from Oulton Broad to pick strawberries and raspberries so Grandma could make jam.
I used to moan about how dull Lowestoft and Oulton Broad back, but I think moving away gives perspective, and I quite enjoy being a visitor there now.
I do hope you make it back soon.
Oh I remember the rruit picking. Sometimes I packed vegetables at a farm too. Jermey’s farm… I can still remember the smell of rotten potatoes!
Thanks for remembering Jelltex! There was indeed a Star Wars cover… oh how that dates us. I never expected to be published. And really that’s the least interesting part of the process. The creating and thinking and planning is the best bit. Once a book goes out into the world I tend to forget all about it!
I’m not surprised at all Edward wrote you a waltz, you’re an inspiring guy!
And holy cats, this kid has got talent! Jeez.
Hello there Zack. Holy cats indeed. And a lovely kid, too.
Zack, that’s a very kind thing to say and … ditto! I was so sad to miss out on all the graduation fun. I must get in touch as I’m longing to know how things are going.
Oh my, doesn’t this just remind you of the amazing-ness of human beings. What a superb and unbeatable thank you; you both has something you will treasure.
Thanks Charolotte. It is exactly the sort of thing that makes life worth living.
I have a question for you (concerning Russian tales). I was looking for your book of Russian stories on amazon and saw one called The “Kingfisher Book of Tales From Russia” and one called “Koshka’s Tales: Stories from Russia”? They had different covers, but are they the same contents (the same stories and illustrations)?
Hi there,
Yes this is the same book. The hardback was called Koshka’s Tales but the title was changed (by the publisher, not be me) for the paperback edition. It’s one of my favourites…
I think it will be one of my favorites too! (I love Russian lacquered boxes and the tales they illustrate.)
James that is just beautiful.
Thanks Charlotte! My dream now is to do a whole book in lino… but maybe that’s a bit crazy. I just love creating images in shape rather than line. But as I say… still a lot to learn!
James that is just beautiful.
Thanks Charlotte! My dream now is to do a whole book in lino… but maybe that’s a bit crazy. I just love creating images in shape rather than line. But as I say… still a lot to learn!
GORGEOOOOOUS lino-cuts, James! Am going to buy myself one! xxx
Gosh, that is kind Faye… a lovely compliment seeing as it’s from you 🙂 I think the lino is a new start maybe…!
GORGEOOOOOUS lino-cuts, James! Am going to buy myself one! xxx
Gosh, that is kind Faye… a lovely compliment seeing as it’s from you 🙂 I think the lino is a new start maybe…!
Oh i love the piece soo much, beautiful! And I will go to the Pop up festival! I love Pop up 😀
PS. Miss your kindly tutorial
I miss you too! It will be good to see you at the festival!
Oh i love the piece soo much, beautiful! And I will go to the Pop up festival! I love Pop up 😀
PS. Miss your kindly tutorial
I miss you too! It will be good to see you at the festival!
Love that! Have you seen Jeremy James’s facebook page. He does linos on different block and begins by ofset printing the first block onto however many coloured blocks he is going to use. Fascinating to watch. Love lino, love this, and you too! Ps my book press worked brill for lino printing.
Must try my book press. And investigate Jeremy James. I just wish I had more time at the moment. Lots of little things keeping me away from the lino! But I am LOVING the lino and will return soon!
Love that! Have you seen Jeremy James’s facebook page. He does linos on different block and begins by ofset printing the first block onto however many coloured blocks he is going to use. Fascinating to watch. Love lino, love this, and you too! Ps my book press worked brill for lino printing.
Must try my book press. And investigate Jeremy James. I just wish I had more time at the moment. Lots of little things keeping me away from the lino! But I am LOVING the lino and will return soon!
I’m in Springfield lower school i wish you can learn my how to do art very well
Ravens talk. Ravens tale. Off with your head. Chop. Chop. Prophetic? Hope that Katie is profiting you?
Off with her head? Well I have been offered two new books with our red-coated friend. Decision time. It may work in my favour. Long story. How are you? Shall we meet up?
I am too jealous for words. It is very rare, these days, that I get to do big art projects with my class. As education it moved onward towards so called economic well being we are SATs dominated. I want to know when spiritual well being and creative well being will count.
All power to you James for getting the spark of creativity into schools.
This background is great were did you got it
did you got it from your camera
It’s a painting created by children which I photographed and uploaded.
I have visit and i am very impressed from your article and i wnat to more ideas from your topic so please keep updating your blog.
Thank you for post..
Garden Centre Arborfeild
sounds great
any links for it,like to post it up on the networks.
It all sounds amazing! 🙂
can you tell me anymore,links?
Hi Adrian,
The website for this isn’t up to date yet, so there are no links at the moment. I will tell you when it goes live online! It should be soon…
Hugs! It horrible after a long day walking in the rain.
Thanks for the post-i ‘m going to be singing “chitty chitty bang bang i love you ” in my head the rest of the day!
Me too probably. Or Toot Sweets. Or Truly Scrumptious…!
A brilliant and encouraging post, James. Just goes to show how important it is to follow your instincts and work hard to achieve your dreams.
Have you done this in school with a soundtrack and the children having a go?
Hello Charlotte, YES! many times. And it works brilliantly, draawing out autistic children, and keeping other difficult children focussed, challanging children to keep to the timing of the music. One of the most successful things I’ve ever done in schools. Tomorrow I’m using The Firebird in a school in fact. I believe in it 100% !!!
How much do you charge for a day? I have no budget left this year but we have a new year coming…
We used our local cinema this year for a big writing project and got some superb writing, but I have a high level of EAL children and feel that music has much more to offer them as a stimulus for literacy
It depends, I have a kind of sliding scale depending on where the school is and how much prep is required. But between £250 and £400. Music is incredibly effective; even I’m surprised! I think what works really well is using music to stimulate art, then draw literacy from that. Because they have a sold memory and a story, some music AND an image to work with: an illustration to an unwritten story.
Hi James, You know, I and my 7-year-old daughter, Jasmine, love your books a lot. We bought them as birthday gifts to her classmates named Katie and not-named Katie.
What a coincidence that Scheherazade is my favorite piece of music. While I had lectures to new volunteers of story-telling in Taipei municipal libraries, I usually played Scheherazade to have them experience the melody. It gives out tremendous inspiration.
That’s very kind, thank you. And I can imagine Scheherazade casting her spell on your storytellers. That’s wonderful!
Gorgeous blog James. I can remember a library book from when I was little. A book of Russian Fairy Tales. I borrowed it so many times; Mum read it with me over and over again. The illustrations were like the pictures of your post.
Thanks Charlotte… I also adore Russian Folk Tales, largely because of Rimsky. I remember hearing music from Kitezh and Snowmaiden on the radio as a kid. It’s haunted me ever since and led to a life long love of his sound world and these stories. The tales from Russia are wonderfully vibrant and undiluted; they have not been Disneyfied, and remain very potent. I wonder who illustrated your library book?
James,
These two events sound so fantastic, and since I grew up in Prague, very familiar. I’m landing back in England on the 6th so, jet lag allowing, I would love to make it to Litchfield. Not too far from me in OXON. Thanks for the posted link.
Thank you Veronica! If you make it to Lichfield, make sure you come and say hello afterwards!
nice pics
Speechless with admiration
Ah, thanks Charlotte! It was a great day!
It must have been amazing to be “Katie” for a moment in time!
ah James, it was really wonderful to meet you at the weekend, and indeed magical to hear the Orchestra of the Music Makers. My whole family has been inspired by the concert we attended – thank you for feeding our imaginations!
Wonderful to meet you too, and thank you so much for helping publicise the performance and generally supporting me. It meant a lot! So glad your family were inspired. Rimsky is pretty amazing!
How wonderful, you all look so excited and enthused. You aren’t planning on building an ark on stage to Handel are you?
Aha… clever detective work! But no… not Handel. It’s not all definite so I don’t want to jinx it. But you were pretty warm…
Only true weavers of magic can make BBC music journalists stay in their seats.
Four year olds are easy, by comparison….!
As my Gran’pa used to say, blow your own trumpet, no one else is going to. Well done you.
Toot toot! Ah, thanks Charlotte, that’s very kind (and funny!). I know tha you weave just as much magic, if not more!
Jeez, how often does an illustrator get reviewed in a music magazine? Way to get (well-deserved) accolades from all the arenas in which your interests dwell!
I guess if you do out of the box stuff you get out of the box notices… but you know I hardly EVER get a book review!
Hi James,
We are a prep class in Queenscliff, Australia.
We have read your book this week because we are learning about the Olympics and they are in London.
We have enjoyed the book because there are lots of things that make London famous.
Nicholas liked seeing Buckingham Palace and he didn’t know it was in London.
Max B didn’t know there were castles in London. He found out that the ghosts of kings and queens haunt the castle.
Freya liked Buckingham Palace because it’s a castle and the queen lives there.
Luella’s favourite part of the story was when the queen waved to Jack and Katie.
Tess’ favourite part was when they went on the London Eye because the lion was scared.
We also had lots of questions about the story. We wrote about them on our blog. We’d love you to have a look! Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/MMPoNF
From Prep, St Aloysius
Thanks you Nicholas, Max B, Freya, Luella Tess and all at St Aloysius! It’s very exciting to hear from you and I’m looking forward to visiting the blog!
Best wishes from an Olympic England!
Congratulations! I love how they still send you flowers after so many years together 🙂
My daughter, Ella, loves all the Katie books and Ella Bella books. In fact, her ballet teacher calls her Ella Bella. We are so excited about the upcoming Nutcracker story! It’s our favorite ballet!
Thank you for all the beautiful stories you continue to write! We enjoy them so very much.
Wish I could be there, James. I’m sure it’s going to be a resounding success. And fun! Envy the ticket holders. Grrr!
It was great catching your National Gallery story-telling but I’m now wishing I’d come along to the Bookfest one too!
It was lovely to see you, thanks for coming.
We envy so much …. when can you can to Taiwan?
Perhaps one day!
You do so much to install the love of the arts in kiddos! Yeah!
Ah, thanks Julia. I love doing it, so it’s quite easy really 🙂
wow what a wonderful idea, I can see how the children would love this!
Thanks. I visited each one of the links to the other illustrator sites mentioned in your article. All the sites were excellent resources. Thank you so much! Tutorial CS6
How wonderful. I was taken to De Montfort Hall as a little girl to hear Carnival of the Animals with a narration by Johnny Morris. I have never forgotten it.
Oh you lucky thing! He had the best voice for narrating. How I LOVED Tales by the River Bank! I’m not sure what (if any) narration there will be at this Carnival, as the conductor has not yet specified which pieces he will play. It’s an amateur orchestra and they don’t have all the people required for ALL the animals, which is why the suite is being supplemented. And as I LOVE Rossini and Strauss I think it will be great – lots to paint!
I’m pre-ordering 2 copies for our library next week! (and another copy of Cinderella – some kid with a pen hit our children’s section and many books were lost. sigh.)
Veery kind, thank you. I hope they don’t attract too much pen activity! V best wishes, James
We received our pre-ordered copy yesterday. My daughter was completely delighted with the story. She took note that, like the other books, it follows the story as told in the ballet rather than from a movie. She also took it with her to ballet class in the afternoon to share with her ballet teacher, Miss Sally, who she thinks is rather like Madame Rosa. Thanks so much for the wonderful books! Ella Bella and the Nutcracker is the book that my little ballerina will be giving all of her friends as gifts this year!
That’slovely to hear, thank you! It was quite a hard story to work with – the original Hoffmann tale is rather odd! So I’m relieved your daughter approves! Thanks, James.
That tortoise could come and nibble lettuce in my backyard any time.
Enjoy Barcelona, is Katie going with you? She would love Gaudi.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time, James, and made a fair amount of new fans. Spanish festivals are something else! In June, many towns have a festival called Las Fallas. They burn giant effigies of politicians and celebrities. Wish we did that in England, we’d have lots of fallas to burn.
James these are wonderful. Are you going to Cheltenham Music festival again?
I love the playful confidence of these and the bold colours!
Thanks GD. The finished things are not quite the same but…. different for me. It’s quite a specific brief. YES I AM going back to Cheltenham… I will keep you posted on that.
You probably have said – but what happens to the actual paintings after the preformance?
Well I haven’t said here in the post, which was a bit silly!!! The pictures are always raffled for a charity. This year the proceeds went to a charity called EACH – a children’s hospice.
That looks wonderful, I wish we were able to take time out of the curriculum to prepare such things properly. But the needs (LEA) must drive the inner city. Ironically I believe this is what the “pupil premium” should offer. This breadth and creative depth. And now I will get off my soap box!
I agree… it’s hard to work under restrictions! Frustrating. Woolenwick said the same actually… Stevenage has simular social problems to London, and I think they have to work really hard to justify everything to inspectors etc.
Dear James
I just wanted to say a huge Thank You for the wonderful time we had at your storytelling event. Our kids loved your stories, and we loved watching our kids getting so excited! Special thanks for your Baba Yaga story – we are originally from Russia, so our son loves Baba Yaga and it was a very special event for him and for us.
Thanks!
Grisha Spivak
Dear Grisha,
Thank you so much for the kind comment and for coming to the event. It really means a great deal to me! I have a huge love of Russian stories, and it’s a great compliment to have a real Russian approve! Very many thanks,
James
James, these sketches are to die for.
Thanks Saviour… it’s certainly nearly killing me, trying to get them right!!!
WOW!
Love them.
Oh, but it DID inspire a love of singing, Mr. Mayhew! I received your book for my sixth birthday, and I have loved it ever since! I do not sing opera, but I sang in choirs quite competitively for years and am currently involved in a volunteer performance choir, selected for the smaller ensemble piece as well as an extensive solo. Thank you for writing this book; I have very find memories of it whenever I am struck with my own case of nerves. 🙂
Oh Rachel! That’s wonderful! Thank you so much for your kind words… I’m so glad my feathery diva inspired someone and good luck with your singing!
So sad I wasn’t able to make it in the end – great to see some photos and to hear more about how things unfolded on the day! Fantastic work, and we are so thrilled here at London Music Masters – thank you again for so kindly offering to donate the raffle proceeds to us, we really are hugely grateful!
All the best,
Claire
(Chief Operating Officer, London Music Masters)
So sorry you were unwell, but lovely that we were able to support a good cause. Also very nice to have met you and I hope we can maybe collaborate in some way in the future…
Ah James… we shall have to meet again over tea and cake in real life 🙂 Thanks for all the inspiration you bring to us x
WE shall indeed Zoe!!! one day soon I hope x
It all looks gorgeous
Thanks Saviour!
Phew… in only 12 pages!!!
I am sure you will do a grand job of it 🙂
Beautiful interior – and yet the outside seems comparatively plain. Have a wonderful evening!
Thanks! And yes, the interior was restored after a fire, so is a bit more ornate…
Dear Mr. Mayhew,
I’m a German student of Teaching English in the Primary Classroom and I’m writing my examination paper about your picture book. The theme is “Bridging the gap. The use of picture books in the EFL classroom: year 4 and 5”. I wanted to ask you, if you have any ideas for a teaching unit with “Katie in London” in class 4 and 5 with children learning English as a foreign language.
Thank you for this wonderful book!
Best wishes from Germany, Sarah R.
Hi Sarah, why don’t you email me directly: katiespictureshow@gmail.com
Not fair! I want to know now!!!!! Love this piece James. Will let Robin know.
My lips are sealed for now… x
This is amazing, I wish I’d been one of those kids!! Great to check out your blog again, it’s been ages since I last looked.
Well thanks for coming back and your kind words Amy!
Dear James, I was at the St Anne’s Limehouse concert on Friday night and lucky enough to buy one of your illustrations afterwards – a fierce but magical moment with the Nutcracker, Clara and the mouse king.
I want to thank you for your incredible generosity: not only in donating the drawings for a most worthwhile project to bring music to local schoolchildren, but the verve and energy (and modesty) you brought to the performance. I can see from your earlier posts how much went into it, in hard work, nerves and a lost easel! I think we were all in awe of your skill both as an artist and as a narrator, moving seamlessly from drawing to story telling. You did it one-eyed, with Drosselmeyer’s eye-patch in place and I noticed your spectacles spattered with paint afterwards! Very touching.
You brought delight to so many people and helped to celebrate the youthful brilliance of The Docklands Sinfonia. My old man is their patron and wants to add his appreciation to you. Rosie West x
Dear Rosie,
Thank you so much much for this wonderful message. I’m incredibly touched by your kind words. It was a very special evening in so many ways – I am in awe of what Spencer has achieved with the Docklands Sinfonia, and lucky to have been part of that for the Nutcracker.
It was also a huge honour to meet you and your husband. I know that you also paint, so I was a little trepidatious about my efforts in your presence! But of course, in the end, it’s all about engaging new audiences, especially children.
Thank you both, so much, for your warm welcome on Friday and your message! It makes it well worth losing an easel for!!!
What brilliant news James! And how much fun for you to get to design the sets. Perfect.
Yes! It will be an amazing thing to do… and a lot of work too!
That’s great news! What a wonderful challenge
A challenge indeed – the illusion of art coming alive!!!
Wondeful, James, and so well deserved to. Will try to catch it in Croydon. I’ve seen some fantastic shows there in the past. And I’m so dying to take my godson to see it when it comes to Bradford or Leeds.
So excited to hear what Katie’s next adventure will be!
thanks for sharing.
And thanks for visiting!
love the chickens!
very kind!
The chickens are lovely James!
Thank you Charlize!
I love the animals playing instruments very much! 😀 I hope they go for it 😀
Thanks Emma – good news, that is the one they’ve chosen… with a few tweaks!
Hi James! It’s Olivia from the Set Design course! Just thought I’d have a peek at some of your work. I’ll have to look out for some of your books, I’m very intrigued 🙂
Hi Olivia! It’s kind of you to look… although I feel very self conscious!!! See you Wednesday!
love the sound of these ladies!
They certainly WILL make a sound… they are naughty strumpets! Lots of fun 🙂
How wonderful…set design! I forsee you as Bilibin the 2nd !
Ah if only! I suspect I’m not *quite* in the same league, alas!!! x
Translating what is in your head to the real world is challenging but it’s kinda fun to work under those constraints as well. Love your first “loose” boat.
I sometimes think it makes one even more creative to have restrictions… but it is certainly a challenge!
This looks so exciting. Looking forward to the mock ups and final piece.
Thanks! I look forward to that stage too. Still a lot of discussing and thinking to be done…
I so want to go to this. I wonder if it will work out for me.
Loving all of this James, And loving that you have gone back to school. If I were a publisher I would be signing you up to do a music book. Your work seems to have so much joy in it. Brilliant.
Such a sad news… people will remember him.
and I love the illustrations of the mouse and mole so much!
I had a great time illustrating thjose books. They always make me think of him!
Thanks, James – they’re lovely books, and that’s a lovely spin-off story.
Thanks Lindsey. He was one of my favourite actors, so I was so excited when he took the part of Mouse… Lovely to hear from you x
I wish the books were available here, but I’ve never seen them. I did discover the movies a few years ago and bought them for the library – and a second copy for myself! They’re not as popular in the library as I think they should be, but I love to watch them myself.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for that. The books were only published in the UK. Other countries, like the US, thought they were “too English”. The films are very faithful indeed, to both the stories and my illustrations… but (as always) I think the books have the edge. I bet you could trace second hand copies if you try. There are four titles…
Good luck to you all. I have followed this each post and enjoyed every moment.
Thank you Charlotte! How kind… It was such a lovely experience. I think the cast had as much fun as the audience… and I loved every minute!
A day to remember, James. Well done! The Katie stories are superb and perfect for stage and screen. Let’s hope the show tours up North soon. You have a lot of fans in Yorkshire who would jump at the chance of seeing Katie come alive on stage.
Thanks Saviou! I’m sure if it tours it will come North. Watch this space!
Looks stunning James. Must be amazing to see your book brought to life like this.
It’s a strange feeling Jackie. Actually, I think the best compliment I can pay the performance is to say that I forgot that had anything to do with it and just enjoyed the storytelling!
Hey James,
This is so exciting! I wish I could see it in person.
Thanks Lacy. Well you never know… it may travel one day!
Hi, this is great, are you coming to London at all?
I think it would do well in London. Will it travel here?
WE certainly hope it will tour nationwide, and end up in London. Watch this space for news of 2014 – Katie’s 25th anniversary.
Great – will watch this space and publish on my blog, once you got dates. – BTW we went to the National Gallery the other day with your book, the kids and us adults had so much fun, finding the paintings.
Thanks wonderful to hear, I’m glad you had a good time! The tour will most likely be 2014 as most theatres will already have schedules in place I imagine. But we’ll know dates well in advance and let you know. Very kind of you to be so supportive, thank you!
Very interesting- and forboding feeling- thanks for sharing the process!
Thanks Julia. Yes, it is all quite dark and brooding! I loved it, and would beg to do more. We’ll see… bills to pay etc 🙂
Wow! Very dramatic, like the look of this 🙂
Thanks Karen! I loved working on it and hope other opportunities come my way 🙂
Love the colours! 🙂
Rik, that is so kind of you to say, thank you! Much appreciated!
I have to agree, I also love the energy and movement in the drawings too.
Thanks Charlotte! Although inspired by medieval art (which can look quite static), I did want to give movement to the animals – after all, they are running from a flood!
Let me just say I adore these, the colours and the design really remind of your early work, I can tell you had fun doing them.
P.S James I admire your work, I really do. Your other works are beautiful and original, you inspired me as an artist in many ways. I apoligize for any harsh critiques I’ve given on your later works I was being an over-reative fanboy. I hope you keep making great artwork and I hope you forgive me.
Let me just say I adore these, the colours and the design really remind of your early work, I can tell you had fun doing them.
P.S James I admire your work, I really do. Your other works are beautiful and original, you inspired me as an artist in many ways. I apoligize for any harsh critiques I’ve given on your later works I was being an over-reative fanboy. I hope you keep making great artwork and I hope you forgive me.
Wow, what a lovely post. I definitely need to go and put on my abba CDs to have a celebratory dance round the kitchen now! Did you hear the interview with Agnetha on Front Row?
Ah, what memories are held in those songs! Plenty of dancing to CDs going on here too. Yes, I did hear the interview. Agnetha sounded very dignified and disarmingly honest. The one celebrity who, when saying she wanted to give it all up for her children, actually meant it!
… you probably know allready. Agnethas daughter Linda writes children’s books.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnkO08TwtlA
I didn’t know… that’s very interesting. Oooh! I wonder if she ever needs an illustrator…!!!
Oh, this I wish I could see, especially the mischief of mice! Your wolf and hare are fabulous.
Thanks Claudia, that’s kind!
That looks so magical!
Thankyou! At least this terrible weather is keeping feeling reasonably wintry!
Lovely to see the lion in the story again (just noticed his blanket!). My daughter was so excited about having her photo taken with Katie’s lion during a recent trip to London 🙂
Ah, well spotted! It’s only a “cameo” appearance… but I thought it would be fun!
Ahh, I do wish we could come to this – the girls heard Pictures at an Exhibtion at the latest CBSO family concert and loved it – and just today my CD of it has arrived in the post. Best of luck!
Oh I wish you could too Zoe! Isn’t it a fabulous piece? I love it to bits!!!! I hope you’ll get your girls painting along to the CD. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll get to Brum with an orchestra 🙂
This piece never fails to give me the shivers. Your work will capture it’s energy perfectly.
I wish this was available in the US! We just had an Ella Bella Ballerina party at our library and it was a huge success. We love Ella Bella!
http://inshortbusy.blogspot.com/2013/06/dance-into-summer-with-ella-bella.html
What a lovely idea… thank you for letting me know!
James, I have so enjoyed seeing these come to life. It is like having an internet medieval pageant.
Thanks Charlotte! that’s kind of you… and a medieval pageant is exactly what I’m trying to achieve here. It’s been the HARDEST thing I’ve ever done, but it’s certainly not been dull!
Crikey, life going into art! 4 metre poles! It’ll be heavy for children won’t it?
Well done!
We may use adults, but we’re investigating plastic plumbing tubes for lightweight poles, so hopefully it’ll be OK between three kids. The fabric is only cheap polycotten, so very light… watch this space!
James, these are fantastic. I so wish I could be there to see the premiere!
That’s so kind, Rosemary, thank you! You are much missed…
Love the Baba Yaga. My favourite scary old lady.
Great music too – I love drawing her to Mussorgsky!
I love Baba Yaga too, best witch ever! And what a house…a house made of bones that stands up on chicken legs. Vasilisa the Beautiful is my absolutely favourite folktale.
Kid art has to be my favorite- but your firebird cover is pretty amazing too!
Isn’t kid art the most wonderful thing!
How utterly wonderful.
It felt better than a book…
Lovely photos!
Thanks Zoe. He’s very talented!
Wonderful evocations of an unforgettable event, a cut above most production photos. Three cheers to young Lever, to you, and to all who sailed in the Tewkesbury Noye’s arc.
You are very kind and generous, thank you David! It was a wonderful collaboration: literally all hands on deck!
These are quite as artistic as young Lever’s shots. How lucky you are (not that you don’t deserve it!) to have this special event so well documented.
Now off to deal with The Turn of the Screw and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the Norfolk Coastal Operas project. Isn’t the latter one right up your street for design? Again, onwards!
The pictures are terrific and yes, I am lucky. I was so busy myself, I’m thrilled others captured it all. It quicly becomes a hazy memory.
I hope the Norfolk trip is good – lovely part of the world. And Midsummer Night’s Dream? Oh yes! I would LOVE to design it. The list grows longer…
Wonderful. I am hoping there will be pockets and other troublesome creatures too.
At the risk of a jinx, I believe there will be…
Now here’s a coincidence – I went there on the obligatory every-two-months afternoon out with the mother just before getting the train to Cheltenham. First visit, and I was so surprised by all that green space and the river running through it, especially as I’d always thought Morden – setting-off point for my first independent teenage forays into London – the armpit of south London. We walked near the mill exhibition and around the rose garden, but I had NO IDEA about the snuff museum. A good reason to return…
How extraordinary.Well we both need to return, evidently!
Wonderful, second thing today that has made me regret I don’t own a smartphone or tablet pc.
I know the feeling. I bought my wife an ipad recently with a VERY STRONG ulterior motive! Before that I had nothing like that at all!
I quite like reading wintery books in hot weather (and summery books in winter), so I’m waiting for the return of the heatwave to read a thriller set in Denmark’s coldest winter and another set in the depths of Russian snow.
How lovely. What is the Russian book? I’m intrigued – as someone who loves Russian stories! I’ll be reaching for a hot water bottle and a mug of cocoa next 🙂
Just got done with illustrating our Christmas card in July! I hope the book will be available in the US- your perspective of Santa/ Father Christmas soaring over London is amazing!
So I persuaded my mother on our latest monthly meeting to go back – and checked out the room. Your panels are a delight, but the display in that room seems to have fallen into the sere and could do with a bit of tarting up. Such an interesting subject, after all.
And it was so good to see the park – where the roses have given way to a splendid dahlia display – well used by the local community. A Utopian scene.
It was in a terrible state when the panels were commissioned. And that was so long ago it sounds like they’re almost back where they started! I’ll go and see for myself one of these days…
Jackie Morris is amazing. Have loved her work for years 🙂
Truly, James, I am very excited about your workshop. I wish I was eligible to attend!
The whole day is like a sweet shop. Lucky kids!
What an incredible idea! Never even heard of the 1937 broadcast. Good luck with it, James, and the poster looks awesome too.
Well Zoe Toft has to take the credit for the festival, Saviour. She’s an extraordinary visionary person.
Indeed, a strange predicament, though at least your imagination can work untrammelled. Imagine all those telly Xmas specials where the merriment has to be faked in summer…
Ah yes…. the joys of “BBC snow” (as I call it), liberally sprinkled of trees in full leaf. Always hilariously unconvincing!
It ruined Christmas in Cranford for me (up to that final episode I bought everything about that marvellous series). As did the supposed October-November scenes when the trees were still in full leaf and the light was all wrong.
Astrid sends greetings – I took her to a half-good Prom tonight and Meurig by chance was there too.
I’m glad it’s not just me then! Sounds like a nice reunion for you all at the Proms. I’m afraid I’ve missed all the Proms due to this book deadline (thank goodness for R3!). But I am taking Astrid to a Cadogan Hall concert in a week or two. And thank you for all the kind offers that I’ve failed to embrace, ticket wise. I’m not *always* this busy, so I hope something will work out one of these days.
Congratulations!!!
Ah, thanks Sarah. Glad to have it off my desk and hoping for a bit of an Indian Summer now…
HUGE congrats James! I’m hoping to make it to PP books to see you next weekend! x
Would be lovely to see you. What paintng will you come as?
The illustrations are beautiful looking forward to seeing the book. Ruth
I’m shocked by how little authors make from each book sale. But your comments on perceptions of value ring true. Adults will happily spend cash on comics an plastic tat but not £4.99 on a book for their child.
On the e-book front: if you spend £120 on an e-reader and save £3 per book you need to download 40 books just to break even.
A lot of people don’t realise how small a royalty is. But if you are “only” the author or illustrator (rather than both) it is usually 3 and 3/4 %, less if a book is discounted by 50% or more (ie a smaller royalty on a cheaper book = peanuts). I can’t be doing with e-readers. Takes all the pleasure out of it for me. And you can spend all that money and still not really own a copy of a book!
I don’t know so much about bookshops in general, but I know the second-hand gems are falling like ninepins (and most of the one-off CD/record shops went some time ago). It’s been said many times, and I can only echo it, but browsing leads you on unexpected paths which you would never find in the ‘if you like this, you might like this’ online suggestions.
I’m always amazed, on the few occasions I have recourse to buying them as presents (mainly yours), how cheap children’s books are. More power to your elbow!
Ah yes, I do miss the hours I spent browsing in record shops and finding peculiar and rare imports. Remember Collets? Oh how I loved rifling through their Melodia lps! Tragic to see bookshops threatened in the same way. There is something very cold about a place with no bookshop.
Collets – how could I forget (it transpires that James, anybody, is the record collector closest to my heart with his precocious Russophilia). It was always raining and the Charing Cross Road had a grim aspect whenever I went there. A few unwieldy opera box sets I remember vaguely, more specifically a prized Mravinsky LP with Shostakovich 6 and Honegger Symphonie Liturgique.
But my most prized treasure from Collets is a book of Pushkin Skazki dazzlingly illustrated by one T (for Tatyana?) Mavrina, Moscow Children’s Literature Publishers, 1984. In Russian, before I learnt to read it. Wonder if you know this wonderful artist?
Ah! Mavrina – indeed a Tatyana, her work always reminded me og Natalya Gontcharova’s early set designs (Le Coq d’Or for eg), free and and full of movement, life, folk motifs. Wonderful stuff. I have a book of Chestnut grey by her… possibly others. Must look. Too many books to look through! I have some lovely little books on Russian composers and the Kirov, Bolshoi etc that I cherish, full of rare set designs and old production photos. Hugely inspiring. And lovely boxed sets on Russian operas which could then only be found really in Collets – ancient scratchy mono recordings of Christmas Eve (the cover could almost be by Mavrina), a Bilibin Sadko, Petrov’s Boris… Rozhdestvenskaya’s Kitezh. And recitals by Russian singers… Oh what treasures!!! I may have to go and listen to them all immediately! And yes… it was always raining 🙂
James I LOVE You even More, as does our Mayhew Jonny and you can see my views on my blog http://www.formbybooks.com I think you will agree with some of them!
WE will sell as many of your books as we can esp the one with Jackie Morris when she comes by soon!
Thanks Tony! We’ve all got to support the good guys (ie – each other). Civilisation depends on us! Will check out your blog…
A great piece, James.
Thanks! It needed to be said…
What is most depressing is that even Waterstones is an endangered species these days and our local indpendent is in a county village, 15 miles away and impossible for us to get to. Although on the positive note it is The Bookcase run by Jane Streeter who did manage to build up a network of schools support, the last I knew, when book-selling.
It IS depressing. But society only has itself to blame. I can think of no other profession – except acting/theatre /musicians – whose livelihood is so under threat.
A great posting, James. There’s also another problem I’ve encountered with huge book fairs even if they do have your books. The stock runs out within five minutes because the kids will make a beeline for them. If a school has a book fair run by their local independent bookshop they get enough of the books by the visiting author to meet the demand. Unfortunately a lot of schools just don’t get how that personal connection with the author, even if it is just for a day, simply changes the reading experience. I still get emailed by kids I met over twenty years ago who are now buying my books for their own children.
All too true. The number of schools I’ve visited with embarrased apologestic teachers and disappointed children. Terrible really!
The problem in schools is that they are addicted to the awful Scholastic catalogues. Don’t get me wrong – I have always found the people at Scholastic very lovely and helpful – but their discounting policies are awful and they pass off bin ends, overstocks and dross nobody wanted to schools and call it a bargain. When Terry Deary was here in July he pretty much echoed your comments about royalties (the “big boxes” annoy him especially). Book people are another one – lovely people but the range is very limited and is again populated with overstocks etc. with just a few hidden gems.
Completely agree. I’m sure individual people at these organisations are pleasant enough. But I defy what they stand for. The Book People sell my books for 99p. What publishers and printers etc make, I don’t know. Probably printed in China for next to nothing (which I also disapprove of). But I get next to zilch, and it makes it very hard to go into a bookshop and see them trying to sell it at full price when everyone knows you can buy it cheaper from the catalogue. It’s just so unfair. I wish people would approach book buying like grocery shopping and spend a bit more for quality organic produce nd consider the wider picture. Schools invest in all sorts of schemes like the environment. They should invest in literature the same way. The rubbish that most kids get offered would put most of us off reading for life!!!!
YES! Like, favorite (I know!!), repin and retweet. Look at me all online and social media savvy but still loving real books. They are the real deal. Hope to see you today in Davids 🙂
If you can find a school which wants to move onto a quality book catalogue I’ll happily organize the supplies, shipping and discount. I think they would actually raise more money by offering more books parents & kids actually want. Putting something out at 99p makes it look worthless, therefore parents like me are less likely to want it because we assume for 99p it’s just tat – as opposed to the hidden gem in the pile 🙂
Wow! I’d love to win you James 🙂 Shall spread the word.
Thanks! I wonder if I come gift wrapped 😉
Take me with you!
I’ll pop you in my suitcase 🙂
I love these – a whoe new world. They remind me – though they’re not derivative – of Edward Bawden’s fabulous Middle East drawings.
Too kind as always. I love Bawden and the Gt Bardfield artists, so that’s a huge compliment, thank you. Must take another look at his sketches. I have just about enough distance between myself and my efforts now to be able to bear it as I’m certain his are masterly!
Only connect – you’re in lovely Saffron Walden very soon and that little Gt Bardfield-connected gallery there is such a treasure. Must be a fine place to live, I thought on our one visit there. Is it worth going to Great Bardfield too?
Gt Bardfield is a lovely North Essex village, but quieter than Saffron Walden. I’ve always wanted to live in SW, but it’s never happened for one reason or another. The Fry gallery is just wonderful. They have a sale of cheapo artists originals in November…
James the children at Tanglin loved your visit. Your watercolour sketches of Singapore scenes are fabulous by the way! The Head of Year 3 launched a writing competition as the children were so inspired by your visit. We scanned 8 copies of the wonderful painting you created for the children (Castle/St George) so that each class in Year 3 will have one winner in the writing competition who will receive a copy of that wonderful picture. You are so talented and so humble – we look forward to your next visit. Please tell your parents from me you are famous! Celeste
Dear Celeste, what a lovely thing to say, thank you. I had the most wonderful time at Tanglin, entirely due to the warm welcome I experienced. I am so grateful to you all. And it was really lovely to meet you and chat. Thank you, as well, for the Byfield book which I will treasure. I’m so happy the children enjoyed the visit – what a lovely competition to run, and what a fabulous school to properly follow up a visit like this; that’s where the value lies. I very much hope I’ll be able to return one day. In the meantime, I’ll pass on your words to my parents 😉 Keep well, best wishes to all, and many thanks again.
Happy memories. I’ve steered clear of several opportunities to hear more Fluddes this year – having NEVER encountered it live before yours – because I want this one to resonate. As its Wagnerian climax always will…
You are far too kind. And of course this was a hugely collaborative effort. But I’m touched by your alliegence. It resonates with me too, for many reasons… and leaves me wanting more!
Alas, more Britten going on in the Union Chapel, but I can’t make it. But what fun! Why not paint Tchaikovsky 4 as well? Sure you could…All the best for it.
I would LOVE to paint the Tchaikovsky. I’ll see what the Maestro thinks!
Hurrah! I cannot wait for this James 😀
James, it was indeed a magical day. We were so very lucky to have you and Britten at the heart of it. Thank you.
I’m so glad it all went well after your fabulous hard work. I bet you feel almost bereft now… it’s been a long build up. But congratulations, it was a huge success from all points of view!
Yay for more Ella Bella! It’s one of only a handful of picture books I invested in multiple copies for our small library. All my Ella fans (several of whom are named Ella (-:) will be very excited!
The next book *might* be Mendelssohn/Shakespeare inspired: a Midsummer Night’s Dream…
Oh, it is true, James! Just the other day at the bookshop, there was a lady raving about them, and I told her about your concerts with the orchestra! Very proud over here and miss you much 🙂
Oh Rosemary! Such a kind thing to say, thank you. Miss you too SO MUCH. I hope all is going well for you xxx
Saw Ella Bella Ballerina and the Nutcracker displayed on a Christmas feature shelf today and was instantly drawn to it. I call my daughter Ella, Ella Bella and we had just gotten out of her ballet class when we headed to the book store.
The book is beautiful and has given my daughter a better understanding for and appreciation of the ballet. I stumbled upon your page searching for the next book to purchase; will definitely be sharing this find with the other ballet moms! Send more our way here in the US!
That’s such a kind message, thank you! I certainly hope there will be more books. I’m longing to add The Firebird and the Fantastic Toyshop ballets to the series… but I have to convince my publisher! Not always an easy task. But there WILL me more, and I hope your Ella enjoyes the others when she sees them. Thanks again, James x
Sounds like a tremendous evening.
Dear Mr Mayhew,
Do you remember visiting a small independent primary school in Brussels a couple of years ago? We certainly remember your visit. We wondered if you would be interested in visiting us again – perhaps next Autumn? The children and staff enjoyed your talk and the art workshop so much. If this might be possible, please contact me at the email address I am submitting.
Thank you for such a memorable evening filled with awe and wonder. Watching your painted images take shape and meaning as the music ebbed and flowed was utterly mesmerising and magical.
Thank you Karen. It was a magical day for me too and your kind words mean a lot!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – hurrah! Your illustration of the Overture, the greatest ever work written by a teenager, would be essential – though I can’t imagine any school strings would be able to manage the fairy flittings.
Will you be back at Cheltenham this summer? I’ve not seen the programme so I don’t know. But isn’t it great about the new concert hall in Saffron Walden?
Neat new website, though I suppose I miss the handsome gallery pic.
Mendelssohn’s overture is extraordinary and a long standing favourite. My brushes are quivering at the thought of it. There is a possibility of a live performance in Hatfield with the de Havilland Philharmonic in November, but for now the illustrations and the fairy flittings are book bound.
I WILL be back in Cheltenham, for a version of Carnival of the Animals (2 pianists; Cello), in the Parabola theatre on July 12th. And I’ll be working with the Uttlesforde/Saffron Walden Orchestra in October (Scheherazade is a possibility).
It was a tough decision to go for a new website as I was always very fond of the blog and I hate change. But… I needed something where it was easier to navigate for children, and which also looked professional for orchestras/music festivals etc. Old posts tended to disappear on the blog… You are widely quoted thanks to your kind words! I will try to find a place for the “handsome” gallery pic, just for you!
How wonderful! I too feel one should always write to idols, or even to performers who’ve touched us in some enormous way (I’ve just been in a privileged position to do that through e-mail to the director and one of the performers of the stunning ENO Rodelinda). More recently I wrote a letter to Frances Partridge, having gleaned from her diaries that she liked to reach out to people, and she did: I went to tea with her twice in West Halkin Street when she was already in her early 100s.
As for Tove, I never grew up with the Moomins, alas, but came to her through a book I always buy copies of for friends when they’re ill or have birthdays,. The Summer Book, an absolute gem. Then started reading the Moomin books and now we have two of the (very expensive!) mugs.
Somehow I’m not surprised she did take the trouble to write back with a personal letter. One gleans that, again, from the person. Must go over to the other site and take a look.
What a fabulous response, thank you David. It’s so easy to assume the great and the good are out of reach, and thoroughly pleasing to know that, sometimes, those we admire like to reach out to us. And it’s always nice to go to tea of course. We must do that ourselves, before either of us reaches 100. I will be halfway there on Friday!
The Summer Book is undoubtedly one of my Desert Island Books, and your appreciation proves you are a kindred spirit.
One word of caution though. When I illustrated Stories from the Opera, I sent it out to 5 opera singers I admired. Only one replied: Nelly Miricioiu, a wonderfully warm and generous person. I won’t say who the others were!
Thank you sooooo much!
Nayana
And at the risk of this becoming a love-in, you too are one of the people who always bothers to respond. Had a lovely day in Oxford on Wednesday – Magdalen College, lunch at the President’s house, a walk round the grounds in the sunshine and Evensong in the Chapel. I sent a round robin to say what a wonderful time we’d all had. Only the organist and the lovely PR who organised it bothered to approve the sentiment (out of a dozen). Miserable fecks, the others.
Nelly is a great person, with huge loyalty to Chelsea Opera where she’s performed so often.
Nelly is a fabulously generous person. As a birthday treat she offered me tickets to a Donizetti study day & masterclass at Cadogan hall. It turned into more of a concert, with her and the students giving genuinely thrilling accounts of many roles, and also examples by Verdi for a context and example of influence. Wonderful stuff and even at (almost) 62 Nelly demonstrated the nuts and bolts of bel canto technique with immense style, passion and absolute integrity. But that kind of communication is rare, as is her warmth and good manners. What a shame your day in Oxford was not followed through with the decency to reply. Honestly! Some people!
And of course Nelly is one of the very last great stylists in bel canto: even I, who am no Donizetti fan, reeled at her Elisabetta in Roberto Devereux. She must have so much to impart; wish I’d been there. And that in the week of the great Brigitte Fassbaender giving masterclasses at the Wigmore ‘n all. I got to press the flesh as she exited from Anne Schwanewilms’ recital on Thursday evening.
She is indeed, and her anecdotes were both disarming and fascinating, her passion contagious. I admit I had gone to hear the singer rather than the song, but I came away determined to listen with fresh ears. For if we are prepared to embrace early to mid Verdi, then mature Donizetti, on Miricioiu’s evidence, and in a proper historical context, has nothing to fear by comparison. Lucky you to encounter other vocal splendours. I suppose one cannot be everywhere at once!
Oh, and I forgot: many happy returns for the big half century! An appropriate card is on its e-way.
Wonderfully appropriate! Thank you David!
A
This is sooo aaawwweeesssooommmeee!
Hello. Please can you advise me whether you can purchase A Very Speical Mouse and Mole on DVD? Thanks
Hello Claire, A Mouse and Mole DVD is available from Grasshopper productions – you can usually find it on Amazon.
Really great work !
Thanks Richard!
Is Nelly’s head really much bigger than yours or is it a trick of the camera? I know Prunella Scales had a thing about headsize but I’d never noticed it with our diva – whom I’ve adored ever since seeing her as Tosca at Scottish Opera in 1980…she still gives great lessons in true bel canto style.
Well I do have a small head… so relatively, yes, Nelly does have a larger head. And she is certainly larger than life! I think the camera angle also distorts this. Incidently, I once read an analysis of singers and their heads/skulls. Apparently a larger “resonating chamber” (think Joan Sutherland’s jaw) is very instrumental to being a great singer. So that may explain our diva’s accomplishments…
Absolutely – think of all that cheekbone space Russian and Finnish basses have – so, as the wonderful Nicole Cabell intimated to me a couple of weeks ago, it can come down to ethnicity/country of origin.
Are you going to do A Child’s Christmas in Wales? Please?! Sounds wonderful! I love the beautiful film version with Denholm Elliot! Just saw “saving Mr. Banks” and imagining how you could do some great Mary Poppins illustrations!
What a stunning mural! So did you use emulsion paint on wooden panels?
Yes, wooden panels work really well and mean the mural can be moved if needs be!
That’s an amazing mural! Well done to everyone who helped.
James we loved your visit to Tanglin Trust School. What you accomplished with the children over just four days was amazing. We all love the mural and the children (and library staff) would love you to visit again. Many, many thanks for being so easy to work with and for being so inspirational to our students.
Celeste, I loved being back at Tanglin and back in Singapore. I feel I have forged so many good friendships in such a short space of time. The country has cast a kind of spell! I’m so happy you are all pleased with the mural. It was your vision and the work of the children that made it happen. In an environment like that, I feel determined to deliver! Thank you all!
I very much like what you say about visual literacy and illustrating children’s books, encouraging artists to be true to ourselves, and make illustrations with depth and emotion. Bravo.
Thank you! I believe very strongly on this point, and it’s not always easy to convince students. But it is SO important!
It’s beautiful! Everyone worked very diligently. CVongratulations!!
Exciting times. Hopefully I’ll catch you in Edinburgh – not sure I’ll be joining in with painting though 🙂
I’ll be in London this weekend and can’t wait to get a copy! Will you be doing any signings then? Can you recommend a bookstore near the Flemings Hotel?
Thanks for your message. I haven’t any signings organised I’m afraid, at least not in the next few weeks, due to other commitments, in particular the Cheltenham Music Festival. In terms of purchasing the book, I would suggest trying the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, who have several excellent independent book shops, all of which usually have large stocks of the Katie books. But let me know if you encounter any problems!
How wonderful to get to do it all again – and what a beautiful book.
That’s very kind of you to say, thank you!
Wonderful! I think these benches are a real masterstroke – where better to enjoy a book in the (fingers crossed…) London sunshine? And very exciting to see your beautiful drawings (to which the curvature of the bench appears to have been absolutely no impediment whatsoever), specifically Katie, celebrated as part of this project. (Trafalgar Square would, perhaps, have been the PERFECT location, but The Tower comes a very close second!) Thank you for sharing your wisdom, experience and enthusiasm for the arts (incl. musical and dance-based varieties!) with us on the MA at Cambridge last semester – it was a great privilege. Wishing you a fantastic summer!
We are excited about coming to see you tomorrow at Cheltenham!
Ella & Family
Thanks so much! I hope you all enjoyed it!
We came today and loved it! My six year daughter was utterly enthralled and so excited! She’s been painting swans and tortoises since we got home! Shame we didn’t know about the raffle tickets though as we’d have loved a painting. I’ll frame hers instead!
Oh, thanks so much for your kind words. Everyone worked incredibly garden, so it’s lovely to know it all worked. Phew! It was quite a roller coaster ride! I’m sorry there wasn’t more advance warning about the raffle tickets. I will pass that onto the festival team and see if they can increase awareness in the future.
Are any of the Carlota (Katie artist series) books still available, new? I’m trying to find them for a literacy program where we use Katie Meets the Impressionist. Thank you.
I’m afraid I don’t know, but I will contact Orchard Books, my British publisher, to seek an answer…
That would be wonderful! We use your books as part of a family literacy initiative and they’re a valuable resource.
‘Better than the CINEMA’ – what better praise could there be/
You are a star.
Bless you Margaret. Ditto! X
I simply love your work! I love writing, and I love illustrations. I also admire illustrators such as Quentin Blake, especially his illustrations in Roald Dahl’s books. I want to draw, not professionally, just for myself and my family, mainly to accompany what I write. Without having to take a class, what do you recommend? Also, are there any places where I can get royalty free or copyright free black and write illustrations?
Thank you for your kind message. I recommend trying different materials. Different tools suit different artists. I much prefer ink to pencil, for example. Dover publishers produce lots of books containing copyright free images. I’m sure if you search online you’ll find about about them. They are wonderfully useful books!
Dear James,
It was great to see you again in Edinburgh. This is Martin Ashing, the father of Clara, 6 years old, we first saw you in The National Gallery of Scotland, and a few years ago when you were looking for a restaurant recommendation. You said in August it might be possible to contact you and for you to maybe send some of your practice sketches for the Arabian Nights talk. If that was at all possible we would be very grateful, and could pay for them or make a donation to charity. Clara and my wife Pam, were particularly taken with your picture of the couple in the palace through the window with the genie and fairy, whilst I was particularly taken with the seascape or Baghdad pictures. I understand you probably get many requests, so please, don’t worry if it is a problem.
Thanks again for the talk
Kind regards
Martin Ashing
Hello Martin,
Thanks for your kind message, I’m sure I’ll have something here I can send you. Some of the practise pictures are slightly smaller than those done during the event, but otherwise similar. Why not contact me on my email… james@jamesmayhew.co.uk and then we can work out a plan! Thanks for your kind support, much appreciated.
Looking forward to it James! 🙂
Thanks Hedy!
hi I have loved your books since I could read and have always loved art my name is Katie so you can see when I was a little girl I thought they were about me not to menchin my grand mother gave me my books I still have them. im 16 now and once in a while I might read them just to inspire my self. thanks for making my childhood special and for educating my artistic pallet from a young age.
That’s such a lovely thing to say, I’m very touched thank you! I’m really glad you loved the books, it means a lot!
So sweet. So the little boy behind must be you-:)))
Yes, I am “Jack”… Katie in London is my autobiography 😉
Nice. A friend of mine who works nearby took a walk to snap your bench for me. Is nice of him to do that after i shared Katie with him.
That’s great to know! Thank you 🙂
Exciting news!! I’ve just read there’s another chance to see all 51 Book Benches next weekend ( 4th/ 5th October) before they are sold at auction. We are very excited – another chance to sit on Katie in London Bench! I wonder what the opening bid will be? It would make a perfect addition to our school!
James I am 100% with you on this. One little thing that has worked really well for us as a family is simply switching the radio to a classical music station. Yes, a lot of the time it is background noise (or so it would seem), but more often than I would have believed it, one of the children will suddenly pipe up and beg me to get a copy of the piece of music they’ve just heard.
Thanks Zoe! Exposure to music at home is so valuable. And unexpected discoveries in the warmth of the home create priceless memories. A great way to create a meaningful association with a piece of music!
We enjoyed a great evening at the Southbank Centre for the Auction yesterday evening.
Malorie Blackman, Children’s Laureate, was inspiring and Edward Rising the Auctioneer did a amazing job getting everyone to bid!
Although we lost the bid for the Katie bench at £7500 !! it was a fantastic fundraising event in supporting the work of the National Literacy Trust.
The book bench initiative has been brilliant. A BIG thank you to everyone involved.
The children have loved doing the book bench trails around London.
Literacy Trust can we please have more of the same next year!
Usha, that’s wonderful to hear, Thankyou girl bidding! You help the bench make the top ten! Incidentally, did you know you can buy mini book benches for schools to paint? (Or artists!)
We just found your Ella Bella and Kate nooks! We are homeschooling and these are so wonderful to begin “art appreciation.” We would be extra excited to see a music series! Thank you for all your hard work!!!
Thanks so much for your kind words! I have been trying to get a music series going, so fingers crossed!
Hi James, its Allison Offord (as was). I was back last week to visit my parents and The Street is unrecognisable! I wonder if you remember sitting telling ghost stories on the school field with me and Karen Larcombe? I think my mum still has some of those reading books that you illustrated for her as a teenager. Highly likely – she’s kept just about everything else!
Goodness, there’s a voice from the past! Very nice to hear from you. I remember you and your mother well! I’ve not been to Blundeston for many years… I’m not sure I’d want to see it changed. I do indeed remember those books for your mother (was there a lifeguard in one?) and the stories on the school field. Those were the days! I hope all is well with you and please pass on my regards to your family. JM
Congratulations, James – what an enjoyable afternoon we’ve had at the Heroes and Villains concert today. It was wonderful to be part of an audience of spellbound children, watching you skilfully paint the characters as the orchestra played. I wondered if your poem about ‘Billy the Kid’ is going to be posted on your blog? Looking forward to your next concert…!
Thank you Rachel, very kind of you to say so and I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ll add the Ballade of Billy the Kid to the blog in a day or so, when I write a piece about the concert. Watch this space 🙂
That’s all sounds such fun! A great way to introduce kids to music.
Thanks! It IS fun – and also a LOT of hard work. But I love it…
Fabulous stuff. Love the trolls, love the meeting of troll snd cowboy.
Thanks! And yes, Cowboy and Trolls… Better surely than Cowboys and Aliens 😉
Our family loved the concert (all 8 of us).The music was great and your painting and story telling were terrific. The only disappointment was not winning one of the raffled paintings. Oh well, better luck next year! I’m happy to hear that so much money was raised for Book Aid too. Thanks for a great afternoon.
Thank you, James and everyone at the National Gallery for a great event. It was lovely to be part of the celebrations for ‘Katie’s Day.’ The children had fun with the art trail, learning about the masterpieces and brushing up on their drawing skills. The afternoon storytelling session was the perfect ending to a great celebration! We had a very peaceful journey home as the children enjoyed your latest books; the updated edition ‘Katie’s Picture Show’ and ‘Katie’s London Christmas’ – a perfect read as we ’Step into Christmas!’ Thank you again and Happy Christmas!
Thank you so much for coming! It was lovely to see you and I’m glad you had a good day. Happy Christmas to you too and to all at Woolenwick!
Dear Mr Mayhew,
Today we visited the gallery and looked at the paintings of Katie……we thought it was a magic idea to climb in and out of paintings! Our teacher read to us about Katie and the British Artists, and tomorrow we are going to paint or make our own adventures. We liked Rousseau and Van Gogh and Renoir – especially the umbrellas. But actually we LOVED the Loch Ness Monster visiting Edinburgh because we live in Edinburgh, and we saw the castle too!
We want to say ‘Happy Birthday’ to you….because our nursery has just had its birthday and we are 25 years old, the same as the Katie books….and do you know that Mrs Hawkins has been there all the time and Beth’s mummy used to go to our nursery?
Mrs Hawkins says we will try to get some Katie books from the library.
Love from
Audrey, Beth, Emilia, Henry, Leo, Noah and Patrick from Wester Coates Nursery School
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x (25 claps for your birthday!)
Thank you for your lovely message! And your birthday greetings. I will tell my sister, the real Katie. She will be very happy 🙂
My ‘microdot’ contribution to the petition ‘I’m signing because the uncertainty about ‘Dippy’s’ future demonstrates a decision-making tardiness not exhibited by the ancestors who established the museum. Shape up present day keepers!’ Well done James
Thank you Robin!
Dippy, the dinosaur, has become a much loved part of the Natural History Museum and should not be moved. Please re-consider your decision.
Exactly! Thank you!
Great post, James. As I was brought up in another country, I didn’t ge to see Dippy till I was in my early twenties. I read about her, though, and saw pictures and whenever I thought of visiting the NHM once I got to Lond, I always pictured Dippy in mind. She is an icon. I found the fact that she is a model [not the catwalk kind, lol] very inspiring. To think someone could craft something so huge and so impressive. I do hope she stays put where she is. We don’t want a remake of the Disney film called One of our Dinosaurs is missing for good.
Thank you Saviour!
I went to see Dippy when I was around 10 years old and still remember the feeling of awe now! 26 years later I want my little boy, who is obsessed by dinosaurs, to have that same feeling and to see his face is another memory we’d get to treasure. I hope she stays where she is so other generations of children and their parents get to experience this amazing display and it doesn’t become one of those “when I was younger tales”!! Thanks James!!!
i would say to the people in charge ….your thinking like an adult …I dont see that the whale is going to catch mykids imagination quite like dippy did, and it doesnt reallly matter if hes a replica or not i will always remember the look sebs face when we first walked in and we have been back 6 times or more over the last few years we love the museum . …the entrance the excitment and enthusiaum of seeing him sets the scene for an exciting museum trip for the kids.. its a shame they dont listen to the people who visit the place …plus i agree i dont see how whale bones in a roof is going to help the real animals in life… kids learn somore about the whales from watching them in the sea on dvd they are wonderfully alive animals not extint yet ……while dinosaur bones lead to so many different hobbies of interest… fossels, geology paleontology.. it endless …find the child within you and save dippy 🙂
Thankyou! I hope some solution can be found 🙂
James, you have written with such passion for this event it seems a shame if it can’t be rolled out to other parts of the UK. Are there any plans to do so?
Thank you Marlene. There are no plans to take it further. This is a youth orchestra of secondary school-aged pupils (of exceptional ability; Chetham’s is the finest music school in Great Britain) and the children have to stay at school and study most of the time. But I have other projects in development… so watch this space!
Tosh.:) It’s beautiful work and actually- it came up during a John B search and I was immediately very struck and knew it was very good.
Too kind… but I will say this, it looks a lot less “worried” than the work I do now. Interesting to note…
My daughter went to Pre-school as Ella Bella in your Swan Lake story, so indirectly you are very involved in World Book Day, and I am sure there are more Ellas and Katies out and about today. Sorry to hear of personal circumstances, and hope things improve. My children and I are delighted to hear about your new book. Best regards
Oh that’s LOVELY to know! Thank you! Happy World Book Day!
My daughter is delighted to hear about your new book! Although she is 9, she still loves picture books and always looks forward to a new Ella Bella or Katie. I can’t help but think that these books have contributed to her love of dance and art.
Thank you Elizabeth, that’s so good to hear! I think you’re never too old for picture books, you just appreciate them differently… good for your daughter I say!
Sincere condolences on the recent death of your father, Mr Mayhew. Also wishing you a speedy recovery from your illness. My grandchildren absolutely adore your books and are always delighted when we treat them to another one. They love the fact that your sister has the same name as our oldest granddaughter, Katie. Amelia hopes that one day she may also find her name in one of your books. Please get well soon as we would love to see you in Edinburgh again.
Thank you so much! Amelia is a beautiful name. You never know! It might turn up one day 🙂 I hope I’ll be in Edinburgh this summer – not for the Book Festival, but for another VERY EXCITING reason, which I can’t tell you just yet. But watch out for news VERY SOON. It should be in August.
Dear James, get well soon! And you are right, every day is a book day, it is nice to see it that way, so let’s celebrate…
Thankyou Zdenka, that’s really kind. I’ll be fine eventually… already much better. And yes, books should always be celebrated!
Most definitely in school on World Book Day, live and kicking in my classroom! We had a Katie day (with yours truly dressed up in red coat and bunches) and the children produced some fabulous work inspired by the books. Thank you for being our inspiration! I told the children about our visit to Tacolneston all those years ago which inspired my career change. Something else to thank Katie for! So sorry to hear about your father, and hope you get well soon x
Hi, James. Hope you are beginning to feel much better. I am very excited to read about the new beautifully designed merchandise, inspired by your Katie books, which will be on sale at The National Gallery in London. We will try and be at the launch on 1st April, but, if not, would these goods also be available at The National Gallery in Edinburgh, or is this exclusive to London? What a fantastic idea but please can you create a character with the name Amelia, to save conflict with Katie’s sister ( our other granddaughter). Your books are an absolute delight and also very educational. Thank you.
Thanks Diana. I’m afraid this is only the London National Gallery, but you can buy items online. I will think about Amelia… Never say never!
I had the pleasure of attending the Chethams’ concert . I found the linking of poetry, paintings and music a most moving experience. Why have I not met it before? More of this, please, – for adults, as in this case, as well as for children.
Dear Margaret,
Thank you so much for commenting. It was a wonderful experience to work with these talented youngsters. I loved being there and I’m very glad you enjoyed the concert. A lot of people worked very hard to put it on… Perhaps that’s why it’s not done so often? Sadly budgets in the arts are always being cut, and the screens and cameras required can be expensive. I’ve been presenting concerts this way for 8 years but this was the first “grown up” concert. I firmly believe there should be more and I am galvanised by your kind words. You will be glad to know that Chetham’s and I have long term plans…
Dear James
It was good to see you today at the Novotel, Knebworth Park for the 5th Hertfordshire Festival of Words. The festival certainly has developed a love of literature, for our children and provided them an opportunity to develop their confidence in public speaking, performing and use of their imaginations. The children had great fun, reciting their selected poem or reading a piece of prose from their favourite book. We were delighted with the way the children responded to the reading challenges in their age group and are so proud of them all! And as always, your storytelling was a perfect way to round up the morning. We were all captivated with your storytelling and upside down paintings (both children and adults alike!) I think it goes to show we are never too old for storytelling! Thank you so much.
Congratulations on the new Katie merchandise. How exciting! I’m looking forward to seeing it and I know the children will love it!
Thanks Usha, It was so lovely to see you and your colleague encouraging and praising the children, such dedication warms the heart!
Thank you for a wonderful show, my family and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Interested to know what will happen to the delightful pictures now…..
The pictures were given to Mr. Ardakov and his lovely family. Usually they are auctioned or raffled for charity, which will be the case when I perform the same music – but with a Brass Band – in Cheltenham this Summer. If you can come on July 12th, you’ll have a chance of nabbing a picture then!
Brilliant, just wonderful thank you.
Thank you so much!
Briilant James. Think I came across Ardakov a good few years ago. Will be in Devon at the end if the month re Shaldon festival which I’d mentioned. I’ll prob call you before then. All best for now. Steve
Thanks Steve! Alexander was lonely to work with, very modest and funny. Yes please, let me know your thoughts about Devon. You know how much I love collaborating with you!
That should say LOVELY not lonely !!!
You look so happy alongside that display. What a wonderful outcome for Katie, so deserved.
What a lovely article James, including some fabulous photos. Thanks for mentioning the són project in such glowing terms. We’re really looking forward to what we can achieve with you in the coming seasons. Here’s to more art, more music, and more inspired young minds!
Warmest wishes from all at són HQ
http://www.thesonproject.com
Am getting Queen of the Sky as a treat this week.
They are both fascinating books Saviour… it’s great to see the whole concept of a “picture-book” being reinvented.
James I really enjoyed reading your comments about both books especially Queen of the Sky. Many thanks for such an illuminating view of Jackie’s latest book, it truly is a masterpiece of words and imagery.
You are very welcome Peter, and Queen of the Sky is something everyone involved in it should be extremely proud!
Yes, definitely going to have to get hold of both of those… I already love Jackie’s work and The Pillbox sounds immensely powerful – and it’s quite right for you to be biased, I should say 🙂
Let me know what you think! The Pillbox is not for the faint-hearted, but it shows how powerful and visceral drawing can be.
My children are big fans of all your books. Will you be bringing this stage show to Melbourne Australia?
No plans for Australia yet, but I’ll pass the request to the production team… you never know!
Lovely to read, James ! I feel certain that you will be invited back – actually, you know you have a standing invitation with Pete and Terry – and I am sure that Julie would like to see you again. You have a talent for painting, for creating and for friendship and carried with you a warm glow.
Thankyou Pam! What a lovely message! I cannot wait to return – the warm glow of friendship went both ways!
A wonderful post to read James – it did indeed look like you were in a truly magical place. And you represented the role of an artist so well – and the paintings you created are astounding! It was so nice to see all the photos of your week there, I think my favourite is the wonderful portrait!
I can’t tell you the joy that the Ella Bella books have given to both my daughter and myself!! So looking forward to reading her the new story
What a lovely message – passing the joy onwards! Thank you so much. But the books would not exist with the music behind them – so thank you for the music, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev… and now Mendelssohn! I hope you enjoy the new story 🙂
There should be Katie Russian dolls
That’s so wonderful! Congratulations!
That is amazing, James! Congratulations!!! Xxx
Hoping to see you do this in Birmingham next month….
Have just read all four of the previous books with my daughter this evening. Such wonderfully illustrated stories. The new book is already wrapped as a Christmas present. Do you have any plans to do one of your live shows around the new book?
Thanks for the kind comment! I’m so glad your daughter enjoyed the book, and I hope she likes the new one. Although not definite, there ARE plans for a concert or two featuring A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Possibly in Cheltenham (July 16), and again in Hatfield (November 16). Also, into the future, La Boutique Fantasque. As soon as anything is confirmed it will be added to the vents listing on the website, so please check back. Thanks again, your comment is much appreciated!
I love all these beautiful images and ideas———-spasiba——–
Me, my sister and my parents have extremely fond memories of both the school and you James. My sister and I are now 26 and 27 respectively and both still have pictures, and many books signed by your good self. We are still both able to pick out our square from the cloth of dreams,and recognise many of the children in the photos you have posted here. As I prepare to bring my own child into the world I can only hope and pray he has at least a handful of the experiences that I did growing up at Tacolneston.
Fondly read, and cherished,
Ellie
Incredible, James. Your energy leaves me breathless just reading about it. Here’s to a fantastic 2016.
Thank you Saviour! It’s a privilege to work with all these incredible musicians, and that motivates me! Have a great Christmas my friend. I hope we can catch up in the New Year 🙂
We were very much looking forward to seeing you at the Barber Institute in Birmingham, but were sorry to hear that you were taken ill. Really glad to hear that you are up and well again, and we shall try and get to one of your other events this year. My children are great fans of your Katie books, which have captured their imaginations and given them an excitement about art and galleries….and what might happen if their Granny takes a nap! all the best for the new year.
Dear Claire, I am SO sorry I couldn’t make it to the Barber institute. It was such a disappointment for me and I hope you can make it to another event… I’ll be listing forthcoming things soon. Happy New Year!
Great news – but please hurry back to Edinburgh because we love Katie too (and chocolate)! – from the children at Wester Coates Nursery School
Your ink/ wash artwork will always be a favorite with my daughters and I, but I have to say that your sample of the work in progress is quite striking! We look forward to your new titles.
I will always love using ink – I was so inspired as a child by Tove Jansson, Quentin Blake, Edward Ardizzone etc, because of their pen and ink skills! But it’s fun to try something new, I think it is important to keep things fresh!
Looks like an exciting – and busy – year ahead!
Thanks Mary… always good to be busy!
Thank you so much for your amazing books. My daughter is inspire By them and also I worked in a preschool room and Katie is their favourite!!!!!! Keep writing please and making us and our children inspire. Maria
Thank you Maria! I couldn’t give up if i tried! 🙂
All sounds very exciting James. I shall look forward to the Sword in the Stone retelling especially 🙂
I thought of you when I was working on The Sword in the Stone 🙂 It is a very simple retelling, for fledgling readers; I had to gloss over the exploits of Uther and Igraine!! But a nice project to work on. x
Thanks for sharing, James. Love the new style for Mrs Noah’s Pockets…..very evocative so good luck. X
Thanks Marlene! Onwards and upwards… we’ll see where I get to! x
Look forward to seeing it.
Thanks Christine! x
Awesome – keep up the god work! Art and music stirring the soul of creativity in these children…….when are you coming to Edinburgh?!
Thank you so much! Will do my best! No confirmed Edinburgh plans just yet, but I hope something will work out soon, I love that city so much!!!
How delightful!
What a great experience James! They did a great work for your portraits too! I love those artworks with music. I love Turkey and wish to travel back to see Haghia Sophia the 6 Wings Angel again!
What a marvellous trip! The children’s paintings are wonderful – AND the cake!!
That’s pretty cool James, such fun!
I think this is fab, James!
Well said.
Excellent points, James. We badly need people to know about this.
Thank you Nicola. People have NO IDEA usually. Even school teachers are shocked when they see a book sale in school, an overflowing money tin, and a queue of people. They think we get ALL the money!
It breaks my heart to see books just lying on the ground! Great article and very informative.
I know, but that is the society we are creating, where books no longer matter…
Well said…. and it gets worse when you see ‘free’ books being offered for download online. ‘Free’ or ‘cheap’ has a high price somewhere down the line.
Exactly! it REALLY does! Someone always pays somewhere in the process.
It infuriates me (as an author) when people brag about getting books free or for$1. Just another case in which “trickle-down economics” does not work! What are they thinking? Would they countenance their intellectual output being so devalued?
I know, how has this psychology grown? That it is somehow an achievement to steal from creatives. Bargains seems to bring out the very worst kind of point scoring in people. BUT if all authors object to these deals, things will HAVE to change!
There is now a whole generation of younger people who don’t expect ever to pay for a film or for music. They stream or steal, it’s all the same to them – if they see a bigger picture about this the thinking is, well I’d pay but why should I when no-one else does. The same will soon apply to books. The thing with films is that the producers can get commercial input to pay for the content. Music and books – not so, though the most commercially hyped bands will of course tour and have merchandise. So that leaves books… I sometimes wonder why we bother but then I’m old now and it’s all I’ve done for the past 30 years!
Thank you for this excellent article. A sale of 5,000 books used to net this illustrator $5,000, 10k books $10k and so on. Those were glory days.The book selling market changed and big retailers demanded higher discounts from the publishers. It only takes change in the discount to the seller by one percent (50% to 49%, for example) for the author/illustrator’s share to fall by a decimal point. Not so hard on the publisher and secures the sale, but devastating to the creator. And that is the percentage on the selling price. “Net receipts” is a common model and impenetrable to analysis on the royalty statement.
Thanks for sharing your really interesting, if rather depressing, experiences. I think we can all relate to this. I am taking this matter up in the UK with the Society of Authors. Who knows, maybe, together we can encourage change…
I sincerely hope that not only authors join together, but the general public too. There are a number of things which need to change in our world today, I would love for this to be one of the ones which does.
Well, I live in hope. unfortunately, these deals play to an author’s ego. Seeing yourself with other best sellers in such catalogues helps isolated and insecure writers (like me!!!) feel they have “made it”. Publishers know how to play with such insecurities. But no more for me, and I will try to get a proper campaign going.
Thanks for putting this so clearly.
You are very welcome… took me a while! SO much to say!!
What are your thoughts on second hand bookshops and places like Hay on Wye? Presumably you get nothing from these sales.
A good question. You are correct, authors get nothing from second hand sales – except a certain satisfaction. Second hand bookshops have existed for years without troubling the publishing industry, and they are a great way for those who feel they can’t afford books to start a collection. Also, it’s great to find out of print titles. My complaint is big bullying companies making HUGE profits (I mean millions every year!) at the expense of the creators. Second hand bookshops are a different thing entirely; they do not cynically print 10,000 copies to sell, making it impossible for anyone else to sell a copy. Personally, I love to think of my books being in second hand bookshops and going on to a second life 🙂
Though a librarian and therefore a fervent supporter of libraries, I have to say there is a big difference between book borrowing and book ownership, something Booktrust have done so me research on, if I am not mistaken, to measure the impact of their bookgifting schemes. However, as it has been said before, discounted books don’t necessarily make it into the hands of children from modest backgrounds, so I am not sure that is a relevant argument. If publishers want to support getting books into the right hands, then as you rightly pointed out James, why not support Booktrust?
I won’t lie, I have used *that* catalogue. I used them regularly when my children were little as I refused to put tat in their birthday party bags so each child would get a book. Not to defend myself in anyway, I always thought that the publisher, rather than the author/illustrator, was taking the cut 🙁
There is a huge issue of waste that goes with all this as well, because though you are getting a “bargain”, there is always at least one book you don’t really want, or you already have. If I am not mistaken, the first thing Daunt did when he took over Waterstones was to get rid of 3 for 2 because most people never read their third choice (though don’t quote me as I can’t remember the source!).
Thank you Melanie. I agree, ownership of a book is very special – and if you fall in love with a book, to cherry pick those you MUST have, then I’d like to think children especially can get hold of them. But this isn’t about discounting full stop, it is about degrees of it, and who profits, and I think the balance is wrong. Thanks also for your honesty; I, too, have used that catalogue before being enlightened by a royalty statement! And I totally agree about the waste…
I agree, but unfortunately I think this is a cultural thing, which has been exacerbated by the demise of the net book agreement. I am not sure people (in the most general sense) *value* books as much here as they do in other countries. I am not saying France is perfect, believe me, but that’s all I know so what I can compare it to: there, 5% is the maximum you can discount a book, whether you are the big A, a small independent shop or a supermarket. This means parity for every one. This also means that supermarkets have their own huge book departments. But the other thing is, to be a bookseller, you need to have trained as a bookseller (there are different levels of training, from apprenticeship to masters). It is part of “les métiers du livre” (the “book profession” – publisher, bookseller, librarian). That means that even in those huge supermarket bookshops, there will be a ‘professional’ book person. I think it shows a different ‘cultural’ commitment to books in general. I am not Britain-bashing by any means, but I do think the over-discounting is only the tip of the iceberg :(, so good for you for taking a stand and bringing out in the open.
I completely agree!
Thank you, James, for summarising a situation which has developed over the years: it seems to channel the profits towards the Distributors rather than the “Creators” who put in the hard slog in draughty garrets etc …
My main gripe is the way we’re being “Tesco-fied”. Supermarkets were originally a great idea, when they sold FOOD. Now they are also Electrical retailers, Chandlers, Banks, Petrol stations, Travel agents, Clothing and Shoe shops, Bookshops …. while all the ‘Specialist’ shops are disappearing. When they have no competition left, of course, the Supermarkets will be in a position to charge whatever they like for the goods they can be bothered to stock (including BOOKS) because the customer won’t be ABLE to buy them anywhere else … 🙁
Thanks for commenting Paul. I completely agree about being Tesco-fied – and people blindly go for cheap convenience, oblivious of the true cost. I’m afraid human beings can be very selfish sometimes, and these big retailers prey upon that very worst parts of our psychology.
Great post, James, really well stated. By and large PB authors (as opposed illustrators) get smaller advances than that, too. Can’t possibly make a reasonable living unless you have a lot of books on the go and they’re all selling through decent channels. Good job most of us PB creators are good at dreaming or we’d all come unstuck pretty fast!
Thanks Michelle! And yes, PB authors get very very small advances (publishers recognising that illustrating takes substantially longer I suppose). There is so much more I could say – but I wanted to keep the post reasonably short!!!
Thanks for this James. I struggle to convey to people who ask that we don’t all make the ‘JKR’ amounts when a book is published. The buying public’s understanding of the publishing demographic needs to change, they don’t realise the effort made is never fully recompensed.
Very true! The world needs to be educated on the reality!
Thank you James
An excellent post, I hope people take note.
The bigger the print run, the bigger print machines can be used, and the cheaper the overall cost. So, they get an order in for say 20,000 from a supermarket or book club – but have to give them a 75%- 95% discount. This just about covers the costs of printing so no one (publisher or author) makes a profit from it.
But – and this is the point of the exercise – they can add on another 2,000 to the print run for practically no extra cost. They sell these 2,000 books at the usual discounts (50% being standard) and that’s where the profit is made.
Not saying it’s a good idea, as I agree with you that it devalues books, but that’s why they do it.
Interesting you say that 50% is the usual discount. When I ran a small book party enterprise (just me and my trusty motorbike) selling children’s books to young mums, I only ever got 35%.
Discounts to booksellers do vary. 35% is not uncommon. But it’s way better than the 7% (or less) the author gets!!!
When I was a publisher (a million years ago admittedly), ‘usual terms’ meant 50% for multiple copies, 35% single copy/single line orders, postage paid by publisher. But that’s to bookshops. Obviously, any publisher can set their own terms aka what they can get away with!
Oh my gosh – I had no idea!
I have frequently met people who say they’ve read all my books – they’d got them from charity shops. I try to smile.. after all, you can’t argue with ‘charidee’, can you? Except.. as with not wanting to pay for music, too many people prefer books for nothing or for a few pennies and don’t think of the implications for authors. I’d like to see charity shops that stock more than, say, 500 books, pay into a licensing system linked to PLR. After all, it works with music – every shop that plays so much as a little radio will have a PRS sticker in its window to show it has the relevant licence. The admin might well be colossal or it might be quite simple. If music can do it, so could the book business, I’d have thought.
Interesting idea – I am going to raise all this with the Society of Authors.
Judy’s idea really seems like a sensible (and hopefully realistic?) solution. Even if it was just a token amount, it would be better than nothing.
Great post, James.
Absolutely! I will follow it up for sure. Thanks for commenting 🙂
Great idea, one I will put to the Society of Authors, thank you!
Excellent, well-written article and what I have been saying since I started, support your authors or lose them forever.
Hear, hear. Bargain books are a REAL problem for authors and don’t get me started on free downloads form pirate sites. Where do people who buy such books think the the content is going to come from if all the creatives starve – which we well might if the trend continues?
Really hits home! At Xmas it’s cheaper to buy a Xmas themed book than Xmas card to send each other which we do!
Excellent post.
Well said
Heavily discounted sales to bookclubs don’t help authors, but neither do publishers. My UK publisher sold a entire print run of one of my books to their parent company in the USA at a heavily discounted price. Had it been published in the States I would have received the usual percentage of the cover price, instead I received pennies.
Have you considered having a backward gander thru the looking glass — so, rather than Canute-ing it and expecting people to pay for books when they really don’t have to, we instead look to something an Unconditional Basic Income. Ideally that would mean authors – prospective and otherwise – would be paid by the state (how much is an open question, but the benchmark is enough to be able refuse ‘lousy’ work, i.e. enough to feed, clothe and participate in society (again, abstract and general i know) so that your work would still find its way onto independent book-owners’ shelves, but you’d also not have to worry about exhorting people to shell out money when they know the same book is available at a fraction of the price on that there internet… The infinite and costless reproducibility of books is a fact we have to live with (i would argue) and it is about building certain supports for authors to continue to produce work in light of those facts…
just my 2 cents.
Thanks for your really thoughtful comment – I like the idea of turning things on their head here. Although, upholding such a scheme would depend on successive governments; PLR, for instance, is constantly under threat. Also, I don’t think the reproducibility of books is exactly costless – it just means badly paid workers in Chinese sweatshops, and the continued rape of forests. Better, I’d have thought, to print fewer books, spare a few trees, charge a *bit* more, so authors are happier, but still have an affordable product. Instead of 10 books for a tenner, why not 3 books for a tenner? Still a bargain, frankly. In other words, I’m not saying NEVER discount, I’m really talking about degrees. It’s tricky though – because Pandora’s pricing box has been opened. But I’ll see what the Society of Authors think – I’m on the Children’s Writers’ and Illustrators’ committee and they are following this up under their Fair Terms campaign.
I couldn’t agree more about the Universal Basic Income. Though I also think that the current belief held by too many that creative people will just go on creating regardless of the return is a very weird one. That’s why copyright was originally introduced to protect creative people. What has changed?
The trouble with any government-funded scheme is that it’s the tax payers who actually fund it – and they won’t like that.
What I would propose instead is an arts foundation funded by the mega-successful (the JK Rowlings, Paul McCartneys, Madonnas and so on) contributing a substantial proportion of their excess income (how much money does a person need anyway?). This would then be redistributed by means of a grant, to the struggling artists, writers and musicians who are otherwise unable to support themselves through their work.
In order to qualify for the grant, you would have to submit samples of your work for evaluation, and this would screen out all the talentless wannabes who are only looking for a free ride anyway.
The grant would be for three years initially, renewable in further three year chunks to those who can show that their work is still worthy of support. Then, when you really hit the big time, it’s your turn to contribute to the foundation.
I know this isn’t a perfect solution, but who knows? Maybe someone will take the basic idea and run with it. Please feel free…
Excellent article and some interesting responses. I particularly like Melanie’s comment about the system in France.Unfortunately it’s not the writers and authors that need the information- it’s the public at large. Good Luck with that one. 😀
Losing the NBA was a tragedy for the industry. I remember arguing with my uncle, who would not accept that the control of the market was essential to knowledge publishing and allowing authors and publishers to flourish. I worked in bookselling for many years, for very low pay. The cost of a book supported so many in the team of people who got it for the authors head to the hands of the reader. Look what has happened to our booksellers over the last 30 years, where have they gone? They are being closely followed by librarians, and all for a short term buck.
The most discouraging thing I have noticed is that most books appear soon after publication, new on Amazon for 1p. Let me repeat, new for 1p. Even those that aren’t new are quickly available ‘as new’ for that price or near it.
It used to be fine to have quaint second hand book shops in towns dotted here and there, we all loved them, but now we have extremely cheap and second hand books available to buy in everyone’s living room, and every published book is available.
Amazon is the world’s biggest 2nd hand book shop. There should be a minimum price for all books sold on Amazon and at least a token amount should go to the author (even for 2nd hand books). Otherwise writing itself will become nothing more than an act of love or madness.
Andrew
I agree… although the 1p thing is misleading as these offers often have much higher postage costs to balance out. But I agree, there should be limits to such things!
I think that the problem is a wider one. As far as I can make out, there is very little payment for most creative people. An actor visited me a few nights ago and complained about his tiny income; he wasn’t being greedy, but he’d have liked a living wage. I had some difficulty in persuading him that much the same applies to authors. Most musicians also struggle to make a living. A singer I admire (and whose CDs I’ve bought at full price) posted on Facebook her chagrin when a supplier failed to deliver her CDs. She was in the midst of a European tour, her only income for which derived from the sale of merchandise after each performance. Without the CDs, she performed without payment. She, of course, still needed to pay her expenses and thus made a loss. In effect, she paid the audience.
I completely agree, and I was tempted to pull in other examples – I have so much to say! – but I was worried the post would be too long and no-one would bother reading it. As an artist/painter I am so often asked to do things for nothing (“for the exposure”!!); the musical concerts I work on hang by a thread, and I personally make a loss. I think all creative industries are under appreciated and the finances skewed. Everyone seems to think that if you write a kid’s book, you are in the JK Rowling bracket. Likewise with actors and musicians – people assume it is all glamour and success. But it’s not.
Absolutely brilliant piece, thank you, James. If only people understood better. That whole “I’ll spend £3.50 on a Low Fat Thai Chi Moccachino Latte with extra sprinkles but I won’t pay £3.50 for a full price e-book” mentality has been frustrating me forever.
Well said. Here’s good luck to you and all of us that fortunes may change. Write on! #EternalOptimist
Thank you Nicky, and here’s hoping that by raising this with the Society of Authors things can change!
Interesting blog James. Thanks for citing the research re authors earnings. Incase you are interested, you can see the rest of the report (What are Words Worth Now? and also Further Findings) here: http://www.alcs.co.uk/Resources/Research.
Best wishes,
Jade
Thank you Jade, I will revise the blog and incorporate your interesting research!
Well said, James. So few people realise that we get very little for the time we put in. I rarely get more than about 20p per copy and often far less. I write a lot of flat-fee books, and frankly an advance is effectively a flat-fee in most cases. I also write for one small publisher for zero advance. OK I get paid as soon as books sell, but it’s a gamble as they can discount and I get no say in it.
Excellent post James, these are my thoughts exactly. My income has plummeted since returning to the West, if it wasn’t for occasional commissions from Japan, a country which doesn’t discount books, I don’t know how I’d survive. I wasn’t in this country when that change in the law regarding discounting was passed, I don’t understand how it managed to get through. There needs to be a powerful, consistent and noisy campaign to change this.
Thank you for this piece, which I shall share, with your permission. I am a writer, all four of my grown up children are musicians – and one of them, poor soul, is a poet. I only make a living because I am now mortgage free. One of the previous suggestions said “then, when you make it big” assuming that would happen. No, it doesn’t. I still sell, but make it big? I think not!
I had no idea, James, of the extent of this but will think carefully about where I buy my books, that are not ebooks (I do have most of my books in electronic form as I travel a lot) and will now buy second hand rather than discounted whenever I can. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
You do rewalise that buying secondhand means nothing goes to the author?
I am with Miriam.. I would rather buy a second hand book or pass on my books to my younger siblings. Now that you have enlightened me with this knowledge which I was completely unaware of before I coming across your post, I will make sure not to bargain on books. Thanks James, that was really thoughtful of you to bring up this matter.
Thank you James. I don’t buy books from the catalogues for the reasons you have stated. I feel the author should own the rights to the book created not as it seems the publisher. As the owner with his protected rights the author should have a percentage of the millions earned from the sale of the book.
Our family are book lovers (and me a wannabe writer with one little book struggling amongst the millions on Amazon)
At first, being a book person, I disliked ereaders, and was slow in buying one but since doing so I have been able to buy and read hundreds of books that I could never previously afford. Sadly, an ereaders does not come close to being suitable for a children’s picture book. Which need to be seen and held, pages turned and illustrations close to in all their glory.
We could never afford to buy books for our children, except on special occasions, and all my books had to come from the library. I used to wander around Heffers in Cambridge, longing to buy some books. A secret ache for bookshelves like those I saw in windows of some Cambridge houses.
I always believed that publishing was/ is an elite profession and never understood why books were so expensive. If they produced them for less I’m sure there would have been more readers. And books can be produced more cheaply as you mentioned yourself.
I feel very strongly that authors have been mistreated for centuries.
I would like to see a tv programme devoted solely to books. New books, e-books, printing, publishing, historical documentaries. Authors, adverts, interviews. If I were young enough I’d start one! ?
I wish you well in your meeting with the Society of Authours. I know the work, energy and endless hours you put into your creations. It is sad when they are treated as ten a penny.
Fortunately, I can now go into a bookstore and buy a book of my choice. I also know some of the authors, who have shared similar grievances.
It is time for the authour to be recognised.
And James, wouldn’t it be a bonus if I could spell, ‘author’ !
Absolutely loved it and so did my 4 year old grandson. Thank you so much.
I too went to Chapel End school. I was one year older than Dorren . But I remember her being such a petite little girl where I was not . We all have our talents and mine was not ballet dancing.
I live in brundall, member of the brundall Local History Group, and knew this site, before it was more recently developed. Would love to know about your family memories of this area.
Thank you for saying all that, James. Well said.
This is very well put. Thank you James. You are so right and you help everyone by writing this – and by the way, I was blown away by reading – THEY GET TO KEEP YOUR ARTWORK!!! That’s amazing. That’s worth the fee even if you did nothing!!
Could you put a sharing button for facebook and twitter by your posts?
Thank you Anne… If I can work out how, I’ll add! (Digital numpty)
Spot on James. I’ve been a full time storyteller for 19 years and the struggle is real. More than ever now I’m asked to work for “expenses only”. I literally can’t afford to work! .. not on that basis. The bills are going up, my income is falling away.
You will understand that anything “arty” has little value in the UK today, certainly not in schools. The poorest relation seems to be storytelling – it’s just toddler fodder, to the general public. Unless you’re a celebrity of course. And nobody bothers to wonder how you leapfrog from jobbing author / storyteller / illustrator to the exalted realms of Rowling or Gaiman.
All I know is that, as an only child of unsociable parents, books and my own creative instincts saved my life. I believe the same magic – the same refuge – must be available to today’s young people, be that in hard copy books or any of the wonderful technologies that make it so easy to create and transmit words, music and film.
Schools need what we bring. Our creativity can reveal the purpose of slogging through those years of curriculum stuff: we model a life enriched by the arts. Our work, and sharing what we know, shows young people how learning the key skills opens up possibilities for fun *and* practical application.
It’s crazy and self defeating for schools to refuse to pay us. And the literature festivals… arts events… community organisations – nobody allows budget for performers / visiting arts people!
If we want a society in which only the rich and privileged can afford to work full time at creativity, then everything is going the right way.
Thank you Chloe – I agree with all you say. It’s a complication thing because it’s not just about a fee or no fee, but the many other ways in which our work is diminished, even if it is simply the insinuation that we should charge less, or are not really valuable. The arts here in the UK are at an all time low. Everyone compartmentalises, and art is seen as just pictures on walls, and a hobby, a luxury, a decoration. Of course art is so much more!
It is sculpture, printmaking, photography, fashion. It is the clothes you wear, the shoes you walk in. Art is the designer of the car you drive. It is the carpet on your floor, the sofa you snooze on. Art is the home you live in, the architecture around me now. It’s the design in theTV programmes you watch. the sets and costumes in the cinema epics or theatre you love. The computer games your children play. It is literature, word, poetry and prose. Art, design, creativity is the very essence of human behaviour. It is communication. It is that which sets us apart, it is that which records our very civilisation. It is our history. Without it, we are nothing.
It is also an economic triumph, for the creative industries continually inspire and surprise at their ability to adapt and regroup and still bring money and kudos as a world leader, to the United Kingdom.
WE need to, collectively, show teachers, parents, politicians, people… that arts in education is not only about very real professional opportunities. It’s not just about vocation – although it IS that too. It is also about creating fully rounded, culturally literate people who can experience and enjoy art, and find empathy and meaning from their own cultural history.
These things should not be the reserve of an elite (who barely appreciate them). This should be the fabric of all our lives, a means of expression and as you say, refuge. The fight continues!!! Thank you so much for commenting and I wish you all the best. X
Everything you have written applies to me. I write for a living. A financially illiterate thing to do. Advances are more like retreats these days. Festival bookings are great but are reliant on publishers setting them up. Royalties rely on books being stocked on shelves, UK wide and internationally. They need to be seen in order to be bought.
Schools provide a vital income boost. I have done my fair share of ‘free visits’ and will only do them rarely now, perhaps when a book first comes out and I’m doing school launch. I appreciate that budgets are tight in education but it becomes quite depressing for an author when you’re the only adult in a room not being paid.
Austerity has hit our pockets hard, as has the libraries closures. The rise of the self serving god-like online bookstore. The fearfulness of physical chain bookstores who stock big names and ‘celebrity-authored’ books, at the expense of lesser known writers. I could earn more working at a supermarket till.
I love writing. It is my job. It is my choice. But I didn’t choose to be exploited or made to feel guilty because of my decision. Authors bring a certain magic to a classroom. What we do is for life. We foster life-long memories. Ones that children can take away with them.
We generate sparks that will light up imaginations.
Surely that is worth something?
I wholly agree Alan – and so many people will say “Well you chose this job – hard luck!” But we did not choose the level of exploitation, on line sales, discount catalogues etc, that we currently endure. It’s insidious and increasing. Ultimately, all schools have a budget and how they spend it is up to them. They have to choose priorities. I understand times are hard – for us all. But I suppose if a school says they can’t afford us, at least that suggests they recognise the need to be paid. It’s being the only unpaid adult in the room, as you say, that is just not fair.
Well said!
Great post, James! I’ll be sharing it. I’m sorting out the school visits I’ll soon be doing this term and can I just put in a good word for the many schools who do pay our fees without question, who prepare their classes, whip up enthusiasm and sometimes even give us flowers? One school has even asked for my invoice months early so they can be sure to pay me promptly. Times are hard for all of us, schools included, and those who invest in us are also, I believe, investing in their students, while enabling us to carry on doing what we do. So thank you to them, and thank you to you for explaining to the others why it’s reasonable to pay for what they get.
SUCH an important point, which I really should have made more clearly. OF COURSE most schools DO pay, without a quibble (although there can sometimes still be a slight inference that we are being a bit greedy; I really *did* hear a teacher grumble that I “earned £500” a day and she wished she did; plus the widely held belief that we actually make real money from our books). And as you say, I am hugely grateful to them. But with shrinking school budgets, is there a danger that the dreaded freebie will make a come back?
Well said James. The way in which education has been reduced to a tick sheet of figures engenders this kind of nonsense. Teachers shouldn’t feel aggrieved because someone with a different skill set is paid to do something in an educational context. We’re all on site to help children learn and think. The more people you can bring into a school to offer differing perspectives on learning and development the better, surely.
But this ‘us and them’ and ‘value’ narrative is what happens when schools have to choose between an ipad, a classroom spruce up, books for the library or an author visit. It reduces it all down to nothing and the less tangible result is the easier it is to dismiss or devalue. In fact the temptation IS to devalue it because then you don’t feel inadequate for not having it.
It’s peculiar to this country and to the state sector. While the current government marginalise the Arts subjects as worthless and airy fairy you know that most ministers went to schools where the school had a debating society, a music department and a performing arts faculty all highly valued and funded. Whenever I go to a private school I sit in a nice theatre with a microphone and am surrounded by pupils and staff who realise and appreciate that the ability to think creatively and to express oneself eloquently are required in almost every business. Amazing how those who have benefited from that education find themselves in positions of power – mainly through the gift of oratory and creative thought – now want to deprive that chance to others. Or perhaps it isn’t amazing at all…
Just today I’ve been invited to speak in Cambodia for a week – not a rich country, nor a country known for fostering creative and questioning minds – however, they realise the value of both those skills and are prepared to not only pay for my time but my travel and expenses too.
When our children enter the workforce they are not going to be competing regionally or even nationally for jobs, they are going to be competing internationally. The kids in Cambodia will have been taught to think for themselves and create opportunity. Our state educated children will have been graded into subservience and won’t understand the value of anything that can’t be monetised. Meanwhile those who have benefited from a private education will have the opportunities and skills to succeed. If it wasn’t worth having I don’t think Eton, Harrow and others would waste time with it would they?
Couldn’t agree more Ciaran, and so beautifully expressed. It’s a constant frustration to me that the arts are compartmentalised as a frilly add-on, whereas, in fact, they affect every part of our lives, and inform our entire history and civilisation. To not value them is deeply troubling, but all too common. The fight continues!
Let’s say there’s a school with no budget for author visits. The children are mainly from poor backgrounds. The school is skint. There has never been an author visit. There may never be one. Those kids will leave school without ever seeing an author. It’s a special school, with the children having moderate to severe special needs. You bump into the librarian from the school. She shyly asks you if you could visit. She knows it’s a big ask, but she loves the children and wants the best for them. She thinks they might be able to scrape together £100 by raiding various budgets. You wouldn’t go. I did. I’m not claiming any special credit for this – I lacked the courage to look the librarian in the face and say ‘no’, no pay, no play. But nor do I think it’s in the top 1000 most immoral things I’ve ever done.
Slightly distressed that I spelled my own name wrong. I suppose that suggests the quality of author you get on the cheap.
Well it proves you’re not a bot 🙂
Thanks Anthony, for such a thoughtful comment. I was in a school just yesterday, visiting for free, as it happens. Another local illustrator asked me, and I agreed as a favour. They were opening a new library. I like to support libraries. I’m certainly not saying an individual should never do that, given the right circumstances. I, too, have that same lack of courage to say no! But I want to raise a few points as well here. I don’t believe, to begin with, that any such school exists, unless it’s on the cusp of closing. Every school has some kind of budget and how it is spent is up to the school to a large extent. If they pay teachers, pay support staff, pay visiting sports teachers, pay the caretaker, pay medical experts to visit, pay IT people to mend the internet, pay people to clean the toilet… what does it say, that someone in the arts is expected to be paid nothing, because of their job title? Is the librarian who is asking getting paid? Would he or she give up a couple of days salary? Chances are, all these people earn more than an *average* author. This isn’t about me BTW, I’m talking in more general terms. PTA funds, sponsorship… there are many ways to fund a school visit. It’s like the discount book argument. Of course I want ALL children to be able to buy books. But why is it always the creator or author who shoulders the fiscal burden? I regularly haggle/negotiate. I’d always rather something went ahead than not at all. I’m a pushover, I really am. Soft as butter. But there does come a point where, I think, people (not just teachers) need to be educated about how much authors earn and why we charge what we do. I’d like to add that most schools are marvellous and totally understand all this.
Fair points, James. I suppose I just have that guilt thing – we visit private schools, get well paid, and well treated, and we’re just another lovely service laid on for the posh kids. Then there are the schools where the kids never get anything … I don’t know, I honestly don’t. I wish I had another job, and could go back to writing for fun, ie daubing limericks on bus shelters using my own excrement.
Or anyone’s excrement. Don’t want to be accused of elitism or not caring about inclusion.
Phew, I was worried for a moment there….
I completely agree. Well, not so much about the excrement, perhaps, but everything else. I feel a bit uncomfortable in posh private schools in some respects (although I do sometimes see a different kind of deprivation there in a way). It’s also the case that some schools in poor areas get support and great teachers and have a real buzz to them and treat me with impeccable manners (and pay me without quibble), while some posh schools are so entitled and privileged, I’m nothing to them, because they had Prince Harry and JK Rowling visit last week. So it’s a complicated matter. It’s not just rich vs poor. I think any school losing pupils for whatever reason, is going to be losing money. Anyway, I didn’t mean to stir a hornets nest, just clarify WHY I charge, and what you get for the money. I’ll still do a freebie once in a while. When I do, I shall think of you.
Very elegantly put and you are entirely correct – a good author visit is a thing of wonder and does involve more than just the “show”. It’s hard work and everyone deserves to be paid for the effort they put in. I’ve seen it from both sides. I’ve done school visits as an author, but now work in a couple primary schools looking after their libraries. Sadly as they’re in one of the worst funded counties author visits are few and far between; £500 is more than half my book budget. Granted schools get to decide what they spend their money on, but when redundancies loom you know that things are tight (and we all do a stack of unpaid hours, so it’s not just visiting authors being asked to do stuff for nothing). Interestingly, I remember one author saying that he found the more he charged the better he got treated – and I think there’s something in that. There is a degree of valuing your product; if you’re not putting a value to it why would anyone else? On the other hand I was at an event for gifted and talented young writers and the (very famous) author running it told me (practically as his opening line) that he liked doing big schools because he sold more books. A practical assessment, yes, but crushingly dispiriting to hear at an event where he’s meant to be inspiring the next generation of authors.
Anyway, good luck with the latest book and I’ve no doubt your worth every penny – I’d love to have you visit and if there’s any way of pulling the funding together I’ll be in touch. All power to your elbow and that.
Thanks Paul… and yes, there is definitely a tendency for us emotionally fragile creative types to UNDER value ourselves. Certainly, it’s possible with FREE visits (even I do them sometimes) to be treated with indifference! I feel uncomfortable about the whole gifted and talented thing, and bigger schools = bigger book sales. That’s not why I do it. I rarely sell books, only if specifically requested to do so. AS you say, “crushingly dispiriting”!! For me, it’s about the visit, the children, and making it a positive and rounded experience, and yes, value for money. I actually have a sliding s ale of fees depending on several factors, “£500” was just a quick example. So who knows? Maybe I’ll get to one of your schools one day 🙂
I notice the majority of comments so far have come from authors so would like to show support from the teaching side. As a teacher working in a school that has asked James to visit multiple times I can without doubt say that we have absolutely had our money’s worth! The contact before visit is extremely thoughtful, you have accommodated our requests to work with multiple large groups throughout a jam-packed day, as well as fitting in a whole school assembly and a book signing after school. Let’s not forget the travel all the way to the Lincolnshire coast the day before and back again on the day – what an exhausting experience, yet from the enthusiasm, the carefully crafted interactions with the children, the skill with which you help them develop their watercolour work – you would never know! I absolutely look forward to your visits, as do the children, and I hope it is something that my school will continue to value for years to come. You are helping to inspire and raise the aspirations of future generations – to me, £500 is a small price for us to pay! (That’s not me telling you to put your price up though!)
Thank you John, that is a very generous response. I certainly don’t want to antagonise schools – I LOVE visiting and I’m hugely grateful to the vast majority, who understand it is my livelihood. I know I always come away from your school feeling appreciated, and knowing the children have definitely benefited, because of the careful arrangements on both sides. I think very few people realise how small a return authors commonly get from their books, or how much unsalaried prep time is involved in a successful school visit. But we authors LOVE what you do in schools too. In fact, I think another blog about brilliant schools is in order soon… 🙂
Hi James, this is brilliant. All the school visits I have ever organised for you have been delighted with you. They appreciate the hard work that goes into the preparation for the day, and have felt you offer great value for money. I often suggest that independent schools invite local state schools to enjoy author visits, and they often do. They will send their mini buses to collect children as well.
I am part of a Literature Festival in a couple of weeks, we expect to pay our authors and have several in schools inviting in other schools. The festival is run as not for profit by a group of volunteers as a community venture. All our money comes via sponsorship, donations etc. Carry on the great work please.
Very best wishes Rosie (independent book seller)
Thank you James for a brilliant article explaining some of the home truths about author visits etc. There have also been some wonderful comments from other authors and also from teachers. I had the pleasure of hearing you speak recently at a conference and loved hearing about your work and of course about “Gaspard the Fox”. Keep up the good work.
Looking forward to it,James!
What a wonderful blog post, James. Short, intriguing and with a dash of magic. Plus I now know about books that you’ve written that I can go and discover. May the seeds of this book grow into a garden of delights that you never even expected!
Hi James,
Have just found this page while looking for photos of my Dad who dressed up as Charles Dickens in the. pageant you mentioned
I also dressed up in and was part of the pageant that went down the main Street.
Wondering if there are any photos of my dad ?
Probably at the primary school with you.
Ps We lived in the mill at Lound.
Congratulations James: very well deserved (and about time too!)xx
Fantastic news James. Congratulations on all these nominations. Sarah
Such wonderful news James, congratulations! And so lovely to see the photos of the children and their reaction to your book. That’s priceless. And congratulations once more!
It’s all very much appreciated! We love Katie and Ella Bella and all the other books, the concerts you do are unique and fantastic. My children love orchestral music and painting from watching you, and winning a gorgeous piece of art from the Nutcracker concert topped it all off – it’s all so generous of you!
Keep doing what you’re doing in 2019, and don’t forget to come back to Herts lots and lots!
Sounds like an extraordinary and very moving concert.
I always associate Elgar’s cello concerto with WW1 – so brooding yet lyrical.
Gurney of course did not die in the war although it could be said he did. Two other composers killed on the Somme with Butterworth are Willie B Manson and Frederick Kelly. Such a waste of life. Such an enduring horror.
Thank you James for your informative workshop in Bungay yesterday. It was very inspiring and full of useful tips to take on board – I now have some idea of how to take my own story forward. Best wishes Mary Gundry
Perhaps the themes of warmth, kindness, friendship and forgiveness are needed again in today’s wildly turbulent, blame and hate-filled times? Congratulations James and Joyce. Delighted for your both. I shall look out for your books.
Absolutely…. more than ever. Thank you.
They will be in my list fui or my literature hungry grand daughters. Hang on, James and Joyce, haven’t i heard that before somewhere?
Haha! Definitely names with pedigree!
So excited to buy these treasures for our Mouse and Mole, who found themselves in these stories as University students and who love them still even now they are few years older (but not any more grown up)!!! They can hardly wait for the new adventures.
That’s so lovely…. Hurrah!
Dear James, it’s Rachel Hickson here, Librarian at James Allen’s Prep School in Dulwich, we had a wonderful visit from you two years ago around World Book Day. I am absolutely thrilled to read this. Such an unexpected joy for both of you and what a boon to children’s literature and a new generation of Mouse and Mole readers! I will definitely be stocking these in our school Library! Best wishes, Rachel
What a truly heartwarming story. The books and characters look wonderfully reminiscent, taking me back to my own childhood. Congratulations to you both for rekindling your creative partnership and getting these back out there to be enjoyed by all. Exciting times are ahead for Mouse and Mole ?
Sounds like a truly extraordinary, collaborative, multi-media project/performance. How gratifying it must have been for all involved… especially the children and families… Such a great opportunity to build community, and also inspire the very young and the very young at heart : )
The despair and desolation of war is depicted so well in the first painting – and the second brings together those feelings with remembrance and hope so perfectly. What a fitting and beautiful tribute.
The despair and desolation of war is depicted so well in the first painting – and the second brings together those feelings with remembrance and hope so perfectly. What a fitting and beautiful tribute.
James I came along to you “interview” of (with) Jackie recently at Bishops Stortford College. My daughter, Evangeline, and I are huge fans of yours already but we didn’t know Jackie’s work as well. I say that but I bought Lost Words last year and Tell me a Dragon years before that. The evening was enchanting. Jackie was enchanting. Someone who, like Ratty, would help you put the world to rights again over tea and a biscuit. I’m in awe of you both and it was a great privilege to be able to see you both. I have since bought the Audible version of Lost Words too as I move between illustration and spell. The spells we can listen to in the car now! Thank you for inspiring and uplifting and bringing magic back into the world. Elizabeth & Evangeline x
Thank you Elizabeth! I felt very honoured to chair Jackie’s event, and there was so much more to say… but it was a lovely evening and I’m so glad you were able to come. Thank you for the kind words about my own work, I’m very touched.
Hello Scott
I always go to have a coffee and cake at the bakery/tea shop in Lound, which I discovered by chance driving from Somerleyton. I first went with a dear friend some years ago who has since died. While browsing the books on display I learned about “Mardling in Suffolk” and bought my own copy of the book.
I took photos in Blundeston including the village sign, house, inn, church and pound. I love David Copperfield.
Hi James,
I hope that you are well.
Yesterday, I read about your Children’s Book Illustration course in Spain in May and since reading about it, I haven’t been able to think of anything else other than how I could make this happen.
Since meeting at an international school in Surrey some years ago, I’ve been spellbound with your beautiful approach to storytelling for creating meaning, and haven’t lost the drive to develop my own interests.
I can imagine that the course is now fully booked, but I would definitely love to do this in the future, whether in the UK or Spain. Quite simply – I am sold. Is it booked up?
In the event that I will need to wait until the timing works for me (as I am tied down to term time teaching), what do you see as the prerequisite artistic skills for getting the most out of the experience, so that I can prepare myself?
With best regards,
Fran Bidwell
(formerly Artist in Residence Coordinator and now secondary teacher -Theory of Knowledge)
I like your art and I especially liked your one of venus. I went to today’s concert and was surprised to see you painting with the music.
Thank you so much! I loved every minute – such wonderful music!
I hope it sounded fabulous. I played this with my school orchestra back in 1985 and it was the best fun I’ve had with a violin!! Your blog has bought back hoot memories.
Iv been looking for this book since I was a child!!! I illustrated some of the drawings and haven’t seen it since it was first out in the art centre
So looking forward to Netherton Primary School enjoying this feast of music, art and storytelling!
Good morning, JamesI very much enjoyed reading about Brundall Gardens, not least because my mother, Janet Muter restored the garden, starting back in the 1980s, and our children and grandchildren have had as much delight and pleasure in roaming the gardens, using their imagination, and we have had many magical evenings down by the lake, watching the wildlife. Sadly, my mother has recently passed away. She has written a book about the gardens called restoration of a garden which you might find of interest. Thank you again for your wonderful blog , Best wishes, Benny Harston
Hi I am interested in booking this course next year x
Hello Clare!
You’d be warmly welcomed! Next year the dates are September 17th – 24th, a really lovely time to be in Andalucia. Hope you can make it! To register interest, here’s the link: https://granadaculturalholidays.com/childrens-book-creation-2024
Hello, is there a link yet for this event’s ticket? Please could you release the tickets now? Thank you!
Hello! Here’s the link, and I’ll update the website now.https://www.promsatstjudes.org.uk/musicevent/a-brush-with-music
Hello James
IM very interested in your course! Where do I find the cost please- for full board and also for just the course ?
Hello Caroline,
The course is only offered as a full-board, because the setting is quite remote, there are few options for self-catering locally. All the food is hand-prepared on site, and is typical seasonal Andalusian food. The next course will be September 2024, and you can find full details, and request costs, here: https://granadaculturalholidays.com/childrens-book-creation-2024
Hi James
I am Max Stringers great, great granddaughter. My grandfather is Patrick stringer who was his grandson. It’s so amazing seeing pictures of my grandads stories. Would you have any more pictures you could share? My grandad has dementia now but remembers the past so well it would be lovely to see if you had any pics of places that jogged his memory.
Thanks
Hannah
Hi James
Do you think you will run a course in May 24? I can’t make the September one because I’m teaching – but was hoping there might be one that lined up with a half term.
Thanks
Rachel
Hi James,
I love your illustrations. They are so uplifting. I belong to a very small local art group in Hoddesdon who are trying to get a space for local artists. Hoddesdon is quite an under privileged town so the power of art is much needed. We potentially have a venue(Hoddesdon Studio) but was looking for someone like yourself who has such a great reputation to possibly help us raise some awareness of what we are doing and the venue. Do you think you maybe able to help in anyway? Thanks. James
I grew up at 46 Macdonald Road E17, same as Doreens she lived at no.3. My dad used to fix her brother Les’ motor bikes. He used to race them as a semi-pro but was tragically killed in France returning from a meeting.
tony bannister