I just got back from a thoroughly inspiring weekend at the
SCBWI conference (
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators). I'll tell you more about it shortly, when I have more time (it was way down in Winchester, so I've loads of train sketches to show you too).
Today though, despite my mile-long 'To Do' list, I have really got to get on with reworking a text, while the buzz is still with me!
They are a lovely bunch at the SCBWI, and I would urge you to check them out if you are in the biz. 
Before I go though: a quickie reminder that my book with Ian Whybrow, Stinky! goes out on Bookaboo TODAY on CiTV, at 12:00 and 15:15. It is to be read by Maisie Smith of Eastenders.
Following on from Charlotte’s post the other day, I thought I would put together a list of a few of the books my family loves, which focus on that special bond between grandchildren and their grandparents.
I have already talked about the Katie Morag books, in which both her grandmothers are central. I wish we’d known about Nigel Gray’s A Balloon for Grandad when we lived abroad; as it is, we discovered it recently in our local library. Illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Jane Ray, it deals in such an uplifting way with the separation which is sometimes inevitable when generations live a long way from each other. Then there are Ana Baca and Anthony Accardo’s Benito books – look out for a review of their latest bilingual title Benito’s Sopaipillas/ Las Sopaipillas de Benito in next week’s update of PaperTigers (I’ll add the link to this post when it’s available).
We also love Raymond Briggs’ typically quirky story The Puddleman. You have to be an indulgent grandfather to allow your grandson to lead you around by a dog-lead attached to your wrist and call you “Collar” - but the hint at the end, where Briggs thanks “Miles” for “the naming of puddles, Collar” etc. would suggest that he had real-life, grandson inspiration for the story! It’s a loving, imaginative tale that also provides a particularly special read-aloud experience. Since it is a cartoon strip, you can’t just read it as a narrative; you have to share the interpretation of the pictures alongside the reading of the dialogue and build it up together.
Sometimes we need books to help us talk about the illness or death of a beloved grandparent. (more…)
Author: Ian Whybrow (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Tony Ross (on JOMB)
Published: 2001 Carolrhoda Books
ISBN: 1575055503 Chapters.ca Amazon.com
Full of snappy wit and hilariously scrawled illustrations, these clever and sweetly cheeky adventures crack us up not only as we read them but again and again as we toss about their hilarious expressions in our daily life.
Other Little Wolf books which we have read and often rave about:
P.S. Little Wolf left us a comment about our conversation with Ian Whybrow interview here! Arooooo!
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Mark speaks with author Ian Whybrow about writing children’s books that adults will enjoy reading (over and over) and gives us some background on the creation of our favourite Little Wolf.
Participate in the conversation by leaving a comment on this interview, or send an email to [email protected].
Photo: Harpercollins Children’s Books
I will of course keep you posted about who they decide is going to be the wee, smelly warthog's new friend, and when it is scheduled to be broadcast.
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Love the blog, have just started one of my own and a huge inspiration to see how creative a blog can be!
Keep up the great work!
P.S Love, love, love the 'Insulator' poster, quite possibly best gift ever recieved
Thanks Michael. Glad you like my Insulator too!
So good to meet you - loved your talk - watching illustrators as work is like magic to me...