Nosy Crow's Blog, page 163
February 10, 2015
A book launch fit for a princess!
Last week we published Princess Daisy and the Dragon and the Nincompoop Knights, written and illustrated by Steven Lenton – and in today’s guest post, Steven shares with us how he celebrated the book’s launch!
To celebrate the publication of Princess Daisy & the Dragon & the Nincompoop Knights last Thursday, we held a book launch party at Pickled Pepper Books. We put up bespoke bunting, balloons, and baskets of goody bags along with an exhibition of original artwork and prints from the book.
The evening was a great success and it was lovely to see friends, family, work colleagues and fellow authors and illustrators all having a lovely time.
My wonderful niece Hannah who I based the character Princess Daisy on was on hand to help me sign the books:
Then two days later on Saturday morning it was time for the premier children’s event for Princess Daisy!
It was another shop full! This time filled with lots of children keen to hear the story and to join in with some dragon drawing and crown/tiara making which they really got stuck into:
Some Shifty McGifty fans travelled afar too to hear the first book reading and to meet the beautiful, especially hand-made baby dragon!
A big thank you to Pickled Pepper Books and all the parents and children who came along on Saturday.
It’s been a wonderful start for the book and I have had lots of tweets and photos of Princess Daisy on book store shelves from independent shops to WHSmith and Waterstones:
I think my favourite tweet has to be from a lady whose 3 year old was inspired by the story to make their own Playmobil Princess Daisy character riding on her cow – how fab!
It’s so lovely to see that the book has inspired readers already and has captured the imaginations of children around the UK.
Thank you, Steven! Princess Daisy and the Dragon and the Nincompoop Knights is out now – you can take a look inside the book and watch a trailer below, and order it online here.
February 9, 2015
The verdict on the first Nosy Crow Masterclass: How to Write Children's Fiction
This Saturday the Nosy Crow office was a hive of activity, as we hosted our first Masterclass: How to Write Children’s Fiction – a packed day of inspiring, creative and enlightening sessions to a sold-out audience.
We had FANTASTIC talks from Nosy Crow’s fiction editor, Kirsty Stansfield, The Rescue Princesses author Paula Harrison, literary agent Gemma Cooper, The Secret Hen House Theatre author Helen Peters, fantasy author Ellen Renner, Nosy Crow founder and Managing Director, Kate Wilson, and The Grunts author Philip Ardagh
As well as these individual talks, we also offered one-to-one manuscript critiques to all of our attendees, along with lunch, cakes, wine, and lots more. I thought it was a great day: a lively, energetic atmosphere, lots of ideas, and a wonderful crowd. Here’s what some of our attendees said on Twitter afterwards:
NosyCrow</a> thank you for much wisdom and cakes. Which is actually one and the same x</p>— Dom De Plume (headfirst_dom) February 7, 2015
Thank you so much NosyCrow</a> for a really enjoyable, constructive and inspiring children's writing masterclass - it was great.</p>— Joanna Hunter (jothehunter) February 8, 2015
thank you NosyCrow</a> for a very thought provoking masterclass on Saturday. It was definitely worth the trip from Cumbria!</p>— Natalie Gordon (NatalieGord) February 8, 2015
One of our attendees also blogged about his experiences on the day:
My day at the NosyCrow</a> Children’s Fiction Masterclass - <a href="http://t.co/McLPeUIqxP">http://t.co/McLPeUIqxP</a></p>— John Fulton (johnkfulton) February 8, 2015
I was particularly happy about the last line of John’s review: “I don’t know if Nosy Crow will be running any more of these courses … but if you ever get the chance to attend one, grab it with both hands.”
We haven’t announced details of the next Fiction Masterclass, but if you’d like the opportunity to attend, sign up to our books mailing list – subscribers get early access to tickets, and this one sold out incredibly quickly!
February 6, 2015
How I made Princess Daisy: a guest post by Steven Lenton
Yesterday was publication day for a fantastic new picture book, Princess Daisy and the Dragon and the Nincompoop Knights, written and illustrated by Steven Lenton – and today, Steven shares with us what went into creating this brilliant book.
I absolutely love all things fairy tale and have always dreamed of creating my own fairy tale world one day. So it was a real thrill when Kate from Nosy Crow called me a couple of years ago to say that she liked my idea for a little fairy tale story that I had emailed to her.
From a little idea originally entitled ‘The Knitted Knight’ inspired by the image of a knight wearing knitted armour which was in turn inspired by a slot on Anneka Rice’s Radio 2 show called ‘Knight in Shiny Pyjamas’ (don’t ask – inspiration comes in all forms!) we have created a lovely, funny fairy tale that I hope will inspire and entertain new generations of fairy tale lovers.
Developing the story, tweaking the plot details and designing fresh, appealing characters took quite a long time but the past couple of years has been really fun sketching, writing, meeting and collaborating with the Nosy Crow team. Princess Daisy’s editor Louise has really helped me to get the best from my initial idea and guided me with my first written text and designer Steph has been very generous with her gold foil and helped make the book look really special.
The book has changed quite a lot from its inception with various ideas for endings (one involving the Dragon wearing a ‘onesie’ which didn’t make the final cut!) and originally the story was in prose, but we felt that it would be a more fun and entertaining book if we made it a really fun rhyming tale.
Once the book was finished and sent off to the printers it was time for a glass (bottle) of vino then on to plan a bit of marketing and publicity which is one of my favourite parts of the book publishing process.
I designed a book trailer, bookmarks, badges, bunting, stickers and postcards all ready for the launch.
I was really excited to be able to create a lovely window display in Pickled Pepper Books, the venue for the books exhibition, launch party and first children’s event this Saturday where I will be reading the book with ALL the voices, drawing some dragons and doing some crafty crown-making!
The piece de resistance is the real life Baby Dragon which is going to accompany me to all of my school and festival events! Of course she isn’t a REAL dragon, but for the children who I read to, the Baby Dragon will come to life and will be a real highlight for them. I can’t wait to see their faces when I introduce them to this super cute creation!
I would like to thank everyone at Nosy Crow for helping me to create such a fun book, it really has been a wonderfully collaborative effort. Also thank you to my fantastic family and friends for their ongoing support.
I hope that everyone who reads Princess Daisy will enjoy it and have a good giggle as they read the very silly antics of the Nincompoop Knights!
Thank you, Steven! Princess Daisy and the Dragon and the Nincompoop Knights is out now – you can take a look inside the book below, and order it online here.
February 5, 2015
It's our February publication day!
Today’s our February publication day! We’ve got some truly brilliant new books out today: we’re launching a new novelty series, a fantastic new fiction series, publishing two brand new picture books (and two paperback picture book firsts), and releasing one INCREDIBLE sequel. Here’s what you can find in shops today:
We’re launching a fantastic novelty series by Jo Lodge – Slide and Seek. These brilliantly bonkers board books combine toddler-friendly slider mechanisms with Jo’s wonderful bold art. With a novelty you just can’t stop playing with, and a cast of crazy animals in the unlikeliest of places, these will go down a storm with parents and children alike. The first two books in the series are There’s a lemur in my laundry! and There’s a panda in my picnic!
It’s publication day for a VERY exciting new picture book – Princess Daisy and the Dragon and the Nincompoop Knights by Steven Lenton! This is an absolutely FANTASTIC picture book from the illustrator of Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam – it’s funny, charming, and brilliantly illustrated – with a wonderful message, that anyone can be brave… and that princesses are QUITE capable of saving the day themselves! Here’s Steven’s hilarious trailer for Princess Daisy:
And here’s a look inside the book:
A Lullaby for Little One, written by Dawn Casey and illustrated by Charles Fuge, is out today – a beautifully lyrical lullaby with absolutely stunning artwork. Here’s a look inside the book:
The paperback edition of Nuts in Space, by Elys Dolan, is in shops now – a truly STELLAR story. An elite crew of furry animals have found the Lost Nuts of Legend, a mythical snack rumoured to give the bearer unimaginable blessings such as teeth that never need brushing, rooms that never need cleaning and underwear that never needs changing. Now all they have to do is go home, but everyone is starving, the Star Nav is broken, and it was a REALLY bad idea to stop at the Death Banana. Will the crew ever find their way home? And, most importantly, will they get there before someone EATS the Lost Nuts of Legend?
Here’s a look inside the book:
And the paperback edition of Toot Goes to Dinosaurland, by Catherine and Laurence Anholt, is out now as well! This adorably inquisitive new character from a much-loved picture book team is perfect for dinosaur-mad pre-schoolers. Here’s a look inside the book:
Today marks the launch of a BRILLIANT new fiction series for 7-9 year olds, with the publication of The Shark-Headed Bear Thing, written by Barry Hutchison and illustrated by Chris Mould – the first Benjamin Blank adventure. In an alternate 15th century, where dragons roam, sailing ships transform into submarines, and blacksmiths build steampunk robots, ten-year-old orphan Benjamin Blank battles monsters, rescues maidens and discovers fantastic new lands, but never quite manages to get his homework handed in on time. Here’s a look inside the book:
And finally, we’re INCREDIBLY proud to be publishing The Farm Beneath the Water by Helen Peters – the stunning follow-up to the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize-shortlisted The Secret Hen House Theatre. The book has all the same hallmarks as its predecessor: great writing and an emotionally engaging, entertaining narrative. It’s PERFECT for 9-12 year olds who love a brilliantly-told story.
Hannah’s farm is facing a new threat – a water company wants to flood the land to make a reservoir. How can she stand by and watch as the land her family has farmed for generations, and the wildlife, all disappear under a deluge of water? Hannah won’t go down without a fight, and the school play might just be the answer… When the going gets tough, the tough take to the stage!
Here’s a look inside the book:
Congratulations to all of today’s authors and illustrators!
February 4, 2015
A new Harper Lee novel after 55 years, and the books we'd like to see sequels to
Yesterday afternoon the Nosy Crow office was entirely taken over with talk of the news that a second book by Harper Lee would be published this summer – 55 years (!) after the publication of To Kill A Mockingbird.
And the plot has thickened, as details of the new book, Go Set a Watchman, have emerged: Lee wrote the novel before To Kill A Mockingbird, only to be asked by her editor to shift the perspective of her main character from that of an adult looking back to one of a child describing events as they took place – and thus Scout Finch was born. And only now, so many decades later, has the first effort apparently re-emerged: simultaneously a sort of prequel and sequel to Lee’s masterpiece.
And so, naturally, we’ve been discussing which other books we’d like to see sequels for. Our conversation quickly turned into a debate on whether this is ever a wise thing to wish for: certainly, there’ve been occasions when an unexpected sequel turns out to be an unexpected delight, but more often it seems the case that they turn out to be disappointing and unrewarding experiences; promising much and delivering little (I’m thinking specifically of books that were originally intended as one-offs, here, and not of stories that were ALWAYS intended as series).
But that caveat aside, here are the books we’d like to see continued:
Tom:
I’d LOVE (/ am terrified at the prospect of) a sequel to I Capture the Castle. And I’m very pleased to see that there IS now a sequel to Five Children and It, Five Children on the Western Front, which I’m looking forward to reading for the next Nosy Crow Reading Group.
Ola:
The Secret Garden for SURE. I know there is a film Back to the Secret Garden but I really don’t think it counts. Also Once on a Time by A.A. Milne. I can’t, right now, remember how it ends, but it was so clever and hilarious that I’d like to read more about the same characters. For non-children’s books, it turns out that my wish is coming true already: I’ve just found out that there will be a sequel to Life After Life by Kate Atkinson.
Kirsty:
I’d like there to be a sequel to Two Weeks With the Queen by Morris Gleitzman. I want to know that Colin is all right.
Dom:
My mind’s a blank! Instead, please can I tell you a sequel I have owned for years – signed and hardback and EVERYTHING- but can’t bear to read because then it will be OVER … The Harsh Cry of The Heron by Lian Hearn. I LOVE the Tales of The Otori. I look at it on my bookshelf whenever I finish a book and think …NOW? And I just can’t. And it’s been YEARS since it was published. One day, perhaps…
Joanne:
I’d love a sequel to Judy Blume’s Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself.
I recently re-read this and was totally blown away by how much detail I remembered, and how fascinated I was (and still am) by Sally’s life. I’d love to know what happens when she returns to New Jersey after her year of adventure in Miami, and when she grows up. I like to think she kept on thinking up stories, and one day found her very own “Latin lover”!
Kate:
The Knife of Never Letting Go. The Dark is Rising. Northern Lights. Little House on the Prairie. Anne of Green Gables. Little Women. Oh. Wait… Actually, it’s worth saying that two of these – The Dark Is Rising and Little House on the Prairie – are themselves sequels.
So many of the books I loved as a child are either in series already or they’re such complete narratives (The Secret Garden, The Little White Horse), that you’d hesitate to mess with them.
And then, of course, a sequel can make you feel really glum – Jo’s Boys and Little Men and those later Anne of Green Gables are just dreary.
Tom’s taken I Capure The Castle, so I’ll say that I’d read a sequel to A Gathering Light: I like those novels – the one from my own childhood that made a huge impact on me was A Sound Of Chariots by Mollie Hunter – that end with the protagonist, usually a girl who’s almost grown up – just on the cusp of entering the world. They really make me want to know what happened next.
Catherine:
Have always wanted Gillian Cross to write a sequel to the The Great Elephant Chase. And Oliver and I, after reading Fattypuffs and Thinifers, would love to discover any other children’s books by Andre Maurois.
Mary
I’m racking my brains, but with little success. Like Kate, all of my favourite books as a child were either part of series or very neatly contained within a single book. And then there are some desperately disappointing sequels which almost ruin the original, Morning is a Long Time Coming (the sequel to Summer of My German Soldier) being foremost in my mind.
I would LOVE to know why the father in The Railway Children was taken away but I suspect his prison diaries might not make the most child-friendly of books.
And now, over to you – which book would like to see a sequel to? And are you looking forward to – or dreading – Harper Lee’s new book? Let us know on Twitter or in the comments below!
February 3, 2015
Announcing the final speaker for the first Nosy Crow Masterclass: How to write Children's Fiction
This coming weekend we’re holding the first ever Nosy Crow Masterclass: How to Write Children’s Fiction – an intensive, all-day writing masterclass, with sessions from authors, editors, agents, and staff at Nosy Crow, all focussed on writing fiction for children.
We’ll be joined on the day by speakers including Nosy Crow’s fiction editor, Kirsty Stansfield, The Rescue Princesses author Paula Harrison, literary agent Gemma Cooper, The Secret Hen House Theatre author Helen Peters, fantasy author Ellen Renner, and Nosy Crow founder and Managing Director, Kate Wilson. And today we’re very happy to announce our final speaker… it’s none other than The Grunts author Philip Ardagh!
The subject of Philip’s session on the day is a CLOSELY GUARDED secret, but I can promise that it’ll be a fantastic addition to the day. And if you’d like a taste of what’s in store, here’s the opening of The Grunts in Trouble, the first book in the hilarious series:
The How to Write Children’s Fiction masterclass is completely sold out (as is our recently announced second masterclass, How to Write Picture Books) – but if you’d like to be kept informed of our upcoming events, you can sign up to our books newsletter here, and you’ll be the first to hear when our next Masterclass dates are announced.
February 2, 2015
Win copies of our life science story app, Rounds: Parker Penguin!
Today, for no reason in particular – other than perhaps because it’s so very cold outside – we have an EXCELLENT giveaway for readers of this blog. We’re offering copies of our award-winning Rounds: Parker Penguin app to everyone who signs up to our apps mailing list – for one day only!
Winner of the 2013 FutureBook Innovation Award, and one of USA Today’s top 10 apps for kids for 2012, this highly-acclaimed app is the second in our fantastic Rounds series. Just like Rounds: Franklin Frog, Parker Penguin combines a charming and accessible story with a bold, graphic illustrative style, hugely innovative interactivity, animation, voicework and original music throughout, and LOTS of fun facts – perfect for both home and the classroom.
You can help Parker do all the things that penguins do best – waddle, slide, swim, hunt, march, dance, protect their eggs, help a chick to hatch and shed its down – and then start all over again with Percy! Along the way, there’s lots to find out about penguins and the Antarctic – did you know that penguins can dive over 500 metres underwater? Or that they can hold their breath for 20 minutes when they are hunting?
You can watch a preview video for the app at the top of this post. To win a free copy, all you need to do is sign up to our our mailing list and email tom at nosycrow dot com with “Parker Penguin” in the subject heading.
If you’ve already got the app, you can still receive a free promo code, and gift it to a friend – or if you’re already signed up to our mailing list, why not share this offer with someone else so they can receive a copy of Parker Penguin!
January 30, 2015
How to Write Picture Books: A Nosy Crow Masterclass
Last year, we launched a new programme of Masterclass events, beginning with a one-day class on writing children’s fiction (which is taking place in just over a week).
Although we were fairly confident that there was an appetite for this sort of event, based on feedback we’d received from attendees of our Nosy Crow Conference, we had no idea exactly what level of demand to expect – and so we were absolutely amazed when tickets for the first masterclass sold out within 24 hours.
And when we announced the first event, the one question that we received over and over again was if or when we’d be holding another masterclass specifically for picture book writing. We knew this something we wanted to do – and so today, we are very pleased to announce our next Nosy Crow Masterclass: How to Write Picture Books.
This will be another intensive, all-day writing masterclass, with sessions from authors, editors, agents, staff at Nosy Crow, and more – all focussed on writing picture books. There’ll be practical suggestions, advice on every aspect of writing, from rhyme and scansion, to editing a text, working alongside illustrators, understanding the format, and more – and guidance about what comes after – finding an agent, understanding a contract, and international selling.
As part of the day, there’ll also be one-on-one manuscript critiques for every attendee (for anyone who has sent along writing samples in advance). Our first confirmed advisors for these sessions are Nosy Crow’s Managing Director Kate Wilson, Editorial Director Camilla Reid, and Head of Picture Books Louise Bolongaro.
The masterclass will take place here at the Crow’s Nest – 10a Lant St, London, SE1 1QR – on Saturday April 25th.
Ticket price includes tea and coffee breaks throughout the day, lunch, and a glass of wine – and cake! – at the end of the day.
Early Bird tickets are available now – you can buy them here, or with the form below.
Event Registration Online for How to Write Picture Books: A Nosy Crow Masterclass powered by Eventbrite
We’ll be announcing more details about the day, with speakers and a list of sessions, very shortly.
Places are extremely limited, so if you’re interested, get yours now – we hope to see you there!
January 29, 2015
Our story starts at midnight... Watch a trailer for Princess Daisy and the Dragon
Princess Daisy and the Dragon and the Nincompoop Knights, the hilarious new picture book written and illustrated by the one and only Steven Lenton, will be out in exactly one week – and today you can watch the brand new animated trailer for the book for the first time!
This is an absolutely FANTASTIC picture book from the illustrator of Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam – it’s funny, charming, and brilliantly illustrated – with a wonderful message, that anyone can be brave… and that princesses are QUITE capable of saving the day themselves!
When a truly terrifying sound wakes the inhabitants of a fairytale kingdom, it takes clever Princess Daisy to realise that the culprit of this dreadful din is a dragon, but the three knights who answer the king’s call prove to be nothing but NINCOMPOOPS!
But what’s this? Riding a cow and armed with a book rather than a sword, a fourth mystery knight dares to enter the dragon’s den. But who can it be…? Plucky Princess Daisy of course!
Here’s a look inside the book:
We’re immensely proud to be publishing Steven’s first solo picture book – and what an incredible book this is. Fans of fairytales and strong female characters (and dragons…) will absolutely LOVE Princess Daisy. You can pre-order the book online here – and keep an eye on the @NosyCrowBooks Twitter feed, where there’ll be a competition to win a copy next week!
January 28, 2015
Pamela Butchart Draws her Life
Here’s something GUARANTEED to brighten up your day: Pamela Butchart, author of the Red House Children’s Book Award-shortlisted Baby Aliens Got My Teacher, draws her life!
Watch the video at the top of this post to learn the memorable moments of Pamela’s life, in her own words (and pictures).
And if you haven’t discovered Pamela’s HILARIOUS novels, here’s a look inside Baby Aliens Got My Teacher:
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