Nosy Crow's Blog, page 40

Q&A with Nikki Miles illustrator of Be Kind, Be Cool, Be You!

Illustrator Nikki Miles sat down with her editor, Victoria England, and designer, Holly Phillips, to discuss Be Kind, Be Cool, Be You: Inspiring Words to Live Your Life By – a chunky little book packed with positive messages, wise words, and pick-me-ups.

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We’d love to find out about your journey to becoming an illustrator…

My journey to becoming an illustrator started when I was at university about 10 years ago, while I was studying graphic design & illustration. I always loved drawing and painting, but I didn’t know that you could do it as a job. So as soon as I started to study illustration, I knew that this was the perfect career for me. I mean, who wouldn’t want to draw every day and get paid for it.

When I graduated, it soon hit me that being a freelance illustrator wasn’t a straightforward career. At the time the UK was in a recession, and with the illustration industry being so competitive, I struggled to earn a wage as an illustrator. I eventually got a job as a graphic designer which I really enjoyed, but I never let go of my dream of becoming an illustrator, to the point where I was thinking about it all of the time!

So, while I was working full-time as a graphic designer, I used all of my spare time to carry on illustrating and I ran a small online shop selling my art on greetings cards and prints. One day in 2016 a publisher contacted me and asked if they could stock some of my card designs in Paperchase. Having my cards stocked in a high street retailer gave me a confidence boost. And this kept me going until two years ago, when I decided to leave my job and become a full-time illustrator.

Now I spend my days creating commercial artwork for things like advertising, products, magazines and books. I am proud to say I’ve worked with global brands like Apple, Coca Cola, Penguin and Snapchat. And of course, my book Be Kind, Be Cool, Be YOU! is being published in October which I am beyond excited about!

Your work is packed with so many positive messages. What gave you the idea to create your #100DaysOfIllustrationForGood project?

Last year I found out about a free online art project called #the100dayproject that anybody can join in with. It takes place every spring, you just create a project and make a piece of art for it every day, for 100 days and share it on Instagram with the hashtag. At the time I was feeling a bit tired of seeing so much negativity in the news and online, and I thought that maybe other people felt the same as me. This inspired me to do #100DaysOfIllustrationForGood where I created 100 illustrations sharing positive and reassuring messages for anybody who needed to see it.

Even though I didn’t finish it within 100 days, I still completed the 100 pieces of artwork. I think I kept going because I had such an amazing response from people, who sent me messages and comments about how much my work helps and reassures them in some way. Lots of people shared my work on their own social media accounts, and this really inspired me to keep going because it meant that my work could reach and help even more people.

What advice would you give to any young artists hoping to challenge themselves to 100 days of illustrating?

Here are a few tips that I learned along the way:

I would say give yourself a head start and create artwork for your project before the 100 days begin. Just so you have a few extra pieces to post when you’re busy or too tired to work on your project (we all get those days)
Write a list and make rough sketches of what you’re going to draw. Always keep adding to it so you never run out of inspiration and ideas.
Set aside an hour or two to work on your project each day, at a time that works for you. For me, it’s early morning before work starts or on the weekend.
I worked on 5 or 10 designs all at the same time in batches. I find doing this really helpful to bounce off my own ideas and see how my illustrations and colour palettes are working together.
Don’t put yourself under loads of pressure to work on your project and post on Instagram every day. Remember that no one is going to notice if you miss a day here and there! It’s supposed to be fun and not a chore, so be gentle with yourself and go at your own pace.

We’re incredibly proud to publish Be Kind, Be Cool, Be You because it’s your first ever book. Huge congratulations! What did you enjoy the most about creating it?

I am so excited to be publishing my first ever book! It’s something I’ve always dreamed of, but I didn’t think it would actually come true! The whole book was an absolute joy to work on and knowing that it’s going to help others and inspire kindness around the world makes me feel really proud. If I had to choose my favourite part of the process, it would be digitising my paintings and adding colour. I really enjoy working on illustration layouts and thinking of all of those colour combinations.

Every page of the book is like an explosion of colour and texture. How did you create the artwork??

All of my artwork is a mixture of traditional painting and digital magic. I paint the lettering, illustration elements and textures by hand with black inks, pens and pencils. Then I put it all together digitally on my Mac and add colour. Sometimes I draw digitally as well with my Wacom tablet or iPad and mix it in with my traditional paintings. I know I could easily draw everything fully digital but I am a very hands-on kind of person and I enjoy making a mess with all of my art supplies! Also, I just love the beautiful imperfections and unexpected results you get from working by hand.

Holly and I found it impossible to be stressed out while we working on this! Did you come across any challenges and if so how did you overcome them?

I was working on the book throughout the pandemic and a lockdown in the UK. Like lots of people, I found it unsettling and stressful at times, with some unexpected personal situations to deal with. Some days I found it impossible to focus and be productive because of the worry and uncertainty. At the time I think I was probably watching the news and using social media a bit too much, and it was making me anxious. So, I had a bit of a digital detox (while still staying informed) which really helped me stay positive and it meant I could continue to focus on our amazing book! I was actually very grateful to have such an optimistic colourful project to focus on while the world turned upside down.

It’s so hard to pick a favourite page from the book because they’re all important, but we’ve given it a go! Victoria likes “Everyone is on their own journey” and Holly’s favourite is “Throw kindness around like confetti”. Is there a message that feels particularly special to you?

Yes, it’s quite difficult to choose a favourite, there are so many good ones! Ok so if I have to pick one it would be “You don’t have to be perfect to be wonderful” this page always stands out in my mind, and I think it’s because the message really resonates with me. It’s comforting to know that I’m allowed to be imperfect, messy and make mistakes while still being wonderful J

We love creating books that children will treasure forever. What was your favourite children’s book growing up and why?

This is another hard question because there are so many beautiful children’s books that I love! I think out of all of them my favourite book as a child that I still treasure is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. I know it’s probably lots of people’s favourite, as it’s such an iconic picture book! As a child, I found the book was a feast for my eyes! It was really engaging and relatable; from the colourful collaged illustrations to the caterpillar’s eaten holes through the pages. And not forgetting the big butterfly surprise at the end. Even now, I still love the book and I think Eric Carle’s collages are just beautiful.

And finally, we’re nosy crows, after all, so please could you tell us about a typical workday and maybe give us a peek inside your studio…

My working day typically starts around 9am with a coffee at my desk in my cosy home studio. I normally catch up with emails and get any boring admin stuff out of the way in the morning, so I can start working on my creative projects. Next, I will get my notebook out and organise the day. I always write a to-do list so I can stay on track! I enjoy working on client commissions throughout the day along with making illustrations for Instagram and designing new products for my little online shop; where I sell my art on cards, prints and stickers. I do really get into my work, so I often eat lunch at my desk.

When I need a screen break in the afternoon, I pack up any new shop orders. My cat Luna loves to get involved, by knocking pens off the desk and playing with my packing supplies, which keeps me on my toes. I’m lucky enough to live in Epping Forest so I try to get out for a walk in the woods most days, but it doesn’t always happen when the weather is bad or if I have a lot of deadlines. My working day ends around 6pm although I can lose track of time and end up working later!

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Thank you, Nikki. What a lovely home studio!

You can take a look inside the book below:

Pre-order the book.

And if you’d like to stay up-to-date with all of our book news, you can sign up to our books newsletter on this page.

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Listen to Dashe Roberts’ Sticky Pines playlists!

Last week we published The Thing at Black Hole Lake – the second book in the spooky, fun, and fast-paced Sticky Pines series, by Dashe Roberts. And today we’re sharing two playlists, or ‘fantasty soundtracks’, curated by the author to complement the books!

The first book in the series…

When twelve-year-old, UFO-obsessed, Lucy Sladan sneaks out in the middle of a thunderstorm to investigate the unexplained disappearances in her hometown of Sticky Pines, she finds more than she bargained for: a huge hairy creature, a thirteen-year-old stranger named Milo Fisher and a deep-rooted secret…

Listen to The Bigwoof Conspiracy playlist:

And the second book in the series…

Milo, loyal to his double-crossing, business-mogul father, has taken a trip to Black Hole Lake, leaving Lucy to continue her search into alien life and the Truth that she knows is out there. Milo’s discovery of a sinister, dark creature in the Lake will put them both in terrible danger and also – if they survive their adventure – make them friends again.

Listen to The Thing at Black Hole Lake playlist:

You can pick up a copy of The Bigwoof Conspiracy here and The Thing at Black Hole Lake here. And if you’d like to stay up-to-date with all of our book news, you can sign up to our books newsletter on this page, and you’ll never miss a thing.

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Take a look inside a new Felt Flaps book – Where’s Mrs T-Rex

This month we’ve published a new book in the best-selling, award-winning Felt Flaps series, illustrated by Ingela P Arrhenius – Where’s Mrs T-Rex. And today we’re sharing a video of the book, which you can watch below!

Designed for little hands, with soft felt flaps, bright artwork, and a mirror at the end, these board books are perfect for sharing with babies and toddlers. From Mr Unicorn to Mrs Witch, Mrs Ladybird to Mr Narwhal, there are now eighteen books in the series collect.



Earlier this year we published Where’s Mrs Queen and Where’s Baby Chick – you can watch a video preview of each book below:



Buy the book.



Buy the book.

You can buy a copy of Where’s Mrs T-Rex from Waterstones, Hive, or our website. If you’d like to stay up-to-date with all our book news, you can sign up to our books newsletter with the form at the bottom of this page.

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Take a look inside Be Kind, Be Cool, Be You: Inspiring Words to Live Your Life By!

Next month we’re very excited to be publishing Be Kind, Be Cool, Be You: Inspiring Words to Live Your Life By –  a chunky little book packed with positive messages, wise words, and pick-me-ups, illustrated by new talent, Nikki Miles.

And today you can take a look inside the book – view some of the vibrant artwork below!

This bright, chunky paperback gift book is the perfect package for anyone who needs to feel uplifted and empowered. Designed to build confidence, boost resilience and spark mindfulness and joy, there are over 150 inspirational messages alongside cheerful artwork, encouraging everyone to be kind, be cool, be you!

Be Kind, Be Cool, Be You will be available on October 1st – you can pre-order a copy here. If you’d like to stay up-to-date with all of our book news, you can sign up to our books newsletter at this page, or with the form below, and you’ll never miss a thing.

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New books out in September!

It’s our September publication day! We’ve got a fantastic collection of new children’s books coming your way today – with brand new board books, picture books, illustrated non-fiction, activity books, and middle-grade fiction in shops, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a closer look at the new Nosy Crow books you can find in bookshops, and online, this month.

Where’s Mrs T-Rex?, by Ingela P Arrhenius

Buy the book.

Jeremy Worried About the Wind, written by Pamela Butchart and illustrated Kate Hindley

Buy the book.

What Are Little Girls Made of?, written by Jeanne Willis and illustrated Isabelle Follath

Buy the book.

We’re Going on a Pumpkin Hunt!, written by Goldie Hawk and illustrated Angie Rozelaar

Buy the book.

Wanda’s Words Got Stuck, written by Lucy Rowland and illustrated by Paula Bowles

Buy the book.

Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright: An Animal Poem for Every Day of the Year, with poems selected by Fiona Waters and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup

Buy the book.

British Museum: Press Out and Decorate: Fantastic Creatures, by Kate McLelland

Buy the book.

National Trust: Mother and Daughter Dress-Up Dolls: Fashion From Long Ago, written by Gracie Swan and illustrated by Felicity French

Buy the book.

YouthQuake: 50 Children and Young People Who Shook the World, written by Tom Adams and illustrated by Sarah Walsh



Buy the book.

Sticky Pines: The Thing At Black Hole Lake, by Dashe Roberts

Buy the book.

My Life as a Cat, by Carlie Sorosiak

Buy the book.

A Forever Home for Pip, written by Linda Chapman and illustrated by Sophy Williams

Buy the book.

Congratulations to all of our incredible authors and illustrators with books out today! If you’d like to keep up-to-date with all of our book news and future releases, you can sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page.

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Watch Carlie Sorosiak read from her upcoming book, My Life as a Cat

Next month we’re delighted to be publishing My Life as a Cat – the brand new novel by Carlie Sorosiak, author of the highly-acclaimed, Waterstones Book of the Month, I, Cosmo.

And today we’re incredibly pleased to share an exclusive reading from the book by the author – you can watch Carlie read from My Life as a Cat below:

With beautiful writing and a truly unique voice, My Life as a Cat is a heart-warming adventure, reminiscent of E.T and perfect for fans of Flora and Ulysses – a wise, funny, and moving story of what it means to find a family.

Here’s a look inside the book – you can read the opening chapters of My Life as a Cat below:

My Life as a Cat will be in shops in September – you can pre-order it from Waterstones here, from Hive here, and from Amazon here.

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Little Angel Theatre and Toby Olié create a puppet performance of Ross Collins’ picture book, There’s A Bear On My Chair

Today we’re delighted to share puppeteer Toby Olié’s performance of There’s a Bear on My Chair – the award-winning picture book by Ross Collins! Performed entirely from Toby’s home, with music by Adam Pleeth, the puppet show of There’s a Bear on My Chair is streamed by the Little Angel Theatre, and you can watch it below:

And you can also take a look inside the book below:

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Watch the video for Meekoo and the Little Nursery

This month we’ve published Meekoo and the Little Nursery – the second book in the Meekoo sound button board book series, written by Camilla Reid and illustrated by Nicola Slater. Meekoo and the Little Nursery is a fun board book for toddlers, with five sound buttons to press, and bright artwork – perfect for toddlers who are starting nursery.

And today you can take a look inside the book and see the sound buttons in action!

Meekoo is going to nursery today and there’s just so much to do. All little readers will love to hear the nursery sounds as the children play music, bounce the ball, and even flush the loo! But when Bo and Pim leave Meekoo out of their game, how will Meekoo cope? By making a new friend and having lots of fun, of course!

Buy the book.

If you’d like to stay up-to-date with all of our book news, you can sign up to our books newsletter at this page, or with the form below, and you’ll never miss a thing.

The post Watch the video for Meekoo and the Little Nursery appeared first on Nosy Crow.

Watch the latest in our Listen to the… sound button book series – Listen to the Seaside!

This month we’re delighted to have published a new book in the Listen to the… series by Marion Billet – Listen to the Seaside, featuring seaside sounds.

Designed for babies and toddlers, this fun, interactive sound button series has a button on every spread that play high-quality sound effects or music. Little ones will love pressing the sound buttons and joining in with the music or real-life sounds!

Today you can look inside the new book! Watch the video below:

You can buy your copy of Listen to the Seaside, here. And don’t forget, you can stay up-to-date with all of our book news at this page, or with the form below.

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Take a look inside There’s a Mouse in My House

This October we’re thrilled to be publishing There’s a Mouse in My House – the long-awaited sequel to There’s a Bear On My Chair, from award-winning author and illustrator, Ross Collins. There’s a Mouse in My House is a delightfully funny story, perfect for sharing at bedtime.

And today, for the very first time, you can take a look inside the book!

The tables have turned in this fantastically funny rhyming picture book. This time, it’s Bear who has an unwelcome guest, and that cheeky mouse just won’t leave. He’s making a real commotion in Bear’s house – eating all the food, listening to loud music and even spilling bathwater all over the floor! But when there’s an unexpected knock at the door, Bear decides that perhaps mice are actually rather nice!

Here’s a look inside the book:

There’s a Mouse in My House will be published this October – you can pre-order a copy from Waterstones here, Hive here, or Amazon here. And be sure to check out other hilarious picture books by Ross Collins, There’s a Bear on My Chair, This Zoo is Not For You, What Does An Anteater Eat, and This is a Dog.

If you’d like to stay up-to-date with all of our book news, you can sign up to our books newsletter at this page, or with the form below.

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