Nosy Crow's Blog, page 56
September 13, 2019
Tickets for the next Nosy Crow Masterclass are on sale now
Last week we announced the return of our hugely popular Nosy Crow Masterclasses – and today we’re delighted to say that tickets for our next masterclass, How to Write Picture Books, are on sale now!
This will be an 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 guidance about what comes after – finding an agent, understanding a contract, and international selling.
As part of the day, there’ll also be the opportunity to receive one-on-one manuscript critiques for anyone who has chosen this ticket option and sent along writing samples in advance. And there’s also a saver ticket option for those of you would like to attend the masterclass, but don’t have a manuscript ready for critique yet.
The masterclass will take place on Saturday November 23rd, here at the Nosy Crow office (14 Baden Place, Crosby Row, London SE1 1YW), and Early Bird and Saver tickets are available now.
Ticket price includes lunch, tea and coffee breaks throughout the day, and a glass of wine at the end of the day. 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!
I, Cosmo is now available as an audiobook
Today we’re delighted to share a brand new audiobook edition of I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak – a moving, funny, and tender story for 9-12 readers, with a wonderfully unique hero and an incredible voice. And you can listen to the first chapter of the new audiobook edition here!
Currently being championed as Waterstones’ Children’s Book of the Month, I, Cosmo is Charlotte’s Web meets Little Miss Sunshine – a beautiful and heartwarming story of one dog’s attempt to save his family, become a star, and eat a lot of bacon.
Wonderfully narrated by Matt Reeves, you can buy the audiobook of I, Cosmo from Audible, Amazon, and Apple now – and you can listen to a preview of the audiobook below.
You can also read the opening of the book below:
You can find a copy of I, Cosmo in your nearest branch of Waterstones – and you can also buy a signed copy of I, Cosmo (numbers are strictly limited!) online from Waterstones, here.
September 12, 2019
Icarus Was Ridiculous is out today!
We’re proud to announce that Icarus Was Ridiculous – written by Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Thomas Flintham, and published in collaboration with The British Museum – is flying into bookshops today! This ninth instalment in the hilarious, award-winning Baby Aliens series, features laugh-out-loud retellings of Greek myths which are a fun way for young readers to learn about Ancient Greece.
Izzy LOVES all the stories the Ancient Greeks told! She can’t wait to tell her friends about Icarus, who was a TOTAL NUMPTY, and the Trojan Horse, which ended a war and wasn’t even REAL! Pull up a plinth and enjoy all the DRAMA of the original Greek myths – now with even more SANDALS!
Here’s a preview of this RIDICULOUSLY funny new book:
We’ve also created some handy activity sheets which are ideal for schools, libraries, and bookshops – or just great fun for you to try at home! Can you uncover the mystery from these Icarus-themed symbols? Think you’ve got what it takes to draw your own Greek statue or write your own Greek myth? Click here to download the activities!
Order your copy of Icarus Was Ridiculous from our website here, or from Waterstones or The Hive.
And why not sign up to our books newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of our books news at this page, or with the form below, and you’ll never miss a thing.
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September 10, 2019
Win a bundle of Nosy Crow books with I, Cosmo and the Summer Reading Challenge
Today we’re delighted to share a very exciting creative writing competition, inspired by Carlie Sorosiak’s incredible new book, I, Cosmo, in collaboration with the wonderful Summer Reading Challenge.
Got what it takes to write from another PAWSPECTIVE? We’re challenging children aged 12 and under across the UK to channel their inner Doctor Dolittle and enter the competition to draw their dream pet – and write from its point of view!
You could win a fantastic prize – a year’s subscription to The Week Junior and a bundle of Nosy Crow books worth over £100! Five runners-up will win a copy of the book. The competition will be judged by Carlie Sorosiak herself, who will pick the very BEST OF THE LITTER!
You can find out more about the competition and enter here.
To enter, visit the competition page where you can download the competition sheet – and also find details on where to send your entries! The competition closes on Friday 8th November 2019.
And here’s the first chapter of I, Cosmo:
If you haven’t picked up a copy of I, Cosmo, you can find one at your local Waterstones branch – and you can also buy a signed copy (numbers are strictly limited) here.
September 9, 2019
Eleven of the best books about bears for toddlers!
Next month we’re proud to be publishing The Best Kind of Bear, written by Greg Gormley and illustrated by David Barrow – a heart-warming picture book that encourages children to accept themselves and all their wonderful uniqueness, featuring a cuddly hero and bags of humour. And to celebrate its publication, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite books about bears for toddlers!
The Best Kind of Bear, written by Grey Gormley and illustrated by David Barrow
We start off our bear-themed list with The Best Kind of Bear, publishing in October.
When Nelly asks Bear what kind of bear he is, he isn’t entirely sure how to answer. So off he goes to find out . . . But none of the different bears he meets on his travels are like him. Grizzly bears don’t have funny stitches; polar bears don’t have washing labels attached to their bottoms; spectacled bears are simply not as soft and bouncy as him; and sunbears never wear smart bow-ties. So, disheartened, he returns to Nelly . . . only to discover EXACTLY what kind of bear he is after all – her own special bear!
And you can take inside the book below:
Where’s Mrs Bear, by Ingela P Arrenhius
Our next bear book is one of the latest in our best-selling Felt Flaps series. Five beautifully illustrated spreads show a series of friendly autumnal animals (including Mrs Bear) hiding behind bright felt flaps. And there’s a mirror on the final page! With soft felt flaps for little hands, this is the perfect book to share with little ones.
Bizzy Bear series, by Benji Davies
No bear list would be complete without Bizzy Bear and his adventures! Featuring fun interactive sliders, these board books encourage little ones to get involved with the storytelling. In the latest instalment, Bizzy Bear: Train Driver, Bizzy arrives at the station just in time to start his exciting new job – as a train driver! Join him as he guides the big green steam engine through the city, across the level crossing, and then up into the high mountains. But where are he and his passengers going, and will they get there on time?
Here’s a video of the full series:
Because I Love You, written by David Bedford and illustrated by Rebecca Harry
Our next cuddly tale is a firm family favourite which is sure to warm the hearts of readers young and old!
It’s bedtime for Little Bear, but as his mummy settles him in bed, he wonders if he’s had enough love that day. So Mummy Bear takes Little Bear on a journey, reminding him of everything they’ve done during the day and, most of all, the love they’ve shared.
Take a look at the painterly detail and adorable characters below:
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, illustrated by Ed Bryan
This classic bear tale needs no introduction – a brilliantly simple and playful retelling brought to life by Ed Bryan’s vibrant illustrations!
When Goldilocks gets lost in the woods, she finds herself at a cosy little cottage. She is delighted to find three bowls of porridge on the table, three chairs in the living room and some very bouncy beds in the bedroom. But little does Goldilocks know, this cottage belongs to three bears, and they’re on their way back home…
Here’s a preview of the first few pages:
The Boy and the Bear, written by Tracey Corderoy and illustrated by Sarah Massini
The Boy and the Bear is a wonderful story about friendship and belonging, perfect for sharing on a frosty autumn or winter evening – featuring lots of snow and beautiful illustrations that capture the change of seasons, this is an unmissable bear book!
When a lonely little boy receives an invitation to play written on a paper boat, it seems that he has found the best friend he’s been longing for – at last! But Bear isn’t quite the playmate the boy had imagined. If only he knew how to play games properly! But when Bear starts to build a treehouse, the boy is intrigued and a magical summer begins. As autumn passes and the first winter snowflakes start to fall, the boy is left alone, and only then does he truly realise what he has lost… Until at last spring comes again and the friends are joyfully reunited with a very special hug!
There’s a Bear On My Chair, by Ross Collins
Award-winning author Ross Collins is known for his funny and original books – and this book is no exception! There’s a Bear On My Chair is perfect for fans of Jon Klassen and will have children laughing out loud.
Poor Mouse! A bear has settled in his favourite chair and it just isn’t big enough for two. Mouse tries all kinds of tactics to move the pesky Bear but nothing works and poor Mouse gives up. Once Mouse has eventually gone, Bear gets up and walks home. But wait – is that a Mouse in Bear’s house?!
And here’s a look inside:
Nothing Can Frighten A Bear, written by Elizabeth Dale and illustrated by Paula Metcalf
This next book on the list is a brilliant bedtime story – a humorous, heart-warming tale for little bears who are scared of the dark or think they may have heard a monster…
Daddy Bear insists that nothing can frighten a bear – but when there’s a noise in the night, Baby Bear isn’t convinced. The bears set out to make sure there aren’t any monsters but, as they vanish one by one, it looks like Daddy Bear might not be so brave after all!
Goldilocks and Just One Bear, by Leigh Hodgkinson
Leigh Hodgkinson reimagines the familiar fairytale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, bringing her unique style of illustration and a brilliant twist on the original tale.
Many years have passed since Goldilocks caused chaos at the Bears’ house in the woods – but what happens when Little Bear wanders into the big city where Goldilocks now lives? Goldilocks is now grown up with a family and a rather smart apartment, so how will she react to coming home and finding that a very lost bear has been scoffing porridge, breaking chairs and sleeping in beds? Will she be cross, or is finally time to make amends?
Take a look inside below:
A Bear is a Bear, written by Karl Newson and illustrated by Anuska Allepuz
Filled with charming illustrations and wonderful rhyming text, this is an unmissable bear book that really makes readers feel they are with Bear every step of his journey.
When one sleepy bear wakes up early from his winter sleep, he’s confused. Is he a bird? Or a moose? A fox perhaps? Or even a squirrel? No! He’s definitely a bear, and it’s time this bear went back to sleep…
That Bear Can’t Babysit, written by Ruth Quayle and illustrated by Alison Friend
And last but not least, we have a delightful story filled with mischief!
When Mr and Mrs Burrow hire a babysitter, they are not expecting Bear. And Bear is NOT expecting seven little bunnies who are full of mischief. Together, the bunnies persuade Bear to read a scary book, give them sweets and chocolate spread for dinner, and go crazy with the garden hose! But when the bunnies find Bear sailing the high seas in a make-believe ship, suddenly he isn’t such a bad babysitter after all. When Mr and Mrs Burrow return, all the bunnies are peacefully tucked up in bed… Well, almost all of them.
We hope this list has given you some bear book inspiration – and we’d love to know your favourite books about bears on Twitter!
September 6, 2019
The Nosy Crow Masterclass is back
Today we are very happy to announce the return of the Nosy Crow Masterclasses.
It’s been a little while since our last event, but we are very pleased to say that we’ll be holding our next Masterclass, another edition of our hugely popular How to Write Picture Books event, on November 23rd.
We’ll be announcing the programme and line-up of speakers for the Masterclass, along with information on buying tickets, next week.
If you’d like to be the first to hear when and how you can book your place, sign up to our books newsletter, either at this page or with the form below – subscribers will receive early booking information. Our previous How to Write Picture Book Masterclasses have sold out in a matter of hours, so if you’re interested in attending, our newsletter is the best way of securing your place.
We hope to see you there!
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Watch Carlie Sorosiak discuss the inspirations behind I, Cosmo
We’re thrilled that I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak is Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month! Readers seem to be loving it so far, with many of you sharing photos of the book spotted in bookshops around the country. And today we’re delighted to share a video of Carlie discussing the inspiration behind I, Cosmo – you can watch it below.
Cosmo’s family is falling apart. And it’s up to Cosmo to keep them together. He knows exactly what to do. There’s only one problem – Cosmo is a Golden Retriever. I, Cosmo is a moving, funny, and tender tale for 9-12 year olds, with a wonderfully doggy hero and a unique voice, perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead and Kate DiCamillo.
You can also read the opening chapter of the book here:
You can pick up a copy of I, Cosmo in your nearest branch of Waterstones – and you can also buy a signed copy of I, Cosmo (numbers are strictly limited!) online from Waterstones here.
We’re sharing lots of I, Cosmo news throughout September! If you’ve already read the book, we’d love to hear from you – get in touch or share a photo with us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
Thank you again, Waterstones, for championing I, Cosmo. We hope you all adore this book as much as we do!
September 5, 2019
Come and work for Nosy Crow: we’re hiring a Production Assistant
We have an incredible opportunity for a hard-working and super-organised individual with the right to live and work in the UK to join our team at Nosy Crow as a Production Assistant on a full-time basis, working in our London office near London Bridge.
The role of the Production Assistant is to assist the Production team in the production of our full-colour and black and white books and help in the processing, circulation and approval of materials and in communicating with our suppliers and in-house departments.
We are a small team and we value the experience and creative input that we can all provide to help shape our products to be the best they can be.
Key responsibilities and tasks:
Assist in the production of mono reprints and with the view to taking on sole responsibility for them over time
Handle the ebook conversion of all mono titles through Faber Factory, ensuring that files are converted accurately and that full metadata is supplied
Process all incoming material – ensuring it is approved or distributed in a timely manner
Collate proof and advance quantity requirements – gathering information from internal departments and communicating them with external suppliers, and assist the Production team in the ordering of material in preparation for Book Fairs
Providing some general office administrative support
Key skills, characteristics and capabilities:
Outstanding organisational skills
Accuracy and a keen eye for detail
Strong numeracy skills
A collaborative and co-operative approach
Can-do attitude and a willingness to ‘muck-in’ when required
A strong interest in children’s publishing and the book production process
Some experience of working in a book production department or publishing environment is advantageous but not essential
To apply please send your CV and an email outlining why you want to work in production and for Nosy Crow (no more than 500 words please) to Imogen Blundell (imogen@nosycrow.com). Please also tell us where you heard about this position.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 19 September 2019.
Nosy Crow is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that employing a diverse workforce is an important factor in success and make recruiting decisions based on applicants’ experience and skills. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.
Out now in September!
It’s our September publication day!
We’ve got some wonderful new books out this month – from brand new felt flap and interactive board books for babies and toddlers, to beautiful new picture books, illustrated non-fiction, and wonderful new fiction, there’s something for everyone!
You can watch our new books video below, showcasing all of our brand new books:
Here’s a closer look at what you can find in bookshops now from Nosy Crow.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, by Nicola Slater:
Where’s Mrs Bear?, by Ingela P Arrhenius:
Where’s Mrs Witch?, by Ingela P Arrhenius:
Bizzy Bear: Train Driver, by Benji Davies:
Bizzy Bear: Book and Blocks Set, by Benji Davies:
Flip Flap Frozen, by Axel Scheffler:
Little Owl’s Bedtime, written by Karl Newson and illustrated by Migy Blanco:
Heidi, written by Jeanne Willis and illustrated by Briony May Smith:
What Will You Dream of Tonight?, by Frances Stickley and illustrated by Anuska Allepuz:
You can buy the book here. The paperback edition also comes with a Stories Aloud recording – find out more here.
The Rabbit, the Dark and the Biscuit Tin, by Nicola O’Byrne:
You can buy the book here – now available in paperback. The paperback edition also comes with a Stories Aloud recording – find out more here.
National Trust: Step Inside Homes Through History, written Goldie Hawk and illustrated by Sarah Gibb:
WildLives: 50 Extraordinary Animals that Made History, written Ben Lerwill and illustrated by Sarah Walsh:
Press Out and Decorate: Halloween, by Kate McLelland:
Clifftoppers: The Fire Bay Adventure, written by Fleur Hitchcock and illustrated by Tom Clohosy Cole:
Spectre Collectors: The Rise of the Ghostfather, by Barry Hutchison:
An Owl Called Star, written by Helen Peters and illustrated by Ellie Snowdon:
Congratulations to all of today’s authors and illustrators!
September 4, 2019
Watch the trailer for WildLives: 50 Extraordinary Animals that Made History
Tomorrow we’re excited to be publishing WildLives, written by Ben Lerwill and illustrated by Sarah Walsh – a fascinating and touching non-fiction book about 50 extraordinary animals from around the world!
This captivating collection gathers heart-warming, surprising and often emotionally powerful stories of bravery, discovery and friendship. Featuring a range of animals – from heroes and helpers to adventurers and achievers and many more – young readers will discover some of the most famous and unforgettable animals of all time. Compelling and visually arresting in equal measure, this is a perfect introduction to just some of the amazing animals whose wild lives have made history.
And today we’re thrilled to share the trailer for the book!
“Fifty extraordinary animals that made history, in a collection that reveals heartwarming and emotionally powerful stories of bravery, discovery and friendship.” — Fiona Noble, The Bookseller
You can take a look inside WildLives below:
You can order your copy on our website, through Waterstones, or on The Hive.
And don’t forget to sign up to our books newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of our books news at this page, or with the form below, and you’ll never miss a thing.
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