Nosy Crow's Blog, page 98

There’s one last-minute place available for the upcoming Nosy Crow Masterclass

A little while ago we announced the return of our Nosy Crow Masterclasses, with another edition of our How to Write Picture Books event, taking place on Saturday September 9.

The masterclass sold-out in record time – but one place has been made available at short notice, so if you’re interested in attending, and didn’t manage to get a place before, now’s your chance! There is strictly one place available, and it’s first-come, first-served.

You can book your place here:

And you can find the full-line up for the day, and more information about the masterclass, here.

We hope to see you there!

Take a look inside What’s Next Door – the new picture book from Waterstones Children’s Book Prize-winner Nicola O’Byrne

Next month we’re incredibly happy to be publishing What’s Next Door – a brand new picture book from Nicola O’Byrne, illustrator of Use Your Imagination, The Last Book Before Bedtime, and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize-winning Open Very Carefully. And today you can take a first look inside the new book!

Carter, the crocodile hero of Open Very Carefully, is back and he’s NOT happy. All he wants to do is find his way home, but he can’t get there by himself – he needs YOUR help! In this unique interactive book, with brilliantly designed die-cut pages, children are encouraged to take part in the story, to create a door in the page and use their imagination to guide Carter into new environments, from stormy seas to hot deserts and icy lands. But will that cranky croc and the little friends he’s made along the way ever find their way home?

Here’s a look inside What’s Next Door:

What’s Next Door will be in shops in September – you can pre-order the book online 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 at this page, or with the form below.

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Recommended summer reads from Amnesty International

Amnesty International UK has compiled a list of recommended books for young readers to enjoy this summer, and we’re delighted to see two Nosy Crow titles included: There’s a Bear on My Chair, by Ross Collins, and How To Look After Your Dinosaur, by Jason Cockroft.

Amnesty’s top picks explore and celebrate human rights – including themes of family life, justice, racism and the refugee crisis – and have been selected for three age ranges: younger readers (3-7 years); junior readers (8-12 years); and teens (13-16 years).

In their citation for the book, Amnesty call There’s a Bear on My Chair (previously the recipient of the inaugural Amnesty CILIP Greenaway Honour) “a witty portrayal of activism and peaceful protest”. Here’s a look inside the book:

Buy the book online.

And Amnesty call How To Look After Your Dinosaur “a humorous guide for prospective dinosaur-owners and a story about friendship.” Here’s a look inside the book:

Buy the book online.

You can read the full list of Amnesty’s recommended summer reads here.

Come to the next Nosy Crow Reading Group – we’re discussing The Explorer by Katherine Rundell

The Nosy Crow Reading Group is back!

After a summer hiatus, we’ll be returning in September to discuss The Explorer, the brand new novel by the multi-award-winning author Katherine Rundell (subject of one of our earliest reading groups, in 2014, for Rooftoppers). Philip Pullman has called The Explorer “a triumph”, and Lauren St John described the book as “the best Amazon adventure since Journey to the River Sea. A bold, beautiful celebration of hearts with claws.”

We’ll be meeting on Tuesday, September 26th at 6.30pm, at the Nosy Crow offices – Baden Place, Crosby Row, SE1 1YW – for a discussion of the book (along with wine and crisps). If you’d like to come along, just register for a place with the form below, or at this page.

You can buy a signed copy of The Explorer online from Waterstones here.

We hope you can join us!

It’s our August publication day!

It’s our August publication day, and there are some wonderful new books from Nosy Crow out this month – here’s what you can find in shops today!

It’s publication day for A Tiny Little Story: Zoo, the second in the incredibly stylish A Tiny Little Story series from the highly regarded greetings card illustrator team Lisa Jones and Edwards Underwood. With colourful pictures, simple words and a crinkly tactile page, these charming little books are perfect for the tiniest of babies. Each book also has a Velcro strap, to secure to a buggy, inside a cot, or wherever else they’ve decided to read that day. Presented in a sturdy box with a see-through window, Zoo is a beautifully designed cloth book package – the perfect gift for a newborn.

It’s publication day for Cat Learns to Listen at Moonlight School, the latest adventure in the Moonlight School series, written by Simon Puttock and beautifully illustrated by Ali Pye. Miss Moon is taking her class on a magical moonlit nature walk, but Cat spies a glittery firefly and suddenly… she’s LOST! Luckily there are lots of clues for her friends to follow and, soon, they are reunited with a very relieved little Cat who’s learnt a valuable lesson. This fabulous third book in the series is a gentle, heart-warming story about the importance of staying safe by listening to grown-ups and not wandering off. Here’s a look inside:

Buy the book online.

The Colouring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Unicorns and Rainbows is in shops today – a fantastic activity book where you can colour in, tear out and create 24 unique card and envelope designs. Designed by Rebecca Jones, and in partnership with The National Trust, it also comes with a sheet of colourful stickers to seal your card, before sending it to a friend, relative, or favourite teacher. The stunningly detailed designs are perfect for children and adults alike!

Buy the book online.

We are ac-chew-ally unbelievably thrilled to be publishing You Can’t Make Me Go to Witch School today. Daisy Wart, a Shakespearean actress with grand ambitions, is categorically NOT A WITCH, but she’s been left by her grandmother at Toadspit Towers School for Witches so now she’s FURIOUS. How will she become a famous star of the stage now?! Daisy soon gets drawn into the mysteries of Toadspit Towers, and discovers that she even has a few unexpected and (rather annoyingly) magical surprises up her sleeve… Bubbling over with brilliant artwork from Jamie Littler, and written by exciting new talent Em Lynas, this is the first in a magical new school series that’s perfect for fans of The Worst Witch, Harry Potter and Malory Towers. Here’s a look inside:

Buy the book online.

And we’re also launching a second brilliant fiction series today with A Pony Called Secret: A New Beginning, the first book in a brand new series by Olivia Tuffin, author of the Palomino Pony books. Alice adores her young pony, Secret, even though he’s always getting into trouble… if only Secret were easier to train! But a chance encounter with the mysterious Finn changes everything. He’s the most daring rider Alice has ever seen, and different from anyone she’s ever met. Might he hold the key to Secret’s future success? These are pony books with all the classics ingredients, full of acton, adventure and a genuine love of horses. Here’s a look inside:

Buy the book online.

Two books from our Rounds series are publishing in paperback today: Parker Penguin and Olive Owl. Written and illustrated by Barry and Emma Tranter, each book in this innovative new series takes the reader on a journey through an animal’s life-cycle, explaining how it eats, grows, defends itself, and reproduces. With a strong, clear narrative, friendly characters, fascinating facts and graphic illustrations, these are fun and informative introductions to animal life cycles. As they’re publishing in paperback, you’ll also be able to download the Stories Aloud audio – simply scan the QR code on the inside of the book and listen along as you read! Some of our Rounds stories are also available as interactive apps, too! Check out the apps of Parker Penguin and Franklin Frog, available to download now on the App Store. Here’s a look inside Parker Penguin and Olive Owl:

Buy the book online.

Buy the book online.

Also out in paperback today is The Doughnut of Doom, written and illustrated by Elys Dolan. It’s just another ordinary day in Food Town… OR IS IT?! After news comes in of a hungry monster doughnut on the rampage, Nancy McNutty, peanut butter sandwich and rookie reporter, is on the case! Will she be able to put a stop to the doughnut’s ravenous rampage and save Food Town? This rich and highly detailed picture book takes inspiration from 1950s B-movies and is packed with details and hidden jokes that will appeal to children and adults alike. Here’s a look inside:

Buy the book online.

And last but not least, we’re thrilled to publish a brand new board book edition of Pip and Posy: The Bedtime Frog by Axel Scheffler today – perfectly sized for the tiniest of hands! When Posy goes to stay over at Pip’s house she realises she has forgotten to bring her very favourite toy frog. Posy can’t sleep without it! Desperate to help, Pip offers Posy a range of different toys to try to make her feel better, but only Pip’s own, very favourite, pig toy will do… Real-life stories with real heart, Pip and Posy work through common childhood troubles together and find a happy conclusion. Hooray! Here’s a look inside:

Buy the book online.

Congratulations to all of this month’s authors and illustrators!

Take a look inside Stardust – a brand new picture book from Jeanne Willis and Briony May Smith

Next month we’re publishing an absolutely beautiful new picture book: Stardust, a wonderfully moving story by award-winning author Jeanne Willis, and beautifully illustrated by rising star Briony May Smith, creator of Imelda and the Goblin King.

Finished copies of the book have just arrived, and they look absolutely STUNNING – and today you can take a very look inside the book: we’re sharing an exclusive preview.

One little girl dreams of being a star. But whether it’s finding Mum’s lost wedding ring or winning the fancy-dress prize, her big sister always shines brighter. Yet for her grandad she is a star and, as he dries her eyes and they both gaze up at the night sky, he tells a story, the story of the beginning of the world. Everything and everyone is made of stardust, and we all shine in different ways. It’s a lesson this little girl will never forget . . . and one day her dream comes true, and she finally realises her ambition to become an astronaut and fly up to the stars.

Here’s a look inside the book:

Stardust will be in shops in September – you can pre-order your copy of the book here, and if you’d like to stay in touch 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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Come and work for Nosy Crow: we’re hiring a Designer

We have a fantastic opportunity for a highly creative, talented, hardworking Designer to join our design team, working on our award-winning fiction list.

This is a full-time role and the successful applicant will be based in London, at the Nosy Crow office near London Bridge.

Candidates will have experience in children’s fiction publishing, on both illustrated and non-illustrated titles. We are looking for someone who is bursting with ideas and creative energy.

A high level of proficiency in Indesign, Photoshop and Illustrator programmes, excellent proven book design and typographic skills, and a love of children’s book illustration are essential, along with good written and spoken communication skills, and the ability to work to a deadline.

The successful candidate will manage book projects from cover and initial layouts all the way through to production, briefing and working with the illustrator throughout the creative process. The designer will report to the Head of Design but will work closely with other members of the Nosy Crow team, particularly the editorial staff, to produce child-focused, parent-friendly, high-quality books.

We are a small, close team here at The Crow’s Nest working in a friendly, highly creative and professional environment and we need a team player who is willing to muck in, particularly during busy times.

If you would like to apply for the role, please send a CV and application letter, along with samples of your design work, to Nia Roberts via email (nia@nosycrow.com).

Candidates should have the right to live and work in the UK.

The closing date for applications is 25th August 2017 at midnight (UK time).

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.

Wigglesbottom Primary: Super Dog and Complete Night Explorer’s Kit in The Guardian

The Guardian have published their latest roundup of the best new children’s books, and we’re delighted to see glowing reviews for both Wigglesbottom Primary: Super Dog!, written by Pamela Butchart and illustrated by Becka Moor, and Complete Night Explorer’s Kit, written by Robyn Swift and illustrated by Sara Lynn Cramb.

Of Complete Night Explorer’s Kit, Imogen Russell Williams writes: “For those aged five and over, Nosy Crow and the National Trust have produced Out and About Night Explorer, an appealingly sturdy backpack kit containing torch, glow-in-the-dark stars, a constellation guide and a book about nocturnal wildlife and the night sky, with enticing illustrations by Sara Lynn Cramb. The informative text is finely judged – enough detail to satisfy, but not to overwhelm – and the games and activities are winners.”

Buy the book.

And of Wigglesbottom Primary: Super Dog!, Imogen Russell Williams writes: “Children who favour short, punchy tales should love Pamela Butchart’s Wigglesbottom Primary: Super Dog!: three splendid school stories of canine mayhem, ersatz mashed potato and sports day rotten eggs, brightened by Becka Moor’s cheery images.”

Here’s a look inside the book:

Buy the book online.

You can read The Guardian’s full roundup here – and if you’d like to stay up to date with all of our book news, you can sign up to our newsletter at this page, or with the form below.

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Take a first look inside Spectre Collectors: Too Ghoul for School – and win a proof copy of the book!

This September we are absolutely THRILLED to be launching Spectre Collectors – a hilarious new series written by Barry Hutchison, with echoes of Ghostbusters, Men In Black and Monsters Inc. The series begins with the brilliant Too Ghoul for School – and today you can not only take a VERY FIRST look inside the book, but ALSO be in with a chance of winning one of three rare proof copies!

Funny, exciting, and action-packed, this series is PERFECT for 9+ year olds.

Denzel is having no luck with his maths homework. First, it’s too difficult, then there’s the terrifying phantom that wants to kill him, then two teenagers explode through his window holding guns and throwing magic. They are the Spectre Collectors, and spooky is their specialty.

Realising that Denzel has a special gift, they sweep him off to their headquarters, where Denzel quickly realises that he is terrible at the job. But there’s a serious problem on its way from the Spectral Realm, and Denzel is going to use all of his non-existent skills to save the day…

And without further ado, here’s a first look inside the book!

To win one of these proof copies of the book, just head over to the @NosyCrowBooks Twitter feed, follow @NosyCrowBooks, and re-tweet this message.

We’ll pick our winners at random next Friday (August 4) – good luck!

Take a look at our new August books!

This August we’re publishing a fantastic selection of new titles and formats, available in all good bookshops – with brand new fiction, picture books, novelty and activity books packed with thing to colour and create, there’s plenty on offer to fill those long summer holidays! Take an early peek at what’s coming soon from Nosy Crow.

We’re kicking things off with Zoo, the second in the incredibly stylish A Tiny Little Story series from the highly regarded greetings card illustrator team Lisa Jones and Edwards Underwood. With colourful pictures, simple words and a crinkly tactile page, these charming little books are perfect for the tiniest of babies. Each book also has a Velcro strap, to secure to a buggy, inside a cot, or wherever else they’ve decided to read that day. Presented in a sturdy box with a see-through window, Zoo is a beautifully designed cloth book package – the perfect gift for a newborn.

We’re also publishing two new picture books! This Zoo is Not for You is a hilarious tale about fitting in, kindness and comic misunderstandings from Ross Collins, the creator of the award-winning There’s a Bear on My Chair. When a Platypus visits the zoo, the animals assume he’s come about the vacancy and he is swiftly taken through a rigorous interview process. But the platypus is far too bland for the chameleons, not nearly graceful enough for the flamingos, and he doesn’t know any cool tricks that will impress the monkeys… Whatever will he do? This Zoo is Not for You is a rollicking rhyming picture book, and has a heartfelt story about acceptance and belonging at it’s core.

Take a look inside:

We are also hugely excited to share with you the latest adventure in the Moonlight School series, Cat Learns to Listen at Moonlight School. Miss Moon is taking her class on a magical moonlit nature walk, but Cat spies a glittery firefly and suddenly… she’s LOST! Luckily there are lots of clues for her friends to follow and, soon, they are reunited with a very relieved little Cat who’s learnt a valuable lesson. Written by Simon Puttock and beautifully illustrated by Ali Pye, this fabulous third book in the Moonlight School series is a gentle, heart-warming story about the importance of staying safe by listening to grown-ups and not wandering off.

Take a peek:

Next up is The Colouring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Unicorns and Rainbows, a fantastic activity book where you can colour in, tear out and create 24 unique card and envelope designs. Designed by Rebecca Jones, and in partnership with The National Trust, it also comes with a sheet of colourful stickers to seal your card, before sending it to a friend, relative, or favourite teacher. The stunningly detailed designs are perfect for children and adults alike!

We are ac-chew-ally unbelievably thrilled to be publishing You Can’t Make Me Go to Witch School. Daisy Wart, a Shakespearean actress with grand ambitions, is categorically NOT A WITCH, but she’s been left by her grandmother at Toadspit Towers School for Witches so now she’s FURIOUS. How will she become a famous star of the stage now?! Daisy soon gets drawn into the mysteries of Toadspit Towers, and discovers that she even has a few unexpected and (rather annoyingly) magical surprises up her sleeve… Bubbling over with brilliant artwork from Jamie Littler, and written by exciting new talent Em Lynas, this is the first in a magical new school series that’s perfect for fans of The Worst Witch, Harry Potter and Malory Towers.

Read the first few chapters now!

Also publishing this August is A Pony Called Secret: A New Beginning, the first book in a brand new series by Olivia Tuffin, author of the Palomino Pony series. Alice adores her young pony, Secret, even though he’s always getting into trouble… if only Secret were easier to train! But a chance encounter with the mysterious Finn changes everything. He’s the most daring rider Alice has ever seen, and different from anyone she’s  ever met. Might he hold the key to Secret’s future success? These are pony books with all the classics ingredients, full of acton, adventure and a genuine love of horses.

Take a look inside:

Two books from our Rounds series are publishing in paperback this August: Parker Penguin and Olive Owl. Written and illustrated by Barry and Emma Tranter, each book in this innovative new series takes the reader on a journey through the animal’s life-cycle, explaining how it eats, grows, defends itself, and reproduces. With a strong, clear narrative, friendly characters, fascinating facts and graphic illustrations, these are fun and informative introductions to animal life cycles. As they’re publishing in paperback, you’ll also be able to download the Stories Aloud audio – simply scan the QR code on the inside of the book and listen along as you read! Some of our Rounds stories are also available as interactive apps, too! Check out the apps of Parker Penguin and Franklin Frog, available to download now on the App Store.

Take a look:

Also new in paperback is The Doughnut of Doom, by Elys Dolan. It’s just another ordinary day in Food Town… OR IS IT?! After news comes in of a hungry monster doughnut on the rampage, Nancy McNutty, peanut butter sandwich and rookie reporter, is on the case! Will she be able to put a stop to the doughnut’s ravenous rampage and save Food Town? This rich and highly detailed picture book takes inspiration from 1950s B-movies and is packed with details and hidden jokes that will appeal to children and adults alike.

Look inside:

Last but not least, we’re pleased to publish Pip and Posy: The Bedtime Frog, by Axel Scheffler, available for the first time as a board book that’s perfectly sized for the tiniest of hands.When Posy goes to stay over at Pip’s house she realises she has forgotten to bring her, very favourite, toy frog. Posy can’t sleep without it! Desperate to help, Pip offers Posy a range of different toys to try to make her feel better, but only Pip’s own, very favourite, pig toy will do… Real-life stories with real heart, Pip and Posy work through common childhood troubles together and find a happy conclusion. Hooray!

Take a look inside:

Don’t forget – you can stay up to date with all of our book news by signing up to our books newsletter at this page, or with the form below – you’ll never miss a thing!

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