Nosy Crow's Blog, page 99

Take a look at our new August arrivals!

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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Nosy Crow at the 2017 Edinburgh International Book Festival

Tickets are on sale for the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and there’s a fantastic selection of events taking place featuring Nosy Crow authors and illustrators! Here’s who you can find at this year’s festival…

Author-illustrator Hrefna Bragadottir will be leading events on Saturday, August 12 from 1.30pm-2.30pm and Sunday, August 13 from 10am-11am, taking you on a quirky journey of accidental heroism with her latest wonderful picture book, Harvey the Hero. You can book tickets for Saturday’s event here and Sunday’s event here – and here’s a look inside the book:



Buy the book.

Dave’s Cave and Dave’s Rock author-illustrator Frann Preston-Gannon will be at the festival on Monday, August 14 from 2.30pm-3.30pm for a Big Draw event and on Tuesday, August 15 from 11.45am-12.45pm for another Caveman session. Decorate your own caveman beard with wool, feathers and glitter at the Big Draw event, and learn cave language, perfect your caveman voice and do some cave painting at Tuesday’s Caveman event! You can book tickets for Monday’s Big Draw event here and Tuesday’s Caveman event here – and here’s a look inside Dave’s Rock:



Buy the book.

Author Helen Peters will be at the festival on Friday, August 18 from 2:00pm-3:00pm to share her wonderful Jasmine Green series of farmyard stories. Find out what life on a farm is really like, discover the host of farm animals that appear in the books, and go on an adventure with Jasmine – who is always getting in trouble caring for her animal friends. You can book your ticket here – and here’s a look inside the first book in the series, A Piglet Called Truffle:



Buy the book.

Christopher Edge, author of The Many Worlds of Albie Bright and The Jamie Drake Equation, will be sharing the stage with Ross Welford on Sunday, August 20 from 10:30am-11:30am for a discussion of the strange and unexpected – learn how Chris and Ross set about writing their fantastic stories. You can book your ticket here – and here’s a look inside The Jamie Drake Equation:



Buy the book.

There’s a Bear on My Chair author-illustrator Ross Collins will be at the festival on Sunday, August 20 from 11:45am-12:30pm, to celebrate his brand new picture book, This Zoo is Not for You. Draw along with Ross as he recreates the animals from This Zoo is Not For You in a charming event celebrating diversity. You can book your ticket here – and here’s a look inside This Zoo is Not for You:



Buy the book.

Join Axel Scheffler at the festival on Friday, August 25 from 1:30pm-2:30pm as he reads and draws from his best-selling Pip and Posy series – celebrate friendship and the importance of caring for others and then meet the wonderful characters from the books. You can book your ticket here – and here’s a look inside the latest book in the Pip and Posy series, Pip and Posy: The New Friend:



Buy the book.

Author Pamela Butchart will introduce the latest hilarious tale in her bestselling Baby Aliens series, There’s A Werewolf in My Tent, on Saturday, August 26 from 10:30am-11:30am, with an event that’s guaranteed to have you howling with laughter. You can book your ticket here – and here’s a look inside There’s A Werewolf in My Tent:



Buy the book.

And finally, Philip Ardagh will be at the festival (for the 20th year!) on Saturday, August 26 from 3:45pm-4:45pm, sharing the silly secrets of being a knight in training with The Secret Diary of John Drawbridge, the first book in the fantastic series. Expect lots of daft stories and fascinating facts! You can book your ticket here – and here’s a look inside The Secret Diary of John Drawbridge:



Buy the book.

We hope to see you there!

The New Statesman’s best children’s books for the summer

The New Statesman have shared their picks for the best children’s books for the summer, and we’re delighted to see two Nosy Crow titles featured in the list!

Of Neon Leon, written by Jane Clarke and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup, Amanda Craig writes: “Neon Leon by Jane Clarke and Britta Teckentrup concerns a chameleon who just wants to fit in, changing into a variety of colours before meeting his match. It’s joyously written and illustrated, for readers aged four and older.”

Everyone knows that chameleons are the best at fitting in. But not Leon. Leon is NEON! In fact, he’s SO bright that he keeps all the other chameleons awake. Poor Leon is lonely, so off he goes in search of somewhere he can blend in. A delightful, interactive picture book, filled with vibrant neon artwork, this is a wonderful story to share and read aloud with children – help Leon on his journey by counting his steps, suggesting colours for him to turn, and giving him lots of reassurance.

Here’s a look inside the book:

Buy the book.

And of Flip Flap Dogs, illustrated by Nikki Dyson, Craig writes: “Nikki Dyson’s Flip Flap Dogs is beautifully original, taking the idea of mix and match to describe crosses in dog breeding and temperament that would appal Crufts. Lively fun for dog lovers of three-plus.”

With 121 possible crazy canine combinations to make you giggle, a funny rhyming text, and friendly illustrations from Nikki Dyson, this new Flip Flap book will charm dog lovers everywhere – simply flip the pages to create some seriously mixed-up mutts.

Buy the book.

And if you like the book, you’ll love the app! Here’s a quick preview of our Flip Flap Dogs app:

You can read the full round-up of the New Statesman’s best children’s books for the summer 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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There’s a week left to apply for a Production Executive role at Nosy Crow

A little while ago we announced that we’re recruiting a Production Executive – and there is just a week left to apply for the role: the period for applications ends on Sunday.

This is an exciting new role and we are looking for a hardworking and organised person with experience of children’s full-colour print production to join our small and friendly team.

Purpose of the job:

The role of the Production Executive is to deliver production services across the Nosy Crow list. It is the job holder’s responsibility to deliver great-looking books, on budget and on time, whilst following systems for managing workflow. The Production Executive will work closely with colleagues from all areas of Nosy Crow and need to maintain relationships with a range of external suppliers.

Key responsibilities and tasks:​

Manage the production of a portfolio of full-colour front list titles – from pre-press through to bulk production and delivery
Handle the production of the majority of the full-colour backlist reprints with assistance from the rest of the team
Play a leading part in the implementation of production management systems. Collate bibliographic data – ensuring it is complete and accurate. Work with the rest of the Operations team to develop workflow systems
Liaise directly with Rights customers on the progress of their print orders ensuring we have in place the documentation we need, approvals are given on time and that any special requests are met
Work closely with the sales department on the costing and production of full-colour specials projects, often to very tight specifications, costs and deadlines

 

Key skills, characteristics and capabilities:

Experience in children’s full-colour picture book and novelty production and a good understanding of printing processes and terminology
Excellent organisational skills
Accuracy and an eye for detail
Strong numeracy skills
A collaborative and co-operative approach
Tact, diplomacy and strong negotiating skills
Can-do attitude and a willingness to ‘muck-in’ when required
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
Working knowledge of Adobe CS Suite

 

The role is full-time and based in our office near to London Bridge. The successful candidate will also have the right to live and work in the UK.

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter to Alex Dickinson (alex@nosycrow.com). The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 30th July.

Win a copy of A Pony Called Secret: A New Beginning – the first book in a brand new series by Olivia Tuffin

Next month we’re thrilled to be launching a brand new fiction series by Olivia Tuffin: A Pony Called Secret. The new series, by the author of the highly acclaimed Palomino Pony books, will launch in August with A New Beginning – and today you can read an exclusive extract from A New Beginning, and win a copy of the book before it’s been published!

Alice adores her young strawberry roan pony, Secret, even though he’s always getting into trouble! Alice dreams of a more exciting future for her and Secret … 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. Does Finn hold the key to Secret’s future success?

This is a BRILLIANT new series for horse lovers everywhere. Here’s a look inside the book:

And today, we’re giving you the chance to win one of three finished copies of the book – before it’s hit the shops! To win one of these copies, just head over to the @NosyCrowBooks Twitter feed, follow @NosyCrowBooks, and re-tweet this message.

We’ll pick three winners in our giveaway competition at random on Monday. And if you don’t manage to nab one of these prize copies, you can also pre-order the book (and receive it in time for publication day) here.

 

Take a look inside This Zoo Is Not For You

Next month we’re incredibly pleased to be publishing This Zoo is Not For You: Ross Collins‘ long-awaited picture book follow up to There’s a Bear On My Chair, winner of the UKLA Book Award and the inaugural Amnesty CILIP Greenaway Honour. And today, for the first time, you can take a look inside the new book!

When a small platypus visits the zoo, the animals all assume he has 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 his tricks will never impress the monkeys. So, he leaves. The animals soon regret being so unkind, but . . . what’s this? The platypus has left an invitation! Oh dear – it seems he had actually come to the zoo to invite them all to his party . . . But with all forgiven and forgotten, the platypus welcomes his new zoo friends to a fantastic party on his Platybus!

This rollicking, rhyming picture book combines comic misunderstandings with a heartfelt story about acceptance and belonging.

Here’s a look inside the book:

This Zoo is Not for You will be available in shops in August – 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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Where’s Mr Lion shortlisted for a Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award!

The shortlists for the Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Awards have been revealed, and we’re absolutely thrilled that Where’s Mr Lion, the wonderful first book in the Felt Flaps series illustrated by Ingela Arrhenius, has been recognised in the Baby and Toddler category!

With bold, graphic artwork, these vibrant board books are perfect for sharing with babies and toddlers. Peek behind the bright felt flap on every spread to find a hiding animal – and then enjoy the fantastic mirror reveal on the final page.

The award winners will be announced on 23rd August – you can find out more about the prize, and the full shortlists, here. Here’s a look at Where’s Mr Lion:

Buy the book online.

Congratulations, Ingela!

 

Sweet Pizza biographies

Today’s guest blog post is by Elspeth Ewing, a school librarian at Woolmer Hill School. Elspeth contacted us about a fantastically imaginative competition the school have run around Sweet Pizza by G. R. Gemin, and has kindly written all about it for us.

This week is activities week here at Woolmer Hill and we have been running a competition for our Year 8 pupils to win copies of Sweet Pizza – they had to make pizza box biographies! For the competition students had to interview a family member or friend and then use the answers to create a ‘pizza’ with each slice being the answer to one of their questions. Pizza boxes were donated by Dominoes Pizza in Haslemere and the finished pizzas were put in the boxes which were then decorated with portraits of the subject. Year 8 have done a brilliant job with some wonderful creations.

Thank you, Elspeth! You can see some of the entries below – and the wining pizzas are at the top of this post.

A great story that has immigration at its core, Sweet Pizza is perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Morpurgo – it’s got fantastic dramatic writing, strong characters, and big-hearted social realism. Here’s a look inside the book:

Buy the book online.

The Many Worlds of Albie Bright has won the West Sussex Story Book Award!

Last week the winner of the West Sussex Story Book Award was announced, and we’re absolutely thrilled that The Many Worlds of Albie Bright by Christopher Edge took the prize!

This annual book award – now in its second year – is presented by the West Sussex Schools Library Service, and this year’s shortlisted books were chosen by participating schools, who debated each of the shortlisted titles and voted for their favourites.

Frank Cottrell Boyce called The Many Worlds of Albie Bright “A book with a big brain, big laughs and a big, big heart.” The Times, naming the book a Children’s Book of the Week, wrote: “Christopher Edge has written a clever story infused with science that wears its intelligence humorously, introduces complex ideas with the lightest of touches … Give the man his own element on the periodic table of children’s authors.”

Here’s a look inside the book:

Buy the book online.

Thank you to all of the schools who participated in the award, and congratulations, Chris!

The Duchess’s Bookshelves

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall is celebrating her 70th birthday in July, and to celebrate, the National Literacy Trust (of which the Duchess is a patron) are giving 70 primary schools specially-designed bookshelves filled with 70 children’s books. And we’re absolutely delighted that There’s a Bear on my Chair, written and illustrated by Ross Collins, has been selected as one of the 70 books!

Children from schools all over the UK recommended their favourite books to be included on the bookshelves, to inspire reading for pleasure, and the Duchess was presented with a set of the bookshelves at a birthday garden party at Clarence House.

You can find out more about the Duchess’s Bookshelves here – and you can find the full list of chosen titles here. The National Literacy Trust have also provided supporting resources for schools – you can find them here.

Here’s a look inside There’s a Bear on my Chair:

Buy the book.

Thank you to all of the children who nominated the book, and congratulations, Ross!