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In 2010 we had a special feature on Quentin Blake's writing and illustration - click here to find out more.
Quentin Blake is one of Britain's best-loved and most successful author-illustrators, and was made the first Children's Laureate in 1999. He has won the Whitbread Award, the hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, been shortlisted for The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award which rewards the best in contemporary children's and young adult literature from all over the world and has won the Kate Greenaway Medal among others.
He was born in 1932 and has been drawing ever since he can remember. His first drawing was published in Punch when he was only 16. He studied English at Downing College, Cambridge, and after that he did a postgraduate teaching diploma at the University of London. This was followed by a part-time course at Chelsea Art School.
Quentin has received many awards for his books including the Kate Greenaway Medal, the Children's Book Award, the Emil/Kurt Maschler Award, the Bologna Regazzi Prize and the 2002 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, which is the highest international recognition given to creators of children's books.
He is also famous for illustrating books for other authors, including Joan Aiken, Michael Rosen and Russell Hoban. But he is most famous for the illustrations he did for Roald Dahl's books.
Quentin Blake was awarded the O.B.E. in 1988, and in 1999 he was appointed the first Children's Laureate. This position, which he held for two years, saw him undertaking lots of ambitious projects in his quest to spread the word about the exciting world of children's books.
His book Laureate's Progress in 2002, recorded many of his activities and the illustrations he produced during his two-year tenure. Quentin Blake was created CBE in 2005, is an RDI and has numerous honorary degrees from universities throughout the UK.
For parents who love Quentin Blake's illustrations, his book Beyond the Page is a fascinating read. Blake writes about his projects since 2000, vividly describing his working processes, his collaborators, his travels, and his various projects and commissions, including his 'illustrated walls' projects for hospitals in the UK and France.
He is one of the best-known and best-loved illustrators of our time, and his books with a wide range of authors have been treasured by generations of children throughout the world. In 2013 he was knighted for services to illustration. Quentin lives in London.
photo © Linda Kitson
December 2017 Book of the Month A remarkable collaboration - that brings together giants of the picture book world - to create a funny, anarchic and utterly delightful picture book.
All children dream of having a secret house where they can live on their own, far from any rules and regulations. But not all of them are as lucky as Aglaia, who lives at the top of a magical tree together with her friend Bianca and an incredible host of flying dogs, talking cats, carnivorous flowers and children who speak in verse.Inventively illustrated by Quentin Blake, Aglaia's adventures - and her battles with the gruff Signor Brullo and the woodmen who want to cut down the tree - are sure to enchant and inspire the imagination of every child.
Angie, Ollie, Simona, Mario and Eric are five fantastic friends, each of whom has an unusual ability. Disaster strikes on a day out to the countryside but, working together and combining their individual powers, the Fantastic Five save the day. The Five of Us is a captivating tale of adventure, friendship and teamwork from one of Britain's best-loved illustrators.
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month March 2017 In a warm-hearted story with a touch of the ridiculous about it, former Children’s Laureate Quentin Blake tells of a happy friendship based on the success of a dancing frog. Left alone after her sailor husband is lost at sea Gertrude befriends George, a frog with a very special talent. George can dance and soon he and Gertrude are off on tour with George showcasing his amazing performing skills while Gertrude devotes her life to supporting him in his career. A gentle and tender story about friendship and happiness. ~ Julia Eccleshare A Piece of Passion from Mairi Kidd, MD of Barrington Stoke: We are delighted to bring this gorgeous little story onto our list, and even more thrilled to have Quentin join our author ranks. As one of the one of the most recognisable and well-loved author-illustrators in the world, this is a crowning moment for the Little Gems. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all. About the Little Gems series: Little Gems are in a gorgeous new chunky format, with high-spec production including coloured endpapers and jacketed flaps with activities. Additional features include high quality cream paper, Barrington Stoke font and illustrations on every page. They are perfect for 5-8's. These quality stories promote good reading practice for all newly independent readers. Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for March 2017 Jellicle Cats by T.S. Eliot and Arthur Robins William Bee's Wonderful World of Trucks by William Bee The Story of the Dancing Frog by Quentin Blake George's Marvellous Experiments inspired by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake My Name is Victoria by Lucy Worsley Many Moons by Remi Courgeon Freddie Mole, Lion Tamer by Alexanda McCall Smith Black Cats and Butlers by Janine Beacham Triangle by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
A classic of the future. Hilda Snibbs had three little monkeys. Their names were Tim and Sam and Lulu. They were very lively...
As the first Children’s Laureate, Quentin Blake created an original exhibition in the National Gallery, London for which he chose 26 of his favourite pictures. Some were illustrations from children’s books, others were pictures by artists such as Edward Hopper and Paula Rego. All were wonderful pictures that tell a story. Through Quentin Blake’s choices and his gentle notes about the pictures all young readers have the opportunity to enjoy all kinds of art and to bring their own meaning to it. ~ Julia Eccleshare
As the first Children’s Laureate, Quentin Blake created an original exhibition in the National Gallery, London for which he chose 26 of his favourite pictures. Some were illustrations from children’s books, others were pictures by artists such as Edward Hopper and Paula Rego. All were wonderful pictures that tell a story. Through Quentin Blake’s choices and his gentle notes about the pictures all young readers have the opportunity to enjoy all kinds of art and to bring their own meaning to it. ~ Julia Eccleshare
A joyous celebration through Quentin's uniquely original illustrations of the art of ageing. A delightful little picture book to share with any child, but parents and grandparents will delight in its contents too, so in that respect it will make an ideal companion to the bookshelf in the loo as well as the nursery bookshelf! Whether it's making music, keeping fit or looking back on life, Quentin Blake, one of the world's favourite illustrators, shows just how much fun growing old can be.
Both a memoir and a treasury, this is the perfect book for adults this Christmas, particularly those who have an interest in children’s illustration and those who have or are still sharing Quentin Blake picture books with children or grandchildren. Best-selling illustrator Quentin Blake has delighted young and old for over fifty years with his wonderful picture books such as Mr Magnolia and his iconic illustrations for Roald Dahl’s classic titles including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and numerous others. In this stunning book packed full of illustrations of all kinds, Blake tells of the amazing pictures he has created in all sorts of other places – especially the walls of hospitals including his joyous and life-affirming pictures for the Rosie Maternity hospital - and galleries as well as his myriad greetings cards. Blake captures the excitement at these opportunities and describes how the technical challenges are overcome. A book to savour for its beauty as well as an invaluable insight into the world of an iconic illustrator.
From Quentin's very first picture book to his most recent adventures, this collection spans and celebrates his astonishing career. There's inspiration and exuberance, wit and wonder, joy and jollity to be found within these pages; we can't wait for you to explore them. Meet Mister Magnolia, with only one boot! Peer into Angelica Sprocket's Pockets! Set off with Mrs Armitage Queen of the Road, be whisked away by the music of the extraordinary Patrick and soar into the air on the wings of Angel Pavement. Discover the crazy counting of the mischievous Cockatoos and the most enjoyable alphabet ever in Quentin Blake's ABC. And finally, join in at the top of your voice with the verse and songs of Quentin Blake's Nursery Rhyme Book and All Join In!
Nominated for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2010. A master of hilarious and outlandish invention, the former Children’s Laureate’s new book is reminiscent of his classic Mr Magnolia. Like him, Angelica Sprocket, out on a picnic with some children, can produce anything – and everything including the kitchen sink! – from out of her capacious pockets. There are straw hats for goats, skateboards for skaters and even an alligator and an elephant just for fun. The accompanying rhyming text is deliciously bubbly too. Click here to see more titles by the wonderful Quentin Blake.
Stuffed full of happiness, Patrick is the story of all the wonderful, life enhancing things that happen when Patrick plays his violin. Patrick buys a magical violin from a market stall and immediately finds that by playing a few notes he can make fish jump and cows dance. Soon he has created an exuberant magical procession complete with fireworks and a cast full of happy people. Quentin Blake breathes hope into all. Quentin Blake is probably best known as the illustrator for all Roald Dahl’s books including The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but Quentin is an author as well as an illustrator and his picture books, of which this is one are truly stunning and will bring much laughter and smiles to both parent and child in the nursery at bedtime. Click here to see a selection of these fabulous books all of which will be enjoyed equally by toddlers and by adults!
A delicious romp of a story from former Children’s Laureate Quentin Blake, Snuff tells how an incompetent page boy finds that he can be useful after all. Sir Thomas Magpie is an easy going kind of knight but even he despairs of Snuff, his dreamy page boy. Snuff can’t sword fight, can’t bow and can’t even dance without landing himself right in the sandwiches! How will he ever become a knight? But Snuff has hidden talents as he shows when his cunning plan saves the Boot maker from the four horrible boot thieves. Quentin Blake is probably best known as the illustrator for all Roald Dahl’s books including The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but Quentin is an author as well as an illustrator and his picture books, of which this is one are truly stunning and will bring much laughter and smiles to both parent and child in the nursery at bedtime. Click here to see a selection of these fabulous books all of which will be enjoyed equally by toddlers and by adults!
A delightful story of a happy little boy meeting an unhappy girl who is trapped in her mean uncle’s house. Angelo knows just what to do to turn Angelina’s life into something worth living for and what a wonderful happy ending it is. Quentin Blake is probably best known as the illustrator for all Roald Dahl’s books including The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but Quentin is an author as well as an illustrator and his picture books, of which this is one are truly stunning and will bring much laughter and smiles to both parent and child in the nursery at bedtime. Click here to see a selection of these fabulous books all of which will be enjoyed equally by toddlers and by adults!
Nominated for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2010. A master of hilarious and outlandish invention, the former Children’s Laureate’s new book is reminiscent of his classic Mr Magnolia. Like him, Angelica Sprocket, out on a picnic with some children, can produce anything – and everything including the kitchen sink! – from out of her capacious pockets. There are straw hats for goats, skateboards for skaters and even an alligator and an elephant just for fun. The accompanying rhyming text is deliciously bubbly too. Click here to see more titles by the wonderful Quentin Blake.
Greenaway winner in 1980. From one of THE top illustrators of all time, comes a wholly delightful picture book classic. Effortless rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations that meld so brilliantly into the story. Not surprising it’s got into the top 10 of winners to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Kate Greenaway Medal. (0-5) To find out more about this book CLICK HERE to visit the Carnegie Greenaway site
Greenaway winner in 1980. From one of THE top illustrators of all time comes a wholly delightful picture book classic. Effortless rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations that meld so brilliantly into the story. Click here to see other titles by the wonderful Quentin Blake.
With Quentin’s hallmark illustration style this is a wonderful little board book to help toddlers learn to count all with the use of some delightful animals. Starting with One Crow, Two Goats, Three Dogs, and Four Cats this board book is a must for the nursery. Click here to see other titles by the wonderful Quentin Blake.
A joyous celebration through Quentinâ•’s uniquely original illustrations of the art of ageing. A delightful little picture book to share with any child, but parents and grandparents will delight in its contents too, so in that respect it will make an ideal companion to the bookshelf in the loo as well as the nursery bookshelf! Whether it's making music, keeping fit or looking back on life, Quentin Blake, one of the world's favourite illustrators, shows just how much fun growing old can be.
Apples, Breakfast, Cockatoos and Ducks launch Quentin Blake’s witty alphabet book in which he illustrates every letter with his characteristically bold and entertaining illustrations. The accompanying rhyming text adds a story element to each letter making the whole a wonderful book for sharing. Quentin Blake is probably best known as the illustrator for all Roald Dahl’s books including The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but Quentin is an author as well as an illustrator and his picture books, of which this is one are truly stunning and will bring much laughter and smiles to both parent and child in the nursery at bedtime. Click here to see a selection of these fabulous books all of which will be enjoyed equally by toddlers and by adults!
This wordless picture book will have adults and children utterly captivated by the illustrations throughout the book. When clown finds himself stuffed into a dustbin with other unwanted toys he decides to do something about it. Each time he thinks he’s found someone to love him an adult comes along and throws him out. Eventually though he finds a family who takes him in and who even go back to the dustbin and save the other unwanted toys. It’s a wonderful story of friendship and love. Quentin Blake is probably best known as the illustrator for all Roald Dahl’s books including The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but Quentin is an author as well as an illustrator and his picture books, of which this is one are truly stunning and will bring much laughter and smiles to both parent and child in the nursery at bedtime. Click here to see a selection of these fabulous books all of which will be enjoyed equally by toddlers and by adults!
Cockatoos is possibly the funniest counting book every to be published. The professor may own 10 cockatoos but when they decide to disappear he has none. He knows they’re a mischievous lot but where are they – can you see them on every page? - but will they come back so the professor can see them again? Quentin Blake is probably best known as the illustrator for all Roald Dahl’s books including The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but Quentin is an author as well as an illustrator and his picture books, of which this is one are truly stunning and will bring much laughter and smiles to both parent and child in the nursery at bedtime. Click here to see a selection of these fabulous books all of which will be enjoyed equally by toddlers and by adults!
Pens Ink & Places contains a wealth of new material, ranging from touching series of vignettes for Great Ormond Street Hospital to gigantic drawings for the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings; from the sombre apocalyptic landscapes of Riddley Walker to the energetic fantasy of Billy and the Minpins. This beautiful volume also includes Blake's unique illustrations made to accompany the works of John Ruskin, La Fontaine, Lucius Apuleius and Beatrix Potter. Blake's commentary - straight, as it were, from the drawing board - explores the challenges and opportunities in the creation of drawings known around the world, as well as others seen here for the first time. It is clear from every page of this informative and richly illustrated volume that there has been no slackening of brio in the scratchy pen nib of an artist who has been called the 'Godfather of Illustration'.
Angie, Ollie, Simona, Mario and Eric are five fantastic friends, each of whom has an unusual ability. Disaster strikes on a day out to the countryside but, working together and combining their individual powers, the Fantastic Five save the day. The Five of Us is a captivating tale of adventure, friendship and teamwork from one of Britain's best-loved illustrators.
The Weed is a new title from the highly acclaimed author/illustrator Quentin Blake. An inspiring fable about the power of nature, encouraging children and adults alike to care for the environment and each other. The Meadowsweet family suddenly and expectedly find themselves at the bottom of a giant crack in the earth. With the help of their pet bird, Octavia and a magical seed, the family go on a journey to the surface. A charming, fantastical story about discovery, the potential for growth, the power of an idea and the importance of having faith in the unknown.
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