Ian Beck - Author Picture

Ian Beck - Illustrator

Ian Beck is a familiar name to the Doubleday/Corgi lists with his previous successful picture books. A freelance illustrator for over twenty years (including such notable artwork as the record cover for Elton John's Yellow Brick Road album), Ian turned to writing and illustrating children's books on the birth of his own first child.

Q & A with Ian Beck

1. When did you first start to write stories or draw?

2. In general, where do your ideas come from?

3. What made you write this book?

4. What have you enjoyed most about working on this book?

The process of trimming changing and cutting the book from the first draft, and working with the editor and designer on the whole book, design, illustrations, layout etc.

Being sent to bed early in summer and looking enviously out of the bedroom window at other children playing happily in the sunlit street.

At school I enjoyed Art classes and drama, I managed to appear in two Shakespeare productions at school which gave me a lifelong love of Shakespeare.

Where I live now in the western suburbs of London surrounded by the song of Blackbirds and near the Thames.

A little seaside town in France called St Jacut De La Mare.

We have no pets at the moment, although we have had two very nice Hamsters over the years.

Noticing things in detail and long term patience.

Although much too old I would love to surf the beaches of Cornwall.

Singing as part of a cabaret group in restaurants in Soho.

A beautiful and immaculate copy of Now We Are Six by A A Milne which was given to me for a birthday present many years ago.

Book: The Just William stories by Richmal Crompton. Film: Forbidden Planet.

Listening to film music and going to the cinema as often as possible.

Featured Books, with extracts, illustrated by Ian Beck

Only Remembered
Michael Morpurgo - illustrated by Ian Beck
2014 will mark one hundred years since the outbreak of the First World War. To mark the date, this anthology collects images and poems from some of the UK's cultural, political and literary figures. It includes short stories, personal letters,...
Lovereading Price: £6.39 - Saving £1.60 (20%) Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 29/08/2016 Info Extract Buy

Grey Island, Red Boat
Ian Beck
Interest Age 5-8 Ian Beck has created a new fairy story with all the magical sensibility of a classic. Princess Opal lives on the island of Ashes, where cold grey sea washes up against the granite rocks, and it's always...
Lovereading Price: £5.59 - Saving £1.40 (20%) Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/02/2016 Info Extract Buy

The Oxford Treasury of Nursery Rhymes
Karen King, Sarah Williams - illustrated by Ian Beck
For toddlers who love nursery rhymes, for their parents who may have forgotten the words, and for everyone who enjoys singing, clapping, tickling, and laughing, this comprehensive anthology of charmingly-illustrated rhymes is a must-have addition to any child's bookshelf!
Lovereading Price: £7.99 - Saving £2.00 (20%) Featured in: 3+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 04/09/2014 Info Extract Buy

Only Remembered
Michael Morpurgo - illustrated by Ian Beck
2014 will mark one hundred years since the outbreak of the First World War. To mark the date, this beautiful anthology will collect favourite extracts, images and poems from some of the UK's leading cultural, political and literary figures.
Lovereading Price: £11.99 - Saving £3.00 (20%) Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Hardback | Released 03/07/2014 Info Extract Buy

Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp
Philip Pullman - illustrated by Ian Beck
Award-winning Philip Pullman has long treasured this feisty and magical story from The Arabian Nights. When the young Aladdin rubs a dirty old lamp a genie appears and offers the boy three wishes. Riches? Happiness? Excitement? Three wishes should bring...
Lovereading Price: £5.59 - Saving £1.40 (20%) Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 07/11/2013 Info Extract Buy

Reader ReviewedThe First, Third Wish
Ian Beck
Interest Age 5-8 A generous helping of fairy dust fuels this delightful adventure with wonderful illustrations by the author. Cobweb is a very new fairy and she makes a complete mess up of her very first job! Tasked with delivering...
Lovereading Price: £4.79 - Saving £1.20 (20%) Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/09/2013 Info Extract Buy

Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp
Philip Pullman - illustrated by Ian Beck
5+ readers. Award-winning Philip Pullman has long treasured this feisty and magical story from The Arabian Nights. When the young Aladdin rubs a dirty old lamp a genie appears and offers the boy three wishes. Riches? Happiness? Excitement? Three wishes...
Lovereading Price: £10.39 - Saving £2.60 (20%) Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Hardback | Released 03/10/2011 Info Extract Buy

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