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Becka Moor is a children’s book illustrator and storyteller living in Manchester. She studied illustration for children’s publishing at Glyndwr University, graduating in 2012. Since then she has worked on a variety of fiction books and series as well as picture books. She rents desk space in a stunning Grade II listed building with other creative folk, has an obsession with cats and loves anything a bit on the quirky side.
An action-packed thriller which pitches a band of heroes with superpowers against a ruthless villain bent on world domination – Gwyneth Rees’s new book already has lots going for it, but when readers realise that its superheroes are a bunch of cats, well, it becomes purrfect. Kitten Tagg has only just discovered his parents have superpowers, and that he’ll develop one too, when he finds himself whiskers deep in danger and adventure, in a confrontation with the totally wicked Nemesissy. Can Tagg thwart her evil plans and save his family? It’s lots of fun, and properly exciting too especially when Tagg’s brother is suspended over a shark tank (shades of James Bond). This is a very funny page-turner, and Becka Moor’s illustrations of the cat heroes and villains are wonderful too. One to recommend to fans of Dermot O’Leary’s ninja cat Toto.
April 2019 Book of the Month | Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | It’s hard to resist any book that starts with toads dropping from the sky and that’s just one of the delights of this story. The toads provide the backdrop to a thoroughly enjoyable tale of friendship, inter-school horticultural rivalry and the fall and rise of an umbrella emporium. Patrice Lawrence makes sure the storylines leap along nicely and her central characters Leo and Rosa feel like old friends even by chapter two. Becka Moor’s illustrations – of toads and human characters alike – are more than lively enough to match the narrative. A fun, original adventure that will keep everyone hoppy.
In a Nutshell - Move over Miss Marple, Violet's on the case! For Violet Remy-Robinson there's a mystery around every corner! Her Aunt Mathilde, a renown Egyptologist, is visiting London to investigate a mummy which she suspects may hold a clue to the location of the Lost Tomb of Queen Nefertiti. But clearly someone else has the same idea as the mummy has been stolen! Violet and her friends set about gathering clues and prime suspects - and give us an interesting introduction to Ancient Egypt along the way. This is a delicious whodunnit with a cast of exotic and captivating characters and more twists and turns than an Egyptian Serpent. Becka Moor's wonderful illustrations (in violet of course!) add to the charm. Readers who find Violet’s adventures to their taste will also enjoy the Royal Babysitters series by Clementine Beauvais, also illustrated by Becka Moor, and the Witch Wars books by Sibeal Pounder illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson. - Charlotte Carus
In a nutshell: fun and friendship at 21st century boarding school Eleven-year-old Dani is a few weeks into life at her new boarding school, St Grizelda’s, aka St Grizzle’s. She’s got used to the school’s relaxed attitude to rules and regulations, and to going to assembly in her pyjamas! And she’s made some good friends too. But she still feels a bit homesick. When the school decides to enter a film-making competition set by the local council, Dani is in her element - back at home she often makes videos with her friend Arch. But managing groups of people isn’t easy, can Dani give everyone a chance to shine – including her flamboyant granny – without making herself invisible again? Amongst the fun and crazy adventures, there are subtle messages about being yourself, and developing confidence. A great take on the boarding school genre. ~ Andrea Reece Readers will also enjoy Jeanne Willis’s new take on Enid Blyton’s avant-garde boarding school stories, The Diary of the Naughtiest Girl.
Here are three more very funny stories of primary school life perfectly pitched for young readers. Wigglesbottom Primary year twos find excitement in all sorts of things – things that adults wouldn’t regard as out of the ordinary at all. When a dog appears in the playground, they decide it has superpowers and are soon finding all sorts of proof; there’s definitely something wrong with the school mashed potatoes though, they’re right about that. As for Susie Keys’s special egg and spoon race egg, keeping a distance is probably wise … Pamela Butchart catches all the joy and possibilities open in a young child’s imagination and her readers will completely understand her characters. Short chapters, lively illustrations and lots of humour make them even more irresistible reading. ~ Andrea Reece The Editor at Nosy Crow says: “These stories are a hoot from start to finish, and Becka Moor’s illustrations bring out the brilliance brilliantly. A joy for anyone who’s ever sat on an itchy story-time carpet. And who hasn’t?”
In a nutshell: swashbuckling adventure with added fun (dragons and magic!) Readers of Claire Fayer’s debut Voyage to Magical North will be delighted to climb back on board the Onion with Brine Seaborne and her young crewmates. (If you haven’t read the first, there’s a smartly delivered precis to bring you up to date). They’re sailing West in search of adventure – of course – and to find Brine’s long-lost home. They certainly find adventure, by the bucket load. The book opens with an invasion of giant spiders, and there’re are lots more challenges and enemies to overcome. The action is never less than rousing, and the pages turn as quickly as the Onion at full sail, but there’s still lots of room for humour and proper character development too. Great fun. ~ Andrea Reece
In a nutshell: Harry Potter meets Agatha Christie in magical new mystery series | Young Lucy Goodly is not happy when she’s forced into employment as ‘boot girl’ for the mysterious Lord Grave. She misses her parents and cat, and there’s definitely something strange about Grave Hall. But Lucy is used to strange, after all she first encountered Lord Grave over a game of poker in which she was dealing magic cards. Meanwhile across the country children are being kidnapped – could there be a link to Grave Hall, and could Lucy use its magic, talking statues and all, to find out what’s going on? Full of memorable characters – the cross-dressing cook is a particular delight – and with a storyline that grips from the first page this magical whodunit will entrance readers. ~ Andrea Reece
In a nutshell: Highly enjoyable, thoroughly contemporary boarding school story | Eleven-year-old Dani is horrified to hear she’s going to spend the next term at St Grizzelda’s School for Girls, but there’s no option: her zoologist mum is heading off to the Antarctic to study penguins’ waddles, and doesn’t trust Dani’s grandma to look after things. St Grizzles however is not what Dani, her mum or the reader expects: the new head believes in learning through play putting as much emphasis on circus skills as trigonometry. It actually sounds great fun, but Dani is too homesick to enjoy it. As the days pass though, she comes to love her new school especially when she makes friends with the other pupils. A lively book that puts a 21st century spin on the boarding school story while keeping the emphasis on the things that make the genre so popular: friends, camaraderie and independence. Readers will also enjoy Jeanne Willis’s new take on Enid Blyton’s avant-garde boarding school stories, The Diary of the Naughtiest Girl. ~ Andrea Reece
After three exciting adventures recounted in previous books, Holly, Anna and their friend Prince Pepino are embarked on the Holy Moly Holiday they’ve been saving up for. At first the cruise ship offers everything they could wish for (apart from the preponderance of snooty young royals on the passenger list) with non-stop fun. But Holly and Anna notice there’s something not quite right, just before the ship sails off the Southern Edge of the Earth into Space! More exciting adventures follow before the day is saved, when there’s a special and very wonderful surprise waiting for Anna and Holly. Underneath the madcap adventures and slapstick these stories are rooted in friendship and the kind of fun all children will understand, and are written and illustrated with style. ~ Andrea Reece
Shortlisted for Best Crime Novel for Children aged 8-12, CrimeFest Gala Awards 2017 Violet Remy-Robinson’s adventures are gathering her a growing band of fans, and no wonder. Violet is one of those crime-solving children beloved of children’s books, but these stories have a particular sparkle, provided by exotic settings, Violet and her sidekick Art are in Venice this time, having sailed there from Corfu; a decidedly glamorous milieu (the opera, gelati parlours); and Harriet Whitehorn’s polished and pacey writing style. Violet finds herself caught up with a tortoise smuggling ring this time, could the Mr Big be the beautiful soprano La Bellissima? Violet will have a hard job convincing her parents and bumbling P C Green, fortuitously seconded to the Italian police for the summer. The adventure is as delicious as Violet’s favourite ice-cream and Becka Moor’s lovely illustrations are the sprinkles on top. Readers who find Violet’s adventures to their taste will also enjoy the Royal Babysitters series by Clementine Beauvais, also illustrated by Becka Moor, and the Witch Wars books by Sibeal Pounder illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson. ~ Andrea Reece
Violet Remy-Robinson leads a far more exciting and glamorous life than the average ten-year-old. Having foiled jewel thieves in her first adventure, Violet and the Pearl of the Orient, there’s a maharajah, a talking cockatoo and a missing inheritance in her latest. The setting feels exotic, whether it’s the Maharajah’s palace in India or Violet’s family home in a London square, and the large cast of characters are certainly colourful. Violet and her friends outwit the no-good grown-ups with style and there is lots for readers to enjoy in this sassy new series. Stylish two-colour illustrations throughout add to the appeal. Readers who find Violet’s adventures to their taste will also enjoy the Royal Babysitters series by Clementine Beauvais, also illustrated by Becka Moor, and the Witch Wars books by Sibeal Pounder illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson. ~ Andrea Reece
Holly, Anna and Pepino are delighted when King Steve invites them to be his kitchen assistants in an international Royal Bake Off, organised by his older brother, King Sam of Americanada. The prize money could finally make their dream come true: the intergalactic holiday of a lifetime. But the tournament is round after terrifying round of death-defying baking, and King Steve is determined to beat his brother at all costs. With one of the contestants also plotting to take over Americanada, can Anna, Holly and Pepino stay out of danger and win the competition?
Interest Age 5-8 Joe is upset: his teacher has asked the class to do a project on their pets but Joe’s mum has asthma and anything with fur makes her breath thick and squashy. Joe invents a pet for himself, an eleven-legged dragonosaurus with a voice like metal chains jangling, but it can’t compete with Lizzie’s rabbits. Then Joe goes to the help of a neighbour’s new born calf, and everything changes. Berlie Doherty, twice winner of the Carnegie Medal, always writes beautifully and this little story gives a very vivid impression of Joe’s life, and a real sense of just how he’s feels about things too. With lively colour illustrations by Becka Moor this is perfect for readers just gaining confidence in reading alone and for reading aloud too. ~ Andrea Reece 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.
The pupils at Wigglesbottom Primary have very active imaginations and are quick to believe that there’s a shark in the swimming pool, a dinosaur skeleton under their vegetable garden and that Miss Ranger’s play parachute bestows invisibility. Their poor teachers really don’t stand a chance! Absolutely perfect for children just starting to read on their own, these wonderfully accurate descriptions of school life are funny, well-told and hugely satisfying. There are three self-contained stories in the book, easy and rewarding to read. They look fabulous too – Becka Moor’s illustrations bring the characters to life while clever design smooths the way for new readers. Excellent stuff. ~ Andrea Reece Kirsty from Nosy Crow says: “These stories are a hoot from start to finish, and Becka Moor’s illustrations bring out the brilliance brilliantly. A joy for anyone who’s ever sat on an itchy story-time carpet. And who hasn’t?"
There’s a Parisian setting and decided air of chic to this singular adventure story. Anna and Holly Burnbright and their friend Prince Pepino urgently need a holiday job so when the elegant Mademoiselle Malypense asks them to help with arrangements for the wedding of Princess Violette of Francia they jump at the chance and travel to Parii at once. Skirting the revolting locals protesting in the streets, they undertake errands which take them through the sewers, into the Catacombs, and up the bell tower of Notre Dame. It’s very entertaining, and there’s lots of clever wordplay. Becka Moor rises happily to the challenge of illustrating the bizarrest of scenes – policemen on rhinoceros, an apologetic tarantula. The fairytale ending sees Mademoiselle Malypense herself marrying the princess. ~ Andrea Reece Find out Clementine Beauvais's top 10 French children's books that have been translated into English - click here!
Welcome to Wigglesbottom Primary and the first book in what should become a very popular series for new readers. There are three stories here, each one describing the kind of event that all primary school children will be familiar with, but turning them into wild and very funny adventures. So, a broken tap in the boys’ loos becomes the story of the Toilet Ghost, while an ant farm unadvisedly brought in for Show and Tell results in the Curse of the Itchy Carpet. The stories capture the fun of primary school exactly and are perfectly pitched for their audience. The design and layout too is particularly appealing, and Becka Moor’s lively illustrations add to the fun. ~ Andrea Reece Kirsty from Nosy Crow says: “These stories are a hoot from start to finish, and Becka Moor’s illustrations bring out the brilliance brilliantly. A joy for anyone who’s ever sat on an itchy story-time carpet. And who hasn’t?"
Shortlisted for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize Best Fiction for 5-12's Award 2015 Meet Violet Remy-Robinson, a Sherlock Holmes in the making in this captivating new series, perfect for fans of Chris Riddell and Alex T. Smith.
October 2014 Book of the Month Silly jokes and madcap adventures are the order of the day in this very funny and highly illustrated royalty-themed series for younger readers.
Play along with the story with your own sword and shield inside the book! Sir Boris the Brave is the boldest, bravest and busiest Knight in all the land. He's always busy despatching dragons, jousting with giants and toppling trolls. Sir Boris is busy removing a particularly pongy piece of goblin poo from his shoes when an urgent message arrives from Princess Tilly Talltales. It's an emergency! She's been captured by an ogre, told-off by a witch and there's a dragon on the loose. But something is not quite right . . . is the princess actually telling the truth? A hilarious tale of silliness, bravery and crying wolf by debut author Marc Starbuck and illustrator Becka Moor. The book comes with an amazing press-out sword and shield, so children can dress up, play along with the story and become their very own knight in shining armour! Perfect for fans of the Princess Smartypants series or anyone who loves a fairytale with a twist. Marc Starbuck has many years' experience of writing for television, working on shows such as Hollyoaks and Casualty. Originally from Manchester, Marc has lived in the Isle of Man and Spain, but now lives in Surrey with his wife and their three very noisy but inspirational children. Sir Boris the Brave and the Tall Tales Princess is Marc's debut picture book. Becka Moor is a children's book illustrator and storyteller living in Manchester. She studied illustration for children's publishing at Glyndwr University and has since worked on a variety of fiction books and series as well as picture books. She rents desk space in a stunning listed building with other creative folk, has an obsession with cats and loves anything a bit on the quirky side.
When a flood closes the village school, Lulu invites the staff and pupils to come and join them at St Grizzle's. Dani and her friends can't believe their bad luck - it was awful enough bumping into Spencer and his cronies in the village but now they've got to share lessons with them. Before long pupils are clashing with pupils, there are pranks aplenty and even the teachers aren't getting along. Rehearsals get underway for the school show but with tempers fraying it's soon looking like a big failure. Determined that the show will go on, Lulu calls on Dani and co, as the oldest children in the school, to set a good example and make friends. But with Spencer up to his usual tricks, can the two rival groups put aside their differences long enough to turn a disaster into a triumph? This warm, funny series based in the maddest of mad boarding schools, is perfect for fans of SCARLET AND IVY and A MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE. Fizzing with mayhem - Sally Morris, The Daily Mail
When Arch turns up at St Grizzle's, Dani is delighted to introduce her best friend to her new classmates. But she soon discovers that mixing her old life with her new one isn't quite as easy as she'd imagined. And Arch isn't the only new pupil - there's also super-smart Boudicca, who barely says a word to anyone. It's only when she meets Arch that she perks up and takes to following him everywhere he goes. Then she disappears. With the help of Granny Viv, it's up to Dani and Arch to find Boudicca ... and unravel the truth about this shy tag-along zombie. This warm, funny series based in the maddest of mad boarding schools, is perfect for fans of SCARLET AND IVY and A MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE.
Can YOU solve the case of the missing mummy? Meet Violet Remy-Robinson, an amateur Sherlock Holmes in the making... When Violet's cousin Agnes and her Aunt Mathilde arrive from Cairo, Violet is delighted. Aunt Mathilde is a Professor of Ancient Egyptology and has discovered a mummy that may be the key to revealing the secret location of Queen Nefertiti's tomb. Violet can't wait to find out more! So when the precious mummy is stolen from the British Museum, it's a disaster. Who has managed to pull off this crime right under the security guards' noses and where is the mummy now? It's up to Violet and the gang to save the day! Complete with two-colour illustrations throughout by Becka Moor, this is a fresh and funny mystery and readers will fall in love with Violet's quirky charm. Perfect for fans of Dixie O'Day, Ottoline and Goth Girl.
Meet Violet Remy-Robinson, an amateur Sherlock Holmes in the making... Uncle Johnny has invited Violet and her friends to spend the summer with him on a sailing adventure around Europe and Violet couldn't be more excited! But when she suspects that the captain of a boat nearby might be up to no good, Violet needs to put her detective skills into action... Could he be the head of a smuggling ring? A beautiful package complete with two-colour illustrations throughout from Becka Moore. Perfect for fans of Dixie O'Day, Ottoline and Goth Girl.
Cow thinks everything the other animals have is absolutely amazing and wants it for herself. But when she finally does get everything, she has no idea what she's getting herself into! A very silly story, with a worthwhile message - all told in a witty way.
Cow thinks everything the other animals have is absolutely amazing and wants it for herself. But when she finally does get everything, she has no idea what she's getting herself into! A very silly story, with a worthwhile message - all told in a witty way.
Three more stories of primary school mayhem as 2F set out to solve the real mysteries of life. Does the classroom hamster have magical powers? When Lauren swallows a fly, will she ACTUALLY turn into one? And who, or what, is ROBOT BOY? Look out for other Wigglesbottom titles! The Shark in the Pool The Toilet Ghost
The Boy Who Cried Sheep revisits the original story of the Boy Who Cried Wolf with a new spin! This time the Shepherd boy watches a herd of stunt jumping sheep, and he must save the day when no one comes to rescue Little Red Riding Hood from the Big Bad Wolf! Hopscotch Twisty Tales combine carefully controlled text levels and word counts with highly entertaining and original stories, perfect for children starting to read independently. This story is for a 5-7 year old reader or anyone reading book band 8.
YEE-HA! KERRANG! Look out - here come the three little ninja pigs. They are heading your way and they are trouble with a capital 'T'. But all is not as is seems in this high-energy, high-kicking, highly amusing picture book.
Cindy Ella's new stepmother and step siblings are very, very lazy. Cindy Ella has to clear up everything, even broken toys. But Cindy Ella is an inventor and makes these broken toys into new inventions. And she thinks her new invention, some incredible techno-slippers, will make her the star of the toy factory ball...
Eight-year-old Isabel is the best-behaved girl at Crabtree School, and she has a reward chart glittering with stars to prove it. She's kind, helpful, organised, sensible... But the trouble is, no one seems to notice! Isabel's tired of nice girls finishing last. But when she does the naughtiest thing anyone in Year Three can think of, has she gone too far? Will her friends stand by her, even at her worst moment? 6+ readers will love following the adventures of Isabel, Lottie, Zoe, Ava and Rani as they learn all about right and wrong in this third Crabtree School story.
Owen grows onions. He's so very good at it that the people of his village call him Owen the Onion. One day he grows an onion so unusual that it's all he can think about. He ignores his friends in the village - until one day a very angry ogre comes to visit. Can Owen save the day? A warm, funny story for beginner readers from an exciting new author and illustrator team.
Praise for Violet's first adventure! 'Whitehorn's debut is pacey and imaginative and Becka Moor's illustrations a delight. Perfect for readers who liked the Ottoline books by Chris Riddell' Times 'Effortlessly gorgeous' Moontrug 'Young readers, particularly fans of Lauren Child, will be very taken with Violet and her world' Books for Keeps 'A great heroine, an intriguing mystery, and brilliant use of language... Hugely recommended' YAyeahyeah 'Sherlock better watch out, 'cos Violet's about!' Wondrous Reads Meet Violet Remy-Robinson, an amateur Sherlock Holmes in the making... Violet has spent her holidays exploring India with Godmother Celeste, including visiting Celeste's good friend the Maharajah and meeting his very special cockatoo. But when she returns home, Violet gets a surprise visit from the Maharajah's butler, asking her to look after the bird. Violet couldn't be more amazed (and her cat Pudding couldn't be less pleased...), but the cockatoo holds the key to the Maharajah's fortune, and someone is trying to bird-nap her! Can Violet discover who the culprit is before they succeed? With a beautiful hardback package complete with two colour illustrations throughout by emerging talent, Becka Moore, everyone is bound to fall in love with Violet and the colourful characters that make up her world. Perfect for fans of Dixie O'Day, Ottolineand Goth Girl.
'Whitehorn's debut is pacey and imaginative and Becka Moor's illustrations a delight. Perfect for readers who liked the Ottoline books by Chris Riddell.' The Times 'An adventure brimful of charm, told with brio and a good deal of panache...Young readers, particularly fans of Lauren Child, will be very taken with Violet and her world' Books for Keeps 'A great heroine, an intriguing mystery, and brilliant use of language... Hugely recommended' YAyeahyeah 'Sherlock better watch out, 'cos Violet's about!' Wondrous Reads Meet Violet Remy-Robinson, an amateur Sherlock Holmes in the making... When a new family move in next door, Violet is sure there's something strange about them. Then her eccentric, but lovely neighbour, Dee Dee Derota, has a precious jewel stolen. Could the new family be to blame? Violet is on the case to uncover the truth... With a beautiful hardback package complete with two colour illustrations throughout by emerging talent, Becka Moore, everyone is bound to fall in love with Violet and the colourful characters that make up her world. Perfect for fans of Dixie O'Day, Ottoline, Goth Girland Darcy Burdock.
In this playful flip book, readers follow a dog on his wild day through town in the first half of the text. To read about the owner's perspective of the same day, flip the book over and start reading from the back!
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