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By day Rob Biddulph is the award-winning art director of the Observer Magazine. By night he makes up silly stories for his three daughters, and draws pictures to go with them. He lives and works in London.
Blown Away, his first picture book, won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2015.
May 2020 Debut of the Month | There aren’t many books that can have you laughing out loud one minute, and tearing up the next, but The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is one. When Freddie sets off on a secret journey that will take him half-way across the country, his two best friends come too; they have their own reasons for wanting to escape home for a bit. Together the three get into and out of some extraordinary scrapes, inadvertently becoming heroes in the process, and Freddie experiences an actual miracle. Freddie, Ben and Charlie are great characters and their incredible journey – which variously involves sheep, a tandem, superhero outfits and stolen treasure - both hilarious and gripping. The ending proves that the world is a wonderful place, particularly for those who go looking for adventure. Don’t miss. One to recommend to fans of Frank Cottrell Boyce’s The Astounding Broccoli Boy, or David Solomons’ My Brother is a Superhero series.
Rob Biddulph’s new picture book is another typically happy reading experience. Nine dinosaur eggs (count them) are ready to hatch: out pop Otto, Winnie, Hector, Sue, Nancy, Martin, Wilf and Boo. But what about egg number nine? Greg (short for Gregosaurus) hatches a week late, and by then the other little dinosaurs are already settled in their friendship groups and busy playing. Poor Greg is down in the dumps (there’s even a little raincloud over his head in the illustrations) but don’t fear, he’s in for a lovely surprise. There’s so much to enjoy in this wonderful picture book - a story that is both funny and cheering, a clever rhyming text that is great fun to read aloud, glorious illustrations, and things to count on every page. It’s just brilliant and this Cretaceous crew deserve to be loved as much as Spot, Kipper or the Gruffalo.
Rob Biddulph’s new picture book is another typically happy reading experience. Nine dinosaur eggs (count them) are ready to hatch: out pop Otto, Winnie, Hector, Sue, Nancy, Martin, Wilf and Boo. But what about egg number nine? Greg (short for Gregosaurus) hatches a week late, and by then the other little dinosaurs are already settled in their friendship groups and busy playing. Poor Greg is down in the dumps (there’s even a little raincloud over his head in the illustrations) but don’t fear, he’s in for a lovely surprise. There’s so much to enjoy in this wonderful picture book - a story that is both funny and cheering, a clever rhyming text that is great fun to read aloud, glorious illustrations, and things to count on every page. It’s just brilliant and this Cretaceous crew deserve to be loved as much as Spot, Kipper or the Gruffalo.
Highly Commended in the UKLA Book Awards 2019 | S E Durrant writes convincingly and movingly about ordinary young people in extraordinary situations, and Running on Empty finds beauty and certainty in an apparently bleak situation. Eleven-year old AJ’s parents both have learning difficulties and he becomes their main carer when his grandfather suddenly dies. It’s a struggle, especially at first when no-one at his new secondary school realises just what AJ has to cope with. His love and tenderness towards his parents is beautifully described, as is the warmth of his extended family and things slowly sort themselves out. Somehow too his grandfather – who loved running as much as AJ does – is never really far away. Without a trace of sentimentality, this ends on a note of hope and happiness that is both believable and uplifting. This is one to recommend to fans of Susin Nielsen and even R J Palacio.
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month February 2018 Award-winning Rob Biddulph’s warm-hearted story is both a celebration of imaginary friends and a cautionary tale about how best to manage them. When things go wrong around Sid there is always someone else to blame – his imaginary friend Kevin. But then Sid becomes Kevin’s imaginary friend and he soon realises that friendship is better if everyone takes responsibility for their own actions. Rob Biddulph’s rhyming text strikes as sure note in a story about the delights of imagination and the importance of taking responsibility. ~ Julia Eccleshare Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for February 2018 Kevin by Rob Biddulph
September 2017 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: ghost-busting, gadget-rich adventure with monster laughs The appearance of an apparently malevolent poltergeist in his bedroom (just as he’s trying to do his homework too) is the start of a series of life-changing events for Denzel. It’s followed by two ghost-hunters, who seem to be about the same age as Denzel, though they’re equipped with some seriously cool ghost-busting paraphernalia. When a different poltergeist turns up at Denzel’s school the next day, the same duo arrive, and this time after despatching it they take him back to their headquarters; by the end of the book, he’s a new recruit to the secret Spectre Collectors. Adventures don’t come more action-packed than this, but Barry Hutchison manages to squeeze in bags of humour too – Denzel’s best-friend Smithy is a brilliant comic side-kick (and subject of a great surprise twist too). One to recommend to fans of the My Brother is a Superhero series, don’t miss this if you’re looking for excitement, adventure and laughs. ~ Andrea Reece
August 2017 Book of the Month Award-winning Rob Biddulph’s warm-hearted story is both a celebration of imaginary friends and a cautionary tale about how best to manage them. When things go wrong around Sid there is always someone else to blame – his imaginary friend Kevin. But then Sid becomes Kevin’s imaginary friend and he soon realises that friendship is better if everyone takes responsibility for their own actions. Rob Biddulph’s rhyming text strikes as sure note in a story about the delights of imagination and the importance of taking responsibility. ~ Julia Eccleshare
One of Our Books of the Year 2017 | No child’s bookshelf is complete without one, and preferably more than one of Rob Biddulph’s joyful, dazzling picture books. Sunk! is a new adventure for Penguin Blue, star of the award-winning Blown Away. He’s been given a pirate costume and sets out on a nautical adventure with his penguin friends and Clive the polar bear. They sail the seven seas – beautifully illustrated on a map in which the seas are helpfully and stylishly numbered – before running into trouble. All ends wonderfully well of course and they sail home with a new friend and something very special to play on. This has all the hallmarks of Biddulph’s brilliance: each cleverly designed page is full of things to look at; the story is told in lively, witty rhyme; and the whole story exudes fun and warmth. And readers all get to shout ‘Thar she blows’ too – what more could you ask? ~ Andrea Reece Award-winning Rob Biddulph’s swashbuckling adventure is perfect for all those who’d love to sail the high seas with – Pirates! Penguin Blue and his friends Cutlass Jess, First Mate Flo and Wilbur Seal the cabin boy, set out to hit the treasure trail. There’s a map, a sunken wreck and old sea dog names Captain Plank all of whom add to the glorious escapade. Rob Biddolph’s stunning illustrations create a magical watery world. ~ Julia Eccleshare
March 2017 Book of the Month | No child’s bookshelf is complete without one, and preferably more than one of Rob Biddulph’s joyful, dazzling picture books. Sunk! is a new adventure for Penguin Blue, star of the award-winning Blown Away. He’s been given a pirate costume and sets out on a nautical adventure with his penguin friends and Clive the polar bear. They sail the seven seas – beautifully illustrated on a map in which the seas are helpfully and stylishly numbered – before running into trouble. All ends wonderfully well of course and they sail home with a new friend and something very special to play on. This has all the hallmarks of Biddulph’s brilliance: each cleverly designed page is full of things to look at; the story is told in lively, witty rhyme; and the whole story exudes fun and warmth. And readers all get to shout ‘Thar she blows’ too – what more could you ask? ~ Andrea Reece Award-winning Rob Biddulph’s swashbuckling adventure is perfect for all those who’d love to sail the high seas with – Pirates! Penguin Blue and his friends Cutlass Jess, First Mate Flo and Wilbur Seal the cabin boy, set out to hit the treasure trail. There’s a map, a sunken wreck and old sea dog names Captain Plank all of whom add to the glorious escapade. Rob Biddolph’s stunning illustrations create a magical watery world. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Shortlisted for the UKLA 2018 Book Award | Odd Dog Out has all the qualities that made Blown Away and Grrrrr! so popular with critics and readers! The pages - filled with dazzling displays of stylishly-dressed dogs on the move – are simply wonderful to look at; there’s a witty rhyming text; and it delivers an important message too. In a world full of suited, bowler-hatted dachshunds one dog stands out, eschewing pinstripes for a bright woolly hat: ‘someone on this busy street/ is dancing to a different beat’. But being different isn’t easy and the little dog decides she’ll leave home for somewhere where there’ll be ‘a hundred others just like me’. It takes a meeting with another ‘odd dog out’ to make her realise that being who you are is the best way to be. Every page is a treat to behold and the message is as important today as it ever has been.
Meet Furry Purry Beancat - one extraordinary cat with nine extraordinary lives! Just like every other cat, Furry Purry Beancat loves a catnap. But unlike other cats, when Beancat wakes she finds herself about to embark on a whole new adventure! All aboard! There's a mystery on the railway! Join Beancat and her friends as they uncover secrets and spies on the tracks. Who is the ticket-swapping, train-hopping stranger? Is Beancat's beloved railway in danger? It's up to our furry (and purry!) hero to solve the puzzle, before it's too late. A funny and charming young fiction series from award-winning, bestselling author and illustrator duo Philip Ardagh and Rob Biddulph, puuurfect for feline fans everywhere
Meet Furry Purry Beancat - one EXTRAORDINARY cat with nine EXTRAORDINARY lives! Just like every other cat, Furry Purry Beancat loves a catnap. But unlike other cats, when Beancat wakes she finds herself about to embark on a whole new adventure! In this first book, join our furry (and purry!) heroine as she sets sail aboard a pirate ship, helping her captain and his shipmates fight a rival crew in an epic battle at sea! Can Furry Purry Beancat help save the day? A funny and charming young fiction series from award-winning, bestselling author and illustrator duo Philip Ardagh and Rob Biddulph, puuurfect for feline fans everywhere
The magical and brilliantly funny adventures of Flat Stanley brought to life by bestselling illustrator Rob Biddulph in this new picture book edition. Amazing things always happen to Stanley! Stanley was just an ordinary boy, until a pin board fell on top of him . . . Now he's flat as a pancake! Sometimes being flat can be lots of fun - he can even fly like a kite! But it's not all fun and games . . . The sneak thieves are in the town and plotting to steal the world's most expensive painting! Can Flat Stanley save the day? Jeff Brown's world-famous character continues to charm over 50 years on from publication. With shortened adapted text, this 32 page picture book is great for sharing with children aged 3 years and up and will introduce Stanley's adventures to a whole new generation of children. Rob Biddulph's bold and graphic illustrations reimagine the characters and their world in a fresh and engaging new way - perfect for fans new and old.
The hilarious and magical adventures of everyone's favourite flat hero - Flat Stanley. With brilliant new illustrations by the award-winning author/illustrator Rob Biddulph. Amazing things always happen to Stanley Lambchop . . . It's not every Christmas you get flown to the North Pole to meet Santa. But Santa is fed up. No one appreciates Christmas any more. Why should he deliver any presents? It's up to Stanley to persuade Santa . . . and save Christmas! Jeff Brown was a story editor and assistant film producer in Hollywood. He worked on the at The New Yorker and the Saturday Evening Post, and his stories appeared in these magazines and many others. Jeff created the classic character Flat Stanley, whose adventures have been beloved by children around the world for more than 50 years. He died in Manhattan in 2003. Rob Biddulph is a bestselling and award-winning children's book author and illustrator. He won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Blown Away and was nominated for the Kate Greenaway medal for GRRRRR! His other books include Odd Dog Out (Aug 2016) and Sunk! (March 2017).
The hilarious and magical adventures of everyone's favourite flat hero - Flat Stanley. With brilliant new illustrations by the award-winning author/illustrator Rob Biddulph. Magical things always happen to Stanley Lambchop . . . Stanley is very surprised when a big storm hits - and he turns completely invisible! At first it's brilliant - he can get on the trail of some bank robbers and help his little brother with his magic tricks. But being invisible isn't always easy . . . will Stanley ever reappear? Jeff Brown's world-famous character Flat Stanley continues to charm half a century after he first found his way into print.
The magical and brilliantly funny adventures of everyone's favourite flat boy - Flat Stanley. With wonderful new illustrations by the award-winning author/illustrator Rob Biddulph. Magical things always happen to Stanley Lambchop . . . Stanley can't believe it when he finds a genie inside a teapot. He can have anything he wants! But everyone else wants a turn - and the wishes are causing chaos! Can he put things right before he runs out of wishes? Jeff Brown's world-famous character Flat Stanley continues to charm half a century after he first found his way into print. Jeff Brown was a story editor and assistant film producer in Hollywood. He worked on the at The New Yorker and the Saturday Evening Post, and his stories appeared in these magazines and many others. Jeff created the classic character Flat Stanley, whose adventures have been beloved by children around the world for more than 50 years. He died in Manhattan in 2003. Rob Biddulph is a bestselling and award-winning children's book author and illustrator. He won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Blown Away and was nominated for the Kate Greenaway medal for GRRRRR! His other books include Odd Dog Out (Aug 2016) and Sunk! (March 2017).
Stanley is a perfectly ordinary little boy until an extra large notice board falls on top of him and makes him completely flat. Luckily, Stanley is of a cheerful disposition and he adapts readily to his new, flat self and even finds advantages to it. Lots of funny adventures in an easy to read style.
July 2017 Book of the Month | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month July 2017 Award-winning David Solomons’ hero Luke is back for a sizzling new adventure and this time he has acquired Stellar, a super-powered twin from another dimension. If a twin sounds like fun, think again. Stellar is super-cool with super-hero hair and rocket-powered shoes and Luke finds him exceptionally irritating. And he is sure he is up to no good. After all, Luke reasons, why would he travel out of his own dimension and across space if he didn’t have an evil plan? Luke’s schemes to bring down his evil twin are hilarious and predictably imaginative. ~ Julia Eccleshare The Editor at Nosy Crow says: “My Brother is a Superhero set the bar high, but this third in the quartet does not fall short – it’s just as crammed with laughs, adventure, wit and emotional depth. And Serge. Magnifique!” Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for July 2017 What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks My Evil Twin is a Supervillain by David Solomons
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