Perfect Picture Book Picnics

As my mother fondly calls them 'pic-in-ics' are the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors ... or as we learnt on Thursday evening at Walker Books picture Book Picnic they are the perfect way to enjoy any space for a picnic can be held anywhere, including in the lovely lofty space Walker Books are lucky enough to have in their building. So it was that librarians, booksellers, bloggers and representatives from many groups with an interest in picture books gathered on a balmy Thursday evening for Pimms, sparkles, nibbles, strawberries & cream, as well not forgetting the ice cream with a flake - traditional British picnic fare and of course we were in the company of some of Walker Books rising stars - Viv Schwartz and others, watching them sketch on the picnic grass, chatting to them about a new range of floor mats and more ...

It was the perfect way to spend a lovely evening, the perfect way to celebrate picture books and remind ourselves that just a a picnic can be held anywhere there is a picture book for any place and any time ... picinics are the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors ... or as we learnt on Thursday evening at Walker Books picture Book Picnic they are the perfect way to enjoy any space for a picnic can be held anywhere, including in the lovely lofty space Walker Books are lucky enough to have in their building.

So it was that librarians, booksellers, bloggers and representatives from many groups with an interest in picture books gathered on a balmy Thursday evening for Pimms, sparkles, nibbles, strawberries & cream, as well not forgetting the ice cream with a flake - traditional British picnic fare and of course we were in the company of some of Walker Books rising stars - Viv Schwartz and others, watching them sketch on the picnic grass, chatting to them about a new range of floor mats and more ...

It was the perfect way to spend a lovely evening, the perfect way to celebrate picture books and remind ourselves that just a a picnic can be held anywhere there is a picture book for any place and any time ...

Books and Babies

I have babies on the brain at the moment becoming an Auntie once again. Firstly, three weeks ago came my first gorgeous little niece, Myla and just four days ago an as yet unnamed but very cute little nephew. With this in mind I have been planning which bocks to give them to start them off on their lifetime of reading and I am quite honestly spoilt for choice. This has been compounded (in a wonderful way) after having spent a lovely evening at Walker books in the company of John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury talking about their collaboration on There's Going to be a Baby and also feasting my eyes on some brilliant new books coming later this year (plus let us not forget the wonderful spread of nibbles provided by Walker's fantastic in-house chef!)

So to the books...

There's Going to be a Baby has been at least ten years in the planning not least because both John and Helen are very busy people but also because they could not quite decide on the respective story and pictures either. The result of such a long term collaboration is a book that has huge appeal to readers of all ages, is incredibly important for its contribution to both picture books and graphic novels with its traditional story and picture pages as well as pages concentrating solely on pictures of the baby and its possible antics! It is subtle in presentation yet captures the imagination with its life and vibrancy, a funny, warm and moving story, with a subtle edge to it. Certainly one to share with the whole family and one that has been well worth the wait.

Other books that were mentioned during the course of the evening will find their way into Armadillo very soon but just to whet your appetites there is an exciting collaboration with Cannogate bringing some of the best young adult fiction to a new audience with Yann Martel, Matt Haig and Niccolo Ammanti for starters. Fun family romps in The Great Space Race by Joshua Mowll, games to play with the Laureate in Play the Shape Game and even family tress to investigate with Be A Genealogy Detective. This and much more are to come from Walker Books in 2010 so be sure to watch this space for more news...

The Joy of Languge

Yet another night out brings more thoughts to share!

The offices of Walker Books were last night transformed into the inside of an oak tree, complete with leaves galore, a selection of books, a sprinkling of guest and not forgetting some yummy canapes and wine! The reason? The author Timothee de Fombelle and translator Sarah Ardizzone were in conversation with Nick Tucker about their collaboration on the wonderful Toby Alone and the forthcoming Toby and the Secrets of the Tree. Revealing the secrets behind their successful partnership and sharing their thoughts and feelings about working with books in translation they provided fascinating insight into a fabulous story. With anecdotes from their whirlwind tour of workshops, Timothee's own childhood and writing journey they were a delight to listen to. Some fascinating insights were gained into the way they work, the story so far and the treats yet to come.

Thank you Timothee, Sarah, Nick, Walker Books and the team at Outside In for a thought provoking and enjoyable evening.