A short trailer I made for my forthcoming picture story book ‘The Tree’

(It’s actually meant to loop which is why it’s so short…!)

‘The Tree’ will be published in May by Walker Children’s Books.

A short trailer I made for my forthcoming book ‘The Invincible Tony Spears.’

(It’s actually meant to loop which is why it’s so short…!)

‘The Invincible Tony Spears’ will be published in July by Hodder Children’s Books.

The trip started bright and early on Tuesday morning with the 6.50 Easyjet to Bologna. I nearly missed the flight ending up with only 9 minutes to get from security to my gate. Note to self: don’t wear a metal buttoned shirt when flying!

After meeting Adam Stower and my agent Alison Eldred we hopped in a taxi and it was straight to the ‘Fiere’.

With over 1200 stands there was lots to see in the halls…

…and in the bookshop!

A meeting with Anne McNeil of Hachette Publishing to talk about two of my titles showcasing at the fair, ‘The Invincible Tony Spears’ and ‘Danny McGee Drinks the Sea’ which is written by Andy Stanton.

Alongside the publishers stands there were several exhibitions of artwork.

This piece from Emanuale Luzzati was included in the 50 years of childrens books exhibiton.

An exhibition of German books shows creative use of art tubes…

…and finally back the following morning on the 11am flight– before heading back to the studio with a head buzzing with ideas!

Each spring, the children’s publishing world converges on the historic Italian city of Bologna for a huge trade fair. It’s been running for over 50 years now and is unique because it is the only book fair exclusively for children’s books.

I’ll be visiting the show again this year soaking up the atmosphere and meeting my agents and publishers from the UK and their partners abroad. It’s amazing to see the different approaches to children’s narrative, and I generally find the experience exhilarating, overwhelming and humbling in equal measure. You can’t help but be lifted by the energy of all the activity. With over 1200 publishers and 100,000’s of books on show, I feel extremely privileged to have my work represented on the world stage.

This year three of my new books will be on show. Walker Books will be presenting  ‘The Tree’ and Hodder Children’s Books will present ‘The Invincible Tony Spears’ and ‘Danny McGee Drinks the Sea’ which is written by Andy Stanton.

I’ll try and post a few photos during my visit and look forward to meeting some of the other authors, illustrators and publishers!

‘The Tree’ by Neal Layton, Walker Books, May 2016.

‘The Invincible Tony Spears’ by Neal Layton, Hodder Childrens Books, July 2016.

‘Danny McGee Drinks the Sea’ by Andy Stanton Illustrated by Neal Layton, Hodder Books, publishing date tbc.

The Institute of Early Childhood have published a new article using Emily Brown’s CITV appearance as a case study. Densely written (!) but interesting to see how academics analyse things… A Link to the article here…

Just arrived in the post- a Japanese edition of ‘Mammoth Academy in Trouble!’

Preparing for an Easter getaway? Look out for the poetry points at Heathrow Airport!

There are four pillars in terminals 2-5 each with specially written travel poems recited by their authors Michael Rosen, Danny Wallace, Laura Dockrill and MG Leonard.

As you might have guessed I did the illustrations which feature cameos of some of the characters from my books– Emily Brown, Stanley Stick amongst others! And could I ask a favour? If anyone does happen to come across them please could you take a photo? I’d love to see what they look like.

Their locations are; T2 near World Duty Free, T3 near Rhubarb,  T4 near Gate 19, T5 near Fortnum & Mason Champagne bar.

More info about them here and here.

Designer Chaos Design.

Stanley’s Stick is ‘an excellent bedtime read’ in Lauren Laverne’s house at the moment!

John Hegley pops up in conversation whilst Lauren and Tim Key discuss Russian Literature…

Sound clip here…

Or you can listen to the whole programme (which also features guests Caitlin Moran and Dave Okumu) here…

(The clip is 43.20 into the show)

Blimey!!!!

🙂

Whilst enjoying Timeout’s 100 best Children’s Books was overjoyed to see Emily Brown and Stanley on the list!