Michael Rosen has made some fab films introducing his book Uncle Gobb and the Dread Shed. Click to links to find out more about Malcom, Crackersnacker and Uncle Gobb and their genies!

All videos made by Joe Rosen.

Last week I was invited to speak at a ‘Power of Reading’ conference, run by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education. It was really inspiring to meet all the teachers there, and see the valuable work CLPE does. Thank you for inviting me, and for the warm welcome!

The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education is a charity that provides training and support for primary school teachers and others that work in primary schools.

Thanks to all who came to the recent event with Michael Rosen at Pickled Pepper Books– what fun we all had!

Orginal artwork from the ‘Rover’ books will remain on display in the bookshop through October. Last heard the bookshop still has a handful of books signed by Michael and myself (although these are going fast!)

Opening hours are:

9.15am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday
10.00am – 6pm Saturday
11am – 5pm Sunday

Recently I’ve been getting a few questions about how I make my illustrations, so I thought I’d post these magazine articles where I talk a bit about my process. The first is for ‘Books for Keeps’ where I talk generally about my picture making, and the other is for ‘Advanced Photoshop Magazine’ where I talk more about digital media, (specifically Photoshop!) This article also features the amazing Oliver Jeffers, and Leo Hillier,  two of my favourite children’s book artists. Click the images to download printable pdf’s…

‘On Thursday 2nd July Chichester High School for Girls had the illustrator / author Neal Layton visit the library. We were joined by three local primary schools who we have been working with on a transition project.

‘Neal’s talk was fascinating. He talked about the books he had written and illustrated the materials he uses and even did a live mixed media illustration for the audience. He also discussed imagination and creativity with the pupils and gave them advice about how to illustrate themselves. He ended his talk by showing an amazing film of him illustrating a whole book in one minute flat. The school really enjoyed the event and it gave them a great opportunity to visit CHSG and see what a lovely, friendly place it is and how much we have to offer them. Two of the teachers enquired whether we were going to do the project again next year and if they could sign up!’ – Kate Angus

Photos by Tracey Waller

Stanley’s Stick is now available in Chinese…!

Delighted to be included in the impressive line up at the Hay-on-Wye Literary Festival last week. Great to work alongside Cressida Cowell again, a big thanks to the organisers, and all who came along to the event!

Here’s a few pictures…

Friday night saw the preview of the University of Portsmouth’s degree shows 2015.

The opening was as busy and bustling as ever with palpable air of excitement and anticipation. Best of luck to all the graduates!

The show continues until 5th June 10am-4pm weekdays only.

More info about the course and it’s students here.

The first copies of Uncle Gobb and the Dread Shed have arrived!

‘What a great pairing: uproarious comic fiction with hundreds of illustrations…’ – The Bookseller

Uncle Gobb and the Dread Shed is written by Michael Rosen and published by Bloomsbury Childrens Books in June.

Some photos of Michael Rosen’s recent visit to the Central Library in Portsmouth.

Speed drawing, keep up Neal…!

Signing books after the event with a well earnt cuppa.

At the Guildhall with some of the orignal artworks from the Rover books.