Nothing exciting ever happens to me...or does it?!

Well today something exciting did happen...I saw the proofs for my new picture book 'Never Ever'! Despite the usual self doubts of 'us creative types', I think they're looking pretty good and I'm pleased with them.

The story is about a girl character who thinks nothing exciting EVER happens to her, whilst she has her nose in the air and eyes firmly closed she misses all that happens around her. The idea for the book came from me being a child who loved exciting stories, I was forever disappointed that real life in a small town in Hampshire, didn't quite match my imaginary expectations of what might be around the next corner...apart from chalk-pits. This feeling has been 'on the odd occasion' revisited more recently as an adult, at which point I give myself a good shake and open my eyes!

Hopefully 'Never Ever' will be out on December 15th, just in time for Christmas!

Here's a sneaky peak...

...and another little peak...

..and without giving too much away...one more...

Some initial sketches...

Use your LOAF...only 8 days to go!

8 days and counting...How many times have you heard of the latest entrepreneurial creation and thought ...'that's such a good idea, why didn't I think of that'?! Well here's another one...but the difference is YOU have the chance to be part of it, to help launch LOAF magazine onto the shelves and ultimately in the hands of young creative readers.

LOAF is a new comic magazine for 9-12 year olds beautifully illustrated and designed, crammed full of relevant and entertaining content, busting with creativity and born through story-making/comic workshops in Bristol and Cambridge.

Take a look at this little film which gives more detail about LOAF and how you can become part of it, but hurry there's only 8 days left before this opportunity closes.

http://www.peoplefund.it/loaf-magazine/

Millinery - Becky Palmer

A little honey oatmeal loaf - Zoe Poster

Bagels - Elena Arevalo

Not just any bunny's tale...

Lovely piece in the local rag this week. My brother David (who Rabbityness is dedicated to and inspired by) would be soooo very chuffed. It would be his birthday next week so 'Happy Birthday David' we love and miss you loads! X

There's still time to vote for 'Rabbityness' for The People's Book Prize, voting finishes 31st Aug...www.peoplesbookprize.com

Take up the Waterstones challenge...

Would you like to read and review Rabbityness with your child? http://bit.ly/ODv7hX
To be in with the chance of a copy just email content@waterstones.com with the title of the book as the subject line, and include your name and full postal address too.

Terms and conditions apply: http://bit.ly/xmdNub

Rabbit enjoys doing rabbity things, but he also loves un-rabbity things! When Rabbit suddenly disappears, no one knows where he has gone. His friends are desolate. But, as it turns out, Rabbit has left behind some very special gifts for them, to help them discover their own unrabbity talents! This is a stunning debut picture book by author/illustrator Jo Empson. Rabbityness celebrates individuality, encourages the creativity in everyone and positively introduces children to dealing with loss of any kind.

Rabbityness shortlisted for 'The People's Book Prize'

 "The People's Book Prize. Showcasing new titles every month in libraries and selected book stores across Britain, with only the public voting for the winners"

I'm very excited to say that Rabbityness has been lucky enough to be shortlisted for the 'The Peoples Book Prize'. It's an award which is voted totally by the public so Rabbity needs your vote:)

So If you feel the overwhelming urge please use the link here to vote http://www.peoplesbookprize.com/section.php?id=7
It would make Rabbity and I SO happy!

link to vote

Better than lunch...or cheese!

Yesterday at work we had the option of replacing lunch with a 'Wallace and Gromit' workshop...need I say more, there's no competition! What a treat it was...even though I love my food I could quite happily fforfeit lunch everyday to play with plasticine. The very patient Jim Parkyn from Aardman taught us in only a hour to make a Gromit lookalikey, the fascinating thing was that even though as a group our individual Gromits were all different shapes and sizes; fat, thin, tall and small, they 'all' still looked liked Gromit! Here's my attempt, he's a bit wrinkly and more of a 'Grandpa Gromit' but still he's 'my Gromit'. I was going to attempt to do a quick little iStopMotion sketch but his head has just fallen off, so he'll have to have a little repair first! Many thanks to our excellent teacher Jim and I hope you've fully recovered!

Winston's Wish...

If you are a lovely person thinking of buying a copy of Rabbityness or any other book for that matter, please consider buying it from the link below. As a donation will automatically go to 'Winston's Wish' a very worthy charity which helps bereaved children.

http://www.littleparachutes.com