I’m reading from my picture book What’s Up MuMu? at the Kuwait Book Fair for the British Council. There’s a part in the story where MuMu airs feelings about why Lox has sore feet. Maybe Lox should have taken the stairs.
From What’s Up MuMu? (HarperCollins Children’s Books).
Circa. 2004.
In my book The Frank Show, Frank has a habit of recounting memories from his childhood. Books he’s read, movies he’s seen, experiences from a time long ago. The Phantom of the Opera always interested me, or maybe just Lon Chaney’s makeup. Edgar Allan Poe’s an interesting looking character if you see photos of the author, and not quite as scary as his short stories. Clowns are terrifying fullstop, especially if they’re smiling or in black and white photographs.
A few of my favourite things. Detail from The Frank Show.
I will be at the Kuwait International Book Fair this November to talk about my books and how I work. It is in conjunction with the British Council’s Drawing Words Exhibition which will be on show at the book fair. I will be doing some drawings and talking ad nauseam about how I approach illustrating my picture books. If you’re in the gulf, drop in and say hello.
Inkjet printers aren’t designed for the U.K., but string never fails. I hope the cat turned up safe and sound.
What grid?
Looking south at the cathedral, excluding thousands of tourists.
At Seven Stories in Newcastle, MuMu and Lox are on show in the Drawing Words Exhibition. They have finally found a re-use for the glass elevator exhibit left over from that Roald Dahl exhibition. It reminds me of the page in the book where they catch a lift up to the observation deck of the tall building. Lauren Child took the picture and sent it to me. She’s very thoughtful.
Photo: L. Child.
William’s drawing knows no boundaries. His swirling scenes depict armies and attacks and glorious victories, layered in vivid colors. We have to keep adding sheets of paper to satisfy his story. One day the war will be completely over and so will the rainforests.
I don’t know where to start.
There’s an ink shortage you know.
Found on a tax receipt c. 2000.