Today, to kick off our series of author and illustrator spotlights (In honor of Picture Book Month) we profile Author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler (Who is also the author-illustrator of the Pip and Posy series), and we’ll start off by highlighting their latest book-
(*Click the cover image above if you’re interested in purchasing)
Fans of “The Gruffalo” will love the latest collaboration from author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler where a wicked rat on horseback finds out “Crime Doesn’t Pay” in the most comical, knee-slapping ways, from the reader’s perspective, anyway…!
Being a literary rat who is on the side of good (And PROUD of it!) there is admittedly something to be said for my species “Classic” role as the villain, and the fact that Julia composed this story EXPERTLY IN RHYME, as she did in previous books “A Gold Star for Zog“, “Tabby McTat” and “Stick Man.” (All of which, also illustrated by Axel Scheffler) proves how compelling art and text can really be when they work together. Expect a more through review of this book in the future.
While many of Julia’s books have other various (And equally talented!) illustrators behind them (Such as “Jack and the Flumflum Tree” illustrated by David Roberts), Axel Scheffler’s bright and simple-yet-sophisticated illustrations brilliant compliments Julia’s “Harder to do than it looks, no, REALLY” rhyme scheme, makes for a art and text combo rarely seen since the previous “Golden Age” of children’s books in general, and picture books in particular.
Picture book Month is a great initiative to both celebrate picture books across the ages, it’s also a prime opportunity remind today’s authors, illustrators, and readers the world over that there are many authors and illustrators who are committed to picture books, and to prove beyond doubt that like Madeline, Olivia, and Clifford the Big Red Dog before them, there are plenty of emerging examples of picture book characters in the 21st Century who are just as capable of having staying power beyond their time of creation. No less than their 20th Century (Or further) predecessors.
At T.A.A., we say celebrate the OLD and the NEW, and remember that all the “Classics” today, were once in the rookie’s corner, too. Check back for more author and illustrator spotlights throughout November.
If you’ve read Julia Donaldson or Axel Scheffler’s books (Collaborative or Solo), please share your favorites in the comments below. T.A.A. LOVES to hear back from you, the readers.
Until next time, may the fantastical fauna be with you.
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Learn more about author, Julia Donaldson, and her many other books at her website-
http://www.juliadonaldson.co.uk
Also, take time to check out the OFFICAL website for Picture Book Month-
