Ruby, Blue and Blanket – out now in paperback
This month sees the publication of Ruby, Blue and Blanket in paperback. The hardback was released earlier this year and was met with great reviews, here are some of our favourites:
"It’s definitely going to be a classic on children’s bookshelves and in libraries and could provide a fantastic point of discussion and activity with children to encourage them to explore an imaginary world." Childtasticbooks
"The text and illustrations are perfect, and we’ve read this over and over." Child-Led Chaos
"With enchanting rhyming text and beautiful illustrations, Ruby, Blue and Blanket is a story that will delight fans of Jane Hissey everywhere – old and new." London Mum's Magazine
"Hissey’s beautiful illustrations and gently humorous rhyme combine to make this a delightful book, and I imagine there will be many more adventures to come." Daily Mail
"This is another lovely book from Jane Hissey. The story of a familiar game is brought to life by her adorable characters and her wonderful illustrations." Story Snug
Jane shared her top tips for imaginative storytelling here, which include incorporating activities that children love to do, such as a tea party or treasure hunt or in Ruby's case a fun game of dressing up!
You can find the book in your local bookshop or order online here ,To be in with a chance of winning 1 of 3 free giveaway copies keep your eyes on the Scribblers twitter for details of a competition coming soon.
Teddy Bear's Picnic at Mostly Books
A few days ago Jane travelled to Abingdon to host a Teddy Bear's Picnic in the garden of Mostly Books. She took along all her toys, original drawings and a dummy paperback book and spoke to the picnickers about how she created the Old Bear Stories (and her new characters Ruby, Blue and Blanket!) A wonderful day was had by all!
The winner of the Best Loved Teddy competition, Red Ted
For more brilliant blog posts with lots of photographs, see Child-Led Chaos's report of the day or this account from Mostly Books.
A big thank you to Mostly Books for hosting the event and thanks to Sally Poyton for the photographs.
Illustration Cupboard Summer Exhibition
Photos taken at the launch of the Illustration Cupboard's Summer Exhibition where the guests included many of the illustrators whose work is in the exhibition (David McKee, Susie Jenkin-Pearce, Nicholas Allan, Axel Scheffler, John Vernon Lord, Bruce Ingman etc, etc).
Jane has several illustrations in the Summer Exhibition plus an illustrated envelope to accompany Klaus Flugge's lovely Letters to Klaus book (the proceeds of which go to Save the Children).
Photos from the book launch
Here are some more photos from Jane's book launch that took place last week in London. A very big thank you to everyone who came along to look at the exhibition or to meet Jane and get books signed. A huge thank you also to the team at The Illustration Cupboard for hosting such a wonderful party.
The original Ruby, Blue Rabbit and Blanket toys displayed in the gallery window
Jane Hissey beside the cake and her yummy homemade treats
Jane with the real Ruby, Blue Rabbit and Blanket toys
Signing copies of the new book
Signed copies of both new and old Jane Hissey books
Catherine Robins, Catherine Stokes, Peter Gillbe, David Salariya and Jane Hissey
Roberta Bailey, Carolyn Scrace, David Salariya and Karen Barker-Smith
Guests at the party
The Illustration Cupboard on Bury Street, London
Catherine Robins and Peter Gillbe
Victoria England and Antonia Wilkinson
The new book alongside a collector's edition of the classic, Old Bear
A delicious cake featuring the three new characters made out of icing
Cutting the cake!
The fantastic (and scrumptious!) cake centrepiece was made for the party by the super talented Shereen at Shereen's Cakes and Bakes.
Ruby, Blue and Blanket book launch
This Wednesday was the publication date of Jane's new book Ruby, Blue and Blanket and to celebrate the launch, the Illustration Cupboard held a fantastic evening reception. It also marked the start of an exhibition which is now running until 16th March, displaying original artwork from the book as well as rare original drawings. You can find out more here.
Here is a very sneaky peek of some photos from the evening, but keep your eyes peeled for lots more on the website next week.
PS. Can you spot the amazing Jane Hissey cake centrepiece? Watch this space for more information!
The Illustration Cupboard Exhibition
Jane's brand new picture book, Ruby, Blue and Blanket, is published this month and to celebrate its launch, Jane has an exhibition at The Illustration Cupboard in London. An array of original artwork will be on display, with a selection of the published artwork and some rare original drawings offered for purchase. Artwork can be previewed here. The exhibition runs from 28 February until 16 March so there's plenty of time to go and see Jane's meticulous artwork introducing three vibrant new characters.
Imagine Children's Festival
This weekend Jane was at the Imagine Children's Festival at the Southbank Centre where it was all about the kids taking over! The festival was transformed BY children FOR children and hosted the top names in children's literature, dance, theatre and art. Children came along to hear Jane read from Little Bear's Trousers as well as meeting the real toy characters and hearing all about how Jane creates her illustrations and wonderful stories. With a chance for children to get their books signed, it was a lovely day and great to see so many people having fun! The festival is running until Sunday 24 February with lots of free things to see and do - a great place to visit this half term holiday! Click here for a full programme of events.
