Ten Beautiful Books for Kids by Happy Spaces’ Artists: Day 2

"So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray,
Go throw your TV set away,
And in its place you can install,
A lovely bookshelf on the wall."  - Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

It’s day two of our ‘Beautiful Books’ feature and we bring you four more wonderful books especially for kids, illustrated by our very own Happy Spaces artists. From classic tales like Little Red Riding Hood to learning to count with Mr Bee on the farm – there is something for everyone!

Don’t forget to look out for an exciting prize up for grabs tomorrow consisting of all 10 of the books in our feature from day one, two and three plus a canvas of the winner’s choice from one of the featured artists.  Happy reading everyone!

1. Follow Me on the Farm, illustrated by Ian Cunliffe

 Ideal for toddlers learning to count, ‘Follow Me on the Farm’ is a beautiful, bright lift-the-flap book full of favourite farm animals and first numbers. Children will love following Bee as he buzzes around the busy farm, sharing his exciting news with the friendly animals. Watch Bee persuade the animals to follow him and count each one. This delightful counting book has five giant fold-out flaps for little hands and a surprise ending.
Read more about Ian Cunliffe and see his art here

 
2. Little Red Riding Hood, illustrated by Alison Jay

In this retelling of the ever-popular and beloved tale, Little Red Riding Hood goes to visit her grandmother and finds a rather larger, scarier wolf in her bed! After a frightening moment, the wolf is captured by a woodsman and granny is let out of the wardrobe. Young readers can also see the story of Hansel and Gretel being played out solely in pictures in the background, and spot motifs of other fairy tales.


Read more about Alison Jay and see her art here

3. Amy Bakes a Cake, illustrated by Laila Hills


It’s Amy’s mom’s birthday. What does Amy do for her mum? A beautifully illustrated phonics book telling the story of Amy the cow while teaching little ones the 'Long A'.  Fun and educational!

Read more about Laila Hills and see her art here

 

4. Hickory Dickory Dock, illustrated by Clare Fennell

Max the mouse is bored and hungry, but it is a long time until dinner. His Mummy is too busy to play, so Max finds lots of different ways to have fun. Follow Max through his day as he makes mischief on and around the clock!

Read more about Clare Fennell and see her art here


Join us again tomorrow for the last day of our feature and our wonderful prize giveaway.

Ten Beautiful Books for Kids by Happy Spaces’ Artists: Day 1

Our Happy Spaces artists are selected very carefully and represent a group of talented individuals with a unique gift for creating artwork that is engaging to both children and parents alike. 

Today we wanted to share our joint love of art and books (and showcase more of their artistic talents) by featuring a host of exciting books especially for kids, illustrated by our very own Happy Spaces team of creatives. 

We'll be featuring 10 beautiful books over 3 days starting today! On the last day there is an exciting prize up for grabs consisting of all 10 of the featured books plus a canvas of the winner’s choice from the selection of featured artists.  This is a truly fantastic prize and a great way to engage little minds - so remember to enter on day 3 (details of how to enter will be posted on day 3). Happy reading everyone!

1. Cloth from the Clouds, illustrated by Alison Jay

One small boy has a special gift—he can weave cloth from the clouds: gold in the early morning with the rising sun, white in the afternoon, and crimson in the evening. He spins just enough cloth for a warm scarf. But when the king sees the boy's magnificent cloth, he demands cloaks and gowns galore. "It would not be wise," the boy protests. "Your majesty does not need them!" But spin he must—and soon the world around him begins to change.

Read more about Alison Jay and see her art here

2. Rory and the Muncher Cruncher , illustrated by Genny Haines,

A little boy forgets to close his cupboard door one evening and comes face to face with the great and friendly monster Muncher Cruncher! There's a disguise, a run through the streets at night and baking! Add to that a cheeky mouse and a twist at the end... a great little story for little ones.

Read more about Genny Haines and see her art here 

3. Ollie and the Eclipse, illustrated by Ian Cunliffe

"I've seen the moon and I've seen the sun, why should seeing them together be fun?" This beautifully illustrated picture book is about Ollie, a young boy who sets off with his family to see the eclipse. His Dad tells him how exciting it's going to be, but Ollie isn't interested - he'd rather be at home, playing with his friends. Will they overcome the obstacles along the way and get to see the eclipse?

Read more about Ian Cunliffe and see his art here

Join us again tomorrow as our feature continues with four more beautiful books for kids!

Little Artist!

My little girl absolutely loves colouring and painting. The other day she found my blusher and a make-up brush and instead of doing what mummy does with these things, she took them into my office and pretended she was painting a beautiful picture! A budding artist perhaps?