It's been quite a year for James de la Rue. He's been in huge demand and flat out working for Walker ('Emily's Surprising Voyage'), Puffin (four 'Spy Dog' and 'Spy Pups' books), Penguin ('Great Expectations'), Hodder ('Gladiator Boy' editions 13 - 15) and Random House ('A Girl Called Dog'). To top if off he scooped the AOI Best of British Illustration - Images 34 Children's Books Bronze Award 2010 in September, and earlier this month featured in The Independent's 'Books of the Year: Children's books - Bears, rabbits, tigers, flies (and snot-caked bullies)' By Inbali Iserles.
This is what Inbali Iserles, award-winning author of 'The Tygrine Cat' - Walker Books, has to say - 'Emily'sSurprising Voyage' by Sue Purkiss (Walker, £3.99) is a delightful story for readers moving on to chapter books and features charming illustrations by James de la Rue. In 1852, the SS Great Britain sets sail on her maiden voyage to Australia, carrying 630 passengers - one of whom, Purkiss tells us, is young Emily Ainsworth. Emily is reluctant to leave her home in England for the uncertainties of a new world, but soon finds suitable distraction in the form of mop-haired Thomas Drew and his curious companion. Together they explore the vast ship, unearthing its ghostly secret.'
It's a wonderful article, not just for Walker, Sue Perkiss and all the publishers and authors' recommended books, it's a delightful read. It's also deserved recognition for James, who shares the recomendations with illustrators: Emily Gravett, RW Alley, Axel Scheffler, and Kevin Waldron. Congratulations to all!
The illustrations in this post are from 'Emily's Surprising Voyage'. For more illustrations from this book visit The World Beneath ‘First Class’ and Emily’s Surprising Blog Entry.
Other related post - Roman About
Enjoy!
