My trophy for winning best illustrations for the year 4-5 category at the ATKV Woordveertjies. This was awarded for Bastian Blom en die Woedende Weerwolf.
Annual Children's Book Illustration Exhibition
I'm currently exhibiting some of my artwork from Edward and the Great Discovery at the Annual Children's Book Illustration Exhibition in Port Fairy. Other exhibitors include Shaun Tan, Chantal Stewart, Craig Smith and more. The exhibition runs from 5 September until 26 October. If you happen to be in the area check it out :) http://www.bluestonemagazine.com.au/2014/08/31/illustrating-the-point-in-port-fairy/
Little Edward made it into the newspaper!
Yay!
An Archaeological Choc-chip Cookie Dig for Kids!
What an awesome idea from www.mylittlebookcase.com.au ! And she was super sweet about the book:
“Quite simply, I love this book. Cammy loves this book. And, I can honestly see this book becoming a favourite with many families.”
and
”Celeste Hulme’s illustrations are not only warm and endearing, but they are laden with small details that will inspire questions and further investigations. The closing endpaper is also exceptional. It leaves readers with a visual image of Edward’s archaeological kit, hopefully inspiring children to create a kit of their own for exploring and investigating.”
A lovely review by Kids Book Review
This awesome review went up on Kids Book Review this afternoon. Thanks Tania!
“Edward comes from an archeological family. All of them simply love to dig and each and every one has made very important discoveries, yes they have.
Edward is determined to join them.
So far, he’d done little more than dig a polkadot patchwork of holes in the backyard, but then one fine day ... Edward finds, er - trips over - something interesting.
It’s an egg—a very mysterious egg, containing a very mysterious should-not-be-here, what-on-earth-is-going-on kind of creature.
This adorable story of a very unlikely friendship is not only well-crafted and gently underscored with a rather subtle but delectable humour, its illustrations are truly stunning, featuring a mood palette and structure that will engage the reader and the illustration-aficionado alike.
I also adore the scientific undertones of the book, and the final endpaper featuring Edward’s archeological kit is something I want to hang on my wall. ...”
Get your hands on a copy now!
How nice is this review?
“Edward and the Great Discovery by Rebecca McRitchie and Celeste Hulme
New Frontier Publishing RRP: $24.99
I’ve mentioned before on this blog that I’m a little challenged where artistic endeavours are concerned. Let’s just say you don’t want me on your team for Pictionary. So I always admire the illustrations in the many beautiful kids’ books I’m lucky enough to review. BUT this one was particularly appealing. Illustrator Celeste Hulme has swapped the typical bright, bold primaries for muted, vintage hues that set the scene perfectly in this book about archaeologists, antiquities and eggs.
Young Edward was born into a long line of archaeologists: Mum, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa- they’ve all made very important discoveries. But no matter how many times Edward digs up the backyard, he never seems to find anything interesting. One particularly wet and muddy night, Edward discovers an egg. He excavates it with professional skill, takes it inside, keeps it warm and loves it. At last the egg cracks and out pops a bird! Except, it’s not an ordinary bird – it’s a big, funny looking one that can’t fly. Edward thinks his only worthwhile discovery is broken, until he finds a book about dodos! Maybe Edward’s new friend is not broken, but an extra special kind of treasure after all?
Edward’s adventures take place in sprawling, manicured gardens, a towering library and a dusty museum full of bones and antique whatnots. Having spent a fair bit of time in such places myself, I was lost in these illustrations. Edward never looks lost (he’s right at home amongst the dinosaurs) but he does look a little lonely. His new dodo friend seems like the first company he’s had in awhile! Maybe that’s the price you pay for super high achieving parents? (Luckily my kids won’t have that problem…)
Just like his parents, Edward is always prepared should an opportunity to dig present itself. At the end of the book, readers can inspect Edward’s archaeology kit, including maps, brushes and trowels, a drink bottle (for thirsty work) and a sandwich (for energy). Be prepared for a few holes in the backyard if your kids choose to put their own discovery tool box together!”