Thursday 29 January 2015

Make your own Henry Finch thumbprint characters

This month we published I Am Henry Finch, the new picture book from Alexis Deacon and Viviane Schwarz. An inspirational, funny and truly unique book - Henry Finch and his friends were created by the thumbprint of Viviane. 



A
t the Walker Books office, we decided to try and make our own Henry Finch characters, and we think you all should try it too!

What you will need:
  • A paint pad (red, if you’re sticking to the book!)
  • A black pen
  • Wet wipes (optional)
  • Your thumbs!
Then get creative and see what you can come up with. 



You could try and write your own little stories for your Henry Finch characters, or you might even decide to create different types of animals to be Henry's friend.


 
Here is the Walker team showing off their masterpieces!



And here are a few close ups...










We would love to see what you come up with, so if you try this yourself please Tweet a photo to us at @WalkerBooksUK

Don't forget there is still time to enter our competition to win a copy of I Am Henry Finch.

Have fun!

Monday 26 January 2015

Watch the trailer for A Spot of Bother

A Spot of Bother (available 5th February) is the follow up to The Pig’s Knickers, also written by Jonathan Emmett and illustrated by Vanessa Cabban. 


Pig is very proud of his pristine appearance, so he's horrified to discover a spot of squashed cherry on his side. When his farmyard friends try to help, the spot of bother soon becomes a truly CALAMITOUS CATASTROPHE!


Jonathan has created this special trailer for A Spot of Bother, where you can find out a little bit more about the book before it's available in bookshops next month:

We have a guest blog coming from Jonathan next month, until then do visit his website, Scribble Street, where you can find out more about Jonathan and download this fun activity sheet for A Spot of Bother.

Wednesday 21 January 2015

New year, new books!

To kick off the Picture Book Party this year, we’ve got some exciting new additions to our picture book list, perfect for revamping tired bookshelves and cuddling up with on chilly January evenings. 

BOOK OF THE MONTH: I Am Henry Finch by Viviane Schwarz and Alexis Deacon

From award-winning picture book makers Alexis Deacon and Viviane Schwarz comes an enlightening new story about courage and making a difference. For budding philosophers of all ages, this is the uplifting story of Henry Finch the loveable little bird who strives for greatness, gets it all a bit wrong, then makes it right again in a very surprising way. Inspirational, funny, and beautifully illustrated, I Am Henry Finch is a book for everyone – from the very young to the very old. It is for dreamers, philosophers, artists, the foolish and the enlightened. And anyone with a big bright idea.But don't just take our word for it - take a look at some of these fabulous reviews!

Have a go at making your own fingerprinting birds, with our Henry Finch activity sheet.


Also out this month:

The Extraordinary Mr. Querty by Karla Strambini 

In an uplifting story whose intricate, quirky illustrations are teeming with fanciful inventions, Karla Strambini celebrates the individual and encourages creative kids to let their ideas out from under their hats and show the world what amazing things they have to share.

Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett

When Alex is given a silly, sappy picture book called Birthday Bunny, he picks up a pencil and turns it into something he'd actually like to read: Battle Bunny. An adorable rabbit's journey through the forest becomes a secret mission to unleash an evil plan – a plan that only Alex can stop! 

The House Held up by Trees by Ted Kooser and Jon Klassen

A lovely, lyrical exploration of loss, change and the natural world, and a story about a house over the passage of time. Wistful and exhilarating, this moving story evokes the awe-inspiring power of nature to lift us up.


WIN

We have three Picture Book Party goody bags to give away, each including a copy of our January book of the month, I Am Henry Finch, a gorgeous 2015 Walker 2015 calendar, plus a selection of posters, stickers and activity sheets! To enter, just email marketing@walker.co.uk by 13 February with your name, address and 'New Year Competition' in the subject line. Good luck!

By entering this competition, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions. Your details will not be shared with third parties.