Simon has been working on a new book to be published by Walker Books. It is about a little brother called Pete and his first visit to the beach. It seems a prefect day as Pete is shown all the thrills to be had by his older brother Davey. All the excitement keeps making Pete hungry, but he soon discovers that eating at the beach can be full of unknown dangers and disasters. Will Pete ever get to eat ANYTHING! Simon has no title for the book as yet, can you help?
If you can think of a title for the story, then email Simon on the contact page. An original illustration and signed book will be sent to the winner!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
There is a new library card for all the young readers in Plymouth, Devon. It features a picture from Simon’s latest book, ‘ George Flies South‘. There’s never been a better time to join your local library!
The artwork for Simon’s new book, ‘Nurse Clementine‘ was delivered last week to Walker Books. Simon has been working on the artwork during the summer. ‘I enjoy painting in the summer months most of all,’ he says, ‘I get a much better sense of how the colours are working on the paper when the days are bright.’ The artwork is now being scanned and will then be positioned with the text on a computer, to prepare for printing.
Simon James at the drawing board
Simon is currently busy at his drawing board working on the artwork for his
next book with Walker Books, called ‘Nurse Clementine‘. The artwork will be finished in
September and the book will be published in 2012.
‘George Flies South‘, Simon’s new book about a baby bird’s unusual journey to discovering he can fly, will be available from September 2011.
Simon has illustrated this story with his inimitable watercolour and ink drawings and, for the first time in his books, there is a strong graphic novel effect which will delight all readers.
Plymouth City Museum is currently hosting a successful exhibition entitled Draw me a story – the art of illustration for children.
As one of the featured artists Simon has provided sketches, dummy books, pens and water colours to show how a picture book moves from an idea to the
finished product; as well as delivering talks for visitors to the exhibition about his work.
“I am always playing with new ideas for stories, sketching and writing little books to see if my ideas will work.
My favourite at the moment is a story about a little boy’s first visit to the beach and how the events of the day leave him ready to eat a very large supper!”
