I loved Madeline anyway, but see it in a whole new light now! Brilliant!

Fleabag Commended at the Sheffield Picture Book Award

Fleabag was commended (I always want to write condemned, I don't know why?) at the Sheffield Picture Book Awards 2009. The prize was judged by children, and these are some of the comments.

 

There you are: 'The best story in the world.' It's official.

Kelsey- you are number 30!

...but I can't get in touch with you to send your lion artwork. Can you leave a comment here, or email me through my website? Otherwise the artwork will just sit in a draw with no nice new owner...

PS Kelsey got in touch and the artwork is on it's way.

The first proof of How To Hide a Lion

I am so pleased with how it is looking, the colours need adjusting at the printers, it's come back slightly darker than expected, but other than that I am very pleased with it. A big thank you to Alison, Zoe and Rebecca at Alison Green Books.

30th follower

To celebrate 30 followers, the person who is number 30 will get a free line drawing of a lion. Go on, be number 30! I'll need your address too, so let me know. Thanks!

Venice photos

We went to Venice in 2011 to do some research for a new book, here are some photos we took, I'll post some more drawings soon.

Gerry's plywood trees.

Gerry is off to Edinburgh Printmakers today to make
more trees to sell on his etsy shop.

New shelves- aah!

I bought these old shelves in a junk shop and painted them turquoise,

Gerry put them up yesterday. I am so pleased with them... places to put our

STUFF.... ahh.... After 15 years in a tiny (but lovely) flat in London

I get so excited about having places to put things now!

My first copy of The Big Adventure of the Smalls arrived today!

ah... the seal of approval.

What Philip Pullman said about Poochie-Poo

Philip Pullman wrote this about Poochie-Poo, one of my very early books that is out of print now. I am a big Northern Lights fan, so was amazed and delighted when he write this. I drew him a pug to say thanks. I heard he loves pugs.

Poochie-Poo
‘Helen Stephens’s Poochie-Poo is an absolute delight. From the elegant illustrations to the haute-couture typography, from Miss Loopy’s hat to Miss Froopy-Frou-Frou’s shoes, it’s funny, pretty, charming, witty, chic and just too too utterly smile making. Biscuits all round! I hope it’s a huge hit.
The really good thing about Poochie-Poo is that it’s genuinely simple and inclusive- despite all the witty stuff that amuses jaded adults like me, it’s a warm and delightful story that children will completely understand and love.
Poochie-Poo is the real thing. I love it!’
Philip Pullman