Jack and the Beanstalk….

…and Bologna

I’ve just got back from the Bologna children’s book fair, which was brilliant and very inspiring, if a little overwhelming – it is absolutely huge! Lots of beautiful books, particularly from the French publishers and some of the Italian, all wonderfully printed and produced.  And of course the delicious food and sunshine made it all the more enjoyable!

Jack and the Beanstalk is my latest book for Edizioni Corraini – it’s the traditional story simply illustrated and available in Italian and English. Here are some spreads plus a couple of pics of my books at the Corraini stand.

I also signed some books at the amazing Co-op Ambascatori (not sure of the spelling.. but it was something like that) – a  book shop, but also an Italian food emporium, restaurant, and wine bar (with a large selection of beer too)! What more could you want? 

 

Italian table linen

You could eat your dinner off it!

More spaghetti – but this time on a tablecloth… twisting and turning until it becomes an elephant’s trunk, or a giraffe’s tail…. Flat design are a new company based in Italy who produce 100% linen tablecloths, runners, napkins, placemats and so on. For their first collection they have asked a number of designers and artists to contribute designs to be printed or embroidered on the linen – this is mine. The collection will be launched next month at a furniture fair in Milan. Exciting!

Conversational mushrooms

The Mushroom Council

Did you know there was a council for Mushrooms?! Well I didn’t until I was asked to illustrate some ads for them. The mushroom plays the sensible, straight talking one in these little scenarios of conversations with other food types. Whilst writing the copy about how wonderfully delicious mushrooms are and how good they are for you, I almost began to have mushroom cravings – very strange as ordinarily I am not that keen on them!

You can see the mushroom council’s website at www.mushroom-uk.com/ designed by Ruby Agency – look out for the funny little wobbling mushrooms when you go to click on something!