No Bears Released Into Paperback!

This month sees the exciting release of No Bears into paperback. It’s a cracker of a book, short-listed in the Early Childhood and Picture Book Categories in the Children’s Book Council Of Australia Book Of The Year Awards, 2012.

Ruby wants to tell you a story. A story with absolutely no bears. You don’t need bears for a book. You need pretty things like fairies and princesses and castles. And maybe funny things and exciting things - but definitely no bears! 

The book is a marvellous marriage of prose and illustration, each playing off the other. It’s also a fun introduction to what makes a story a story, full of possibilities to learn, discuss, and play.

Meg McKinlay grew up in Bendigo, Victoria, in a book-loving, TV- and car-free household. On the long and winding path to becoming a children’s writer, she has worked a variety of jobs including swim instructor, tour guide, translator and teacher. These days, she lives with her family near the ocean in Fremantle and is an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Western Australia, where she has taught Australian Literature, Japanese, and Creative Writing. Meg divides her time between teaching and writing, a balance that swings wildly between chaos and calm.

Leila Rudge was born in England and grew up making mud pies with six siblings and Jeni from number 15. After completing an Illustration Degree at Bath Spa University, Leila headed to Australia to seek her fortune (and the sunshine). Creating tiny characters for books is her favourite part of illustrating.



Love No Bears? Take a peek at Duck for a Day and Definitely No Ducks!

Leila Rudge and TED

Leila working on some of the illustrations for TED.

Leila Rudge answers Booktopia's Ten Terrifying Questions - here's a snippet below, or read the whole piece here.

What did you want to be when you were twelve, eighteen and thirty? And why?

When I was small I used to spend hours sat on the studio floor of family friend and illustrator, Jan Lewis. I made hundreds of little books complete with blurbs and bio. When I was about twelve, Jan offered to send one of my books to her publisher for review. They responded with such a kind and encouraging letter that my mind was made up – I was going to be a children’s book illustrator. Then, now and always (hopefully!)...read more. 

A little more about TED, with a peek inside:

Ted is a smart dog, with his own jumper. But he has lived at the pet store for as long as he can remember and nobody seems to notice him. Will Ted ever find the perfect place to live?

Credits: Text and Illustrations © 2013 Leila Rudge. All rights reserved.