Gustaf Tenggren

http://www.gustaftenggren.com/

thanks to Bridget Strevens-Marzo for this great link to a fascinating illustrator. Originally from Sweden, he worked at Disney studios creating concept art for Snow White, Pinocchio and Bambi, and was also a prolific and highly successful illustrator of Children’s books in the US

early work looks like Arthur Rackham, later stuff more like Mary Blair. All done with amazing skill and attention to detail.

The Ministry of Stories

This was in the Guardian this morning. Nick Hornby using Dave Egger’s  826 Valencia format of  unlikely shop+writing workshop in the back room.

http://www.ministryofstories.org

Atelier pour Enfants

http://atelierpourenfants.blogspot.com/

some nice vintage kids craft stuff on this blog- useful thinking about ideas surrounding ‘play’

The Weirdstone of Brisingamen

http://www.weirdstone.org.uk/

Dai is involved in these events

A celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen.

The Weirdstone of Brisingamen has never been out of print since its publication on 10th October 1960. It has become a modern classic, highly rated by critics and read by generations of children. Many of the adults involved in the culture of Britain have been deeply influenced by the work of Alan Garner. And it all started with The Weirdstone of Brisingamen.

Children’s Books of the early Soviet Era

link to virtual exhibition

Noel Carrington was inspired by the mass prodction of these lithographic books for children to set up the Picture puffin series in the 1930’s.

amazing digital archive of children’s books

digitised editions from around the world
http://www.childrenslibrary.org/

craft club

http://craftclub.org.uk/

Craft Club is the new campaign that pioneers craft in schools.

Get your school crafting! All young people deserve access to a full range of fun and rewarding craft projects as part of their cultural learning. We can help by uniting skilled and enthusiastic volunteers with schools through after-hours clubs. The generous support of our volunteers ensures Craft Club is available free-of-charge to state-funded schools and academies in England.

Toy making classes at Parson’s New York

course blog here

Hannah Waldron

“Today I am a Polar bear’ is a limited edition run of 225 books(. 1st edition: 25 books, 2nd edition: 50 books, 3rd edition: 150 books ) featuring 7 different illustrated animal masks to make and disguise yourself as.
Each book is entirely handmade and features a screen printed cover and hidden poster and another screen print within the centre page, as well as a unique handmade finger puppet.
The book can be taken apart easily to make the animal masks and to display the prints, or… kept as a book, the choice is yours.
Another decision you will have to make is…
…which animal will you be today?!”

Available in my shop or in Magma Bookshop

Little White Lies

Where the Wild things are cover link