Category Archives: Spotlight

Spotlight – Blue Elephant Storyshaping

Today I’m shining a spotlight on editor Natascha Biebow and her inspiring Blue Elephant Storyshaping editorial services. With over 30 years of publishing experience, Natascha has nurtured debut creators and guided bestselling authors and illustrators to bring out the very best in their stories. She truly understands the creator’s journey as both an editor and a published author.

Through Blue Elephant Storyshaping, Natascha offers a range of creative services for children’s book authors, illustrators, agents and publishers. Her one-to-one mentoring provides weekly personalised editorial support that motivates you to explore, experiment and dig deep to find the heart of your story in an inspiring and sometimes gently challenging way. Together you set meaningful goals and deadlines to help you shape and polish your book.

Natascha also runs picture book coaching courses designed to help you uncover the gems in your ‘bottom drawer’ ideas and take your craft to the next level. I can personally recommend her Cook Up a Picture Book course. The combination of structure, encouragement and expert feedback inspired me to create some child-centred picture books I’m truly proud of.

Now, over to Natascha, who shares more about her Cook Up a Picture Book course and her approach to helping creators thrive:

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In Natascha’s words:

I’m a writer, I get it – you show up and write your picture book and then try to navigate the publishing world only to find it’s utterly befuddling. What ARE those editors doing all day and why does it take soooo long for agents to respond? What does it mean when rejection emails say your work is ‘not quite right for our list’ or ‘too familiar’? How can you try to avoid getting rejected in the first place? And how do you know when your book is ready to submit and which of the many stories in your bottom drawer you should choose?!

Often being a creator is lonely, dispiriting work.

What if you could have an experienced editor on tap, in your corner, who could take your hand and help you to build a commercial body of work, navigate and understand the marketplace, and pitch your books so they really grab editors and agents?

When I started Blue Elephant Storyshaping, I wanted to spend my time doing what I love most – editing and empowering authors and illustrators (who want to write) to tell the stories they love. Every day I have so much fun doing just that – chatting about ‘what if’ story possibilities, choosing mentor texts to help people with their ‘a-ha!’ moments, and keeping them current with the fast-changing marketplace. Because I come from an editorial background and I have some distance from their work, I can often quickly see what is niggling.

Here are three biggest mistakes I see again and again that stop authors from selling their picture book:

Submitting too soon – often, authors are so excited when they’ve completed a draft, they want to send it out right away. But unfortunately, all too often, your book is OK, but not shiny – yet!
Not hooky enough – the best picture books are those you want to read again and again. Why? Because they speak to the reader, they have layers, they have something hooky to make them memorable and unique. An in-depth knowledge of the market and how children think is key to figuring out how to make your book stand out. But it’s often because your book isn’t yet solid that you can’t figure out how to fix it . . .
Characters and plots that have the reader (and agent!) muttering ‘so what?’ and grabbing a biscuit instead – a story must have characters and some kind of problem to keep readers turning the pages. This seems obvious, but it’s how you do it that makes it hooky enough (see above).

Because I know how tough it can be to navigate through the noise, to stop second-guessing yourself, and to be accountable.

Because I see how important it is to have solid craft skills and a hooky pitch that sells your work, I created a comprehensive signature Cook Up a Picture Book Course that will help you to:

find your voice
hone your craft
expertly pitch your books

It’s a deep dive based on my bespoke method honed over many years of storyshaping.

Imagine you have an editor on tap (yes with live, ask-me-anything Q & As) and someone cheering you on to show up and create your book in just six sessions – with all-important breaks to actually implement each tool and actually (no excuses!) write your book.

Through my 30+ years of coaching, mentoring and editing picture books, I have seen all the mistakes and I can help you to create that commercial picture book. So, if you want some help, we can do it together in just three steps:

1. Join the course and a supportive community (it’s fun, I promise!)

2. Ask ALL the questions

3. Write your book.

And dream BIG!

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If you’re ready to take your picture book ideas to the next level, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring Natascha’s Cook Up a Picture Book course. Her insight, encouragement and editorial expertise make the creative process both inspiring and rewarding.

The Cook Up a Picture Book Course starts on 6 November and runs until Jan 2026, with breaks for writing. Email Natascha at hello@blueelephantstoryshaping.com to get your exclusive discount code (valid until 31 Oct 2025).

Natascha Biebow, MBE, lots of ideas, many hats: mum, author (The Crayon Man:The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons), experienced picture book editor, founder of Blue Elephant Storyshaping, Editorial Director (Five Quills), creative writing tutor at Write for Kids, All Stories and Jericho Prize.

Spotlight – Twinkl Originals

The latest Twinkl Originals middle grade (Key Stage 2) novel, Wildcat Summer, was published on 23^rd September 2025.

Here, we catch up with the author, editors, illustrator and designer to find out more about the book and Twinkl’s publishing process.

Author – Victoria Williamson

The way Twinkl stories begin is with our Educational Content Lead – Pete Lambden – researching what topics and themes are being searched for by teachers and parents on the Twinkl website. He identified that ‘environmental issues’ was a popular choice, and he drew up a brief for the team to work on a book related to rewilding.

The writer starts with the brief and produces a range of different short synopses for the team to choose from. Once we’ve met to discuss our favourite ideas, the writing begins!

I really enjoyed working on this story – it has a Famous Five feel, much like the stories I enjoyed reading when I was in primary school. For this book, I got the opportunity to draw on my experience of teaching classes with additional support needs, as well as my own experiences of Scottish nature. We aim to create diverse books at Twinkl, and we included a main character with hearing loss in this story so that children using hearing aids could have a chance to see themselves represented in a team adventure. Having grown up in Scotland, I was very happy to have a chance to write a story set in Kingussie in the Highlands, featuring not just the spectacular scenery and the wildcat rewilding programme run by the Highland Wildlife Park, but also some Scottish Gaelic phrases!

Editors – Rachel Poole-Fenwick and Sally Baines

As editors, we have input into the story at every stage of its development. At the beginning, we meet with the writer and Educational Content Lead to look at possible story synopses and, once one has been chosen, a breakdown of how the chapters might progress. After the writer has written the first draft, we meet again to discuss the story – we focus on whether the story has a clear plot structure and help to refine the characters so they’re relatable and age-appropriate. We also make sure the language and tone match the intended age group.

Usually, the story goes through a couple more drafts and we give our feedback on these. Then, it comes to the editors for us to check the spelling, punctuation and grammar is in line with Twinkl’s style. We make sure any names, places and timelines are consistent throughout the story and check any factual information – in this case, the facts about the wildcats.

As editors, we’re really lucky to work on so many great stories – and this one was no exception! We loved following the journey that the main character goes on and the beautiful backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. We got to learn a lot about wildcats and rewilding initiatives too.

The editors also write and check all the additional teaching resources that are available alongside the story. For Wildcat Summer, we created a Scottish Mythical Creatures reading comprehension, some mindfulness colouring sheets featuring Scottish Gaelic greetings and a glossary containing key phrases linked to rewilding.

Illustrator – Alex

Illustrating books with Victoria is always a pleasure as our interests tend to cross over quite a lot. I am drawn to the fantastical and natural worlds as much as she is. The timing on this one worked out perfectly as I had just returned from a camping trip in the Highlands and felt inspired by the remarkable landscape.

Illustrating each book is often a similar process each time. I’ll read the text and after discussing illustration ideas with the team, I’ll present rough drawings to them. When approved, I’ll develop the rough into a more finished piece and then I’ll check with the team again before finalising the picture. It’s a many-step process with lots of checks and development along the way, making it much more collaborative than one might think, but it’s always a pleasure.

Designer – Tony Anderson

My role in designing the book is to bring everything together.

By the time I start, each book has already been in production for some time. The story has been written and edited, and the text is ready to place in the book. Work has already begun on concept illustration – often, rough and final illustrations have been started and can be slotted into the book.

My role in making the books is both technical and creative. There are lots of elements that go into a book: chapter starts, contents page, fonts and illustration placement. I also need to make sure that our books keep to the Twinkl brand ‘style’.

The cover is an aspect of the book we like to have ironed out early in the process – we might use the same cover fonts inside the book on things like chapter starts. A lot of team discussion goes into deciding on a final cover design.

I also design the resources that go with the books.

Educational Content Lead – Pete Lambden

At Twinkl Originals, while our commitment is always to create stories that are fun and exciting for our young readers, we also work to ensure that our books are based on educational and relatable topics that reflect the world children live in. My job is to guide the development of the book so that it has a place in the classroom as well as on children’s own bookshelves. I’m particularly proud of this book, as I think it provides lots of opportunities for discussion on how to be responsible stewards of the environment, and how children can take a positive, active role in their local areas of nature. We would love to hear how children and educators have used the book, so please do leave a review on our site if you’ve enjoyed reading it!

Together, the KS2 Originals team combine their unique talents and backgrounds to produce captivating and educational books that resonate with children, parents and educators alike. Their commitment to quality, diversity and curriculum alignment ensures that each story not only entertains but also enriches the learning experience for young readers. Find out more about the Originals books here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/twinkl-originals

The Twinkl Originals books can be downloaded by signing up to an account, which gives access to the library of 100+ eBooks plus nearly 1 million Twinkl resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/premium/choose

Spotlight – Betty & the Yeti: Friends at First Fart!

To celebrate the release of the second book in the series later this month, I am spotlighting Betty & the Yeti: Friends at First Fart! which was written and illustrated by Hugh Raine and published on 27th March 2025 by Farshore Books.

Make a new friend at first fart in this first instalment of the funniest, messiest and smelliest new comic book series from the Beano!
The hugely popular and much-loved Betty & The Yeti comic strip, created by Hugh Raine, has featured in the Beano comic since 2016 and is a firm fan favourite.
Includes awesome activities for you to complete as you go.

Blurb

Betty and the Yeti are the best of friends, but Yeti is, well… a yeti, and Betty isn’t supposed to have a yeti living in her room – not that she’s asked! What the groan-ups don’t know won’t hurt them, right? Well, just their house, their garden and their bank accounts! But shh! You wouldn’t tell them about Yeti, would you?

Join Betty and Yeti as they get to grips with being roommates and Yeti learns how to act like a human to blend in.

Will it end in disaster or will they become friends?

About the Author-Illustrator

Hugh Raine has two heads. Yes, two! He has one for writing and another one for illustrating! When he has his writing head on, he looks really sophisticated in a tweed jacket and rollneck jumper, walking through the West Yorkshire countryside while thinking up humorous stories about rampaging yetis and frolicking flamingos!

When he has his illustrating head on, he sits hunched at his desk, surrounded by hot chilli plants and tiki cups, with crumbs all down his jumper and messy hair as he draws another fart cloud or makes a pop-up Disney card. But when he puts those heads together, he creates very silly stories for brilliant comics like the Beano!

Be sure to read, or reread, this Beano favourite, as Betty and the Yeti A Monstrous Mess is due for release on the 31st of July, 2025.

I would like to thank Antonia Wilkinson for sending me the PR information. Thank you.

Spotlight – Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime

Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime by Jennifer Claessen is published by UCLan Publishing. It is due for release on Thursday 26^th June 2025.

Blurb

Legend and edge-of-your-seat action fuse together in this exciting new time travel adventure by esteemed children’s author, Jennifer Claessen. With danger at every turn and new-forming friendships emerging, this middle-grade title is equal parts thrilling and heartwarming, underpinned with an informative feminist retelling of Ancient Greek myth.

A mysterious labyrinth. A desperate king. A rebellious princess.

Being stuck in a crumbling old villa in Crete with her annoying, history-obsessed little brother Remy isn’t exactly Netta’s idea of a fun summer holiday. But before she can even get bored, Netta starts having very real dreams where she is dragged back thousands of years to Ancient Greece. Here, King Minos is preparing for the opening of his precious labyrinth, and there are rumours that a monster lurks inside. As Netta becomes more drawn to the past, her present-day self starts slipping away. Netta and Remy must figure out what is pulling her back before they run out of time – and if they don’t solve the puzzle soon, Netta might just become history herself.

About the Author

Jennifer Claessen born in Reading so, of course, grew up a book worm. She is the author of the A Month of Magic series. She studied literature and theatre at at least five universities. As teacher and theatre-maker, Jennifer loves stories and leads interactive drama-based workshops.

She is currently Writer in Residence at Abney Park, a cemetery in northeast London, where she works with year five students on telling their own stories. Jennifer has two small feral children of her own and is raising them to love reading, travel and ice cream, just like her. You can find her whizzing to drama and creative writing workshops on her yellow bike.

I have previously featured Jennifer’s blog tour for her Month of Magic trilogy on my blog here: Blog Tour – The December Witches by Jennifer Claessen

Praise for the Month of Magic trilogy

‘This is such a warm-hearted and joyful story about finding your magic…A comforting hug of a book, with a sprinkling of peril and adventure too!’ – Yarrow Townsend, author of The Map of Leaves

‘It explores big, complicated feelings about identity and finding your place in the world in a thoughtful and charming way’ Anna James

Spotlight – Exit Stage Death

Curtains up… and someone’s plotting more than just stage directions. In Exit Stage Death, Ava Eldred delivers a whip-smart, twist-filled mystery for young readers who love their clues clever and their sleuths sharp. With a backstage full of secrets and a cast that’s anything but ordinary, this YA crime novel is set to steal the spotlight when it hits shelves on June 5th. Published by UCLan Publishing.

Blurb

From producer Ava Eldred comes a gripping YA musical theatre themed murder mystery. Strange happenings are plaguing Camp Chance, but can a group of friends solve these alarming disappearances before curtain-up? Dramatic in every sense of the word, this showstopping novel will have you on the edge of your seat.

Livi Campbell’s summer to-do list is simple:

1. Have the best final summer at Camp Chance.
2. Prove to her parents that acting is an acceptable career choice.
3. Smash all her rehearsals and get the lead in the senior showcase.

But when a fellow camper shows up dead under mysterious circumstances and Livi finds a note suggesting all is not as it seems, she must team up with her campmates to catch the culprit before they kill again.

Enter Juliet, the social media influencer with everything to prove; Aaron, the nepo baby who isn’t sure he wants to be in Hollywood at all; Daisy, the inexperienced newbie trying to find her place; and Sam, the leading man who broke Livi’s heart last summer.

The players are in place. The stage is set. Curtain up.

About the Author

Ava Eldred was born in London, and has spent much of the last decade writing and developing stage musicals, as well as producing large scale theatrical concerts. Her work has been performed both in London and internationally.

She is a recent alumnus of Faber Academy’s Writing a Novel course. Her debut novel, The Boyband Murder Mystery, was published by Penguin Random House in 2021.

Spotlight – Wildlands

Today I am spotlighting a middle grade adventure, Wildlands by Brogen Murphy, which was published on 6th March 2025 by Puffin Books, a subsidary of Penguin Random House. The story was sparked by Brogen’s university studies in zoology.

A UTOPIAN FUTURE.
A FORBIDDEN WILDERNESS.
TWO SISTERS TRYING TO SURVIVE.

Twenty-five years into the future, no humans are allowed in the Wildlands – a vast area in Britain where wolves, lynx and bison roam free. The only exception is a high-speed train line between London and Glasgow that crosses right through the heart of the project. Thirteen-year-old Astrid and her little sister, Indie, are onboard when their train slows to a brief, unexpected stop… and they find themselves accidentally left behind.

Stranded in this place of astonishing natural wonders and terrible dangers, they have only a rucksack, a phone without signal – and each other. As every wrong turn takes them deeper into the Wildlands, do the sisters have the ingenuity and determination to survive? How far would YOU go to find your way home?

Perfect for fans of The Explorer and The Last Wild, this gripping and heartfelt survival story by debut author Brogen Murphy takes place in an imagined rewilded future, teeming with lost flora and fauna that we can only dream about encountering today.

About the Author

Exploring a utopian vision of the future where society has taken radical steps to address humanity’s relationship with the environment, the book touches on the themes of rewilding and sustainability, sisterhood and belonging. The thrilling plot draws in readers while also raising compelling questions about humanity’s relationship with nature. Brogen’s background in climate activism and green technology gives them an authentic perspective on the issues raised in the story.

After graduating with a degree in Zoology from the University of Cambridge, Brogen Murphy set about trying to figure out how best to save the world. After a (very) brief stint in climate activism, they spent fifteen years promoting clean technologies that help build a low-carbon future. They are currently on a nomadic adventure with their wife, searching for the perfect place to live.

Spotlight – The Ordinary Life of Jacominus Gainsborough

The Ordinary Life of Jacominus Gainsborough by Rébecca Dautremer is due for publication by Post Wave Children’s Books this week on the 22nd May 2025

This timeless picture book captures the quiet wonder of an ordinary yet
extraordinary life. Through 12 beautifully illustrated scenes and portraits of our
hero at different ages, follow Jacominus Gainsborough – a humble, fluffy white
rabbit – through the changing seasons as life unfolds all around him.

From childhood through to old age, Jacominus is fortunate to be surrounded by
family and friends. He may not be the biggest or strongest, but he grows, learns,
faces moments of sadness and also finds great joy. This celebration of his life, as
he becomes a father, and then a grandfather, tells the story of a soul who has
loved and been loved, of the pride of having done one’s best and of the happiness
of a life well lived.

Rébecca Dautremer brings a universal message of the beauty of being alive in this
lyrical, stunningly illustrated story.

About the Author Illustrator

Rébecca Dautremer is a celebrated French illustrator and author. She graduated
from the Arts Décoratifs School in Paris and went on to illustrate several
bestselling picture books, including L’Amoureux which won the Prix Sorcières.

In 2016 she found a new publishing home with Editions Sarbacane where she was
able to express her creativity and unique personal style through her own stories.
She created the character of Jacominus Gainsborough in 2018, and her books
have been translated in 20 languages and published worldwide.

I would like to thank Antonia Wilkinson for sending me the PR for this book. Thank you.

Spotlight and book Review – My Rice Is Best

Get ready for a deliciously fun food face-off in My Rice is Best by Selina Brown and Maxwell A Oginni. This joyful new picture book celebrates culture, friendship, and the meals that make us feel at home. It was published by Puffin last week, on Thursday 8 May 2025.

Blurb

A laugh-out-loud, heartwarming picture book that brings the joy of food, friendship, and cultural pride to life, written by Selina Brown, winner of the 2025 London Book Fair Trailblazer Award, and CEO of the internationally renowned Black British Book Festival.

My Rice is Best explores the playful rivalry between two friends who both believe their rice dish is the ultimate favourite.

Shane is convinced that nothing beats a big, delicious bowl of rice and peas—it’s the best rice in the world! But when he brings his favourite meal to school, he discovers that his friend Yinka is just as passionate about her jollof rice. What follows is a hilarious and heartfelt showdown to settle the age-old question: which rice reigns supreme?

With vibrant illustrations from Maxwell A. Oginni’s which bring to life the humour and playfulness, the book offers an entertaining way-in to help children embrace new cuisines and celebrate cultural identity and diversity. With the rising demand for inclusive stories that celebrate different cultures, My Rice is Best is a timely and essential addition to any child’s bookshelf.

Review

When Shane brings his beloved rice and peas to school, he doesn’t expect a rice rivalry with his friend Yinka, who swears by her jollof rice.

What follows is a funny and heartwarming showdown that explores identity through the universal love of food.

Packed with humour and vibrant illustrations, My Rice is Best is the perfect picture book for sparking conversations about heritage and sharing stories around the table.

This book is a mesme-ricing celebration of what brings us together. (Saw the pun on amazonn and it made me laugh!)

About the Author

Selina Brown is an Author, Marketing Consultant and Event Producer. At 16 she became the Youth MP for Nottingham, her love for words gained her two Degrees and a Masters at 21 years old. After living and working in New York, Jamaica, Kenya and Gambia Selina founded Little Miss Creative, an award-winning Female Development Agency that empowers girls in schools across the UK.

During the pandemic she wrote the picture book series Nena that became popular in 2020. The same year Selina launched the internationally renowned Black British Book Festival, which aims to celebrate new and emerging Black British authors across all genres of literature.

About the Illustrator

Maxwell Afolabi Oginni is a Nigerian-born, London-based animator & illustrator. Classically trained in 2D character animation, he has worked in the mainstream industry for over 18 years as director, animator, illustrator & story artist for TV commercials, music videos, feature film & popular children’s entertainment productions such as, Sony Pictures Animation’s ‘Young Love’, Mr Bean: The Animated Series, JoJo & Gran Gran, Hey Duggee, School of Roars, plus various other titles.

Having developed his own distinct style, Maxwell has also established himself as a skilled & ambitious creative with a fresh & dynamic approach. His unique artworks have been acknowledged by various institutions & highly respected industry professionals throughout his career.

Spotlight – Ava and the Acorn

My spotlight today is for Ava and the Acorn written by Lu Fraser and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly. This tender, stay-with-you-forever picture book about one little girl’s relationship with her grandad, and the hope that lies in the changing of the seasons and the circle of life is the perfect introduction to life, love and loss for little ones. It was published on 12th September 2024 by Hachette Children’s Books

Blurb

All the things that you’ve lost – that you’ve loved – are not gone,
When they’re held in your heart, a small part still lives on…

Together Grandad and Ava adventure along the twisting path and over the hill where, beneath the canopy of their friend the old Oak tree, they make wonderful memories to treasure and share – from summer picnics with jam-sticky fingers to carefree days kicking through russet leaves in autumn’s soft glow. But as the seasons change, so too does the old Oak tree and Grandad’s health…

Ava and the Acorn is a tender, unforgettable story about one little girl’s relationship with her grandad, and the hope that lies in the changing of the seasons and the circle of life.

A perfect introduction to life, love and growth for little ones, this beautifully lyrical rhyming story coupled with Paddy Donnelly’s perfect illustrations also explores the positive portrayal of intergenerational relationships and shared experiences.

About the Author

Lu Fraser is one of the most exciting new picture book voices. Her debut picture book, The Littlest Yak (illustrated by Kate Hindley) won the Oscars Book Prize, The Sainsbury’s Best Picture Book Award and The Sainsbury’s Children’s Book of the Year Award, whilst her second book, The Viking Who Liked Icing (illustrated by Mark McKinley) was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Award.

Now she gets to write her own books in a shed in her garden. Lu lives in the south of England, in the middle of nowhere, with her husband and daughter and their pets.

About the Illustrator

Paddy Donnelly is an Irish illustrator now living in Belgium. He has over 15 years’ experience as an illustrator and designer, and especially loves working with a textured, painterly approach. His books include Dodos Are Not Extinct, Hom, Here Be Dragons and The Vanishing Lake.

His work has achieved international acclaim as he was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2022 and shortlisted for The World Illustration Awards in 2018. Paddy’s first book as both author and illustrator, The Vanishing Lake, was awarded the gold medal in the picture book category of the IPPY Awards.

I would like to thank Antonia Wilkinson for sending me the PR information. Thank you.

Cover Reveal: Pirate Academy Sword Echoes

Today I am excited to be part of the cover reveal for the anticipated next instalment next instalment of Justin Somper’s exciting fantasy series, Pirate Academy, due to be released on Thursday 29th May, 2025 by Uclan Publishing.

Sit back and watch this dynamic video to get a sneak peek at the next thrilling episode for Neo and his friends.

Blurb

The Barracudas are at sea in the third thrilling Pirate Academy adventure…
The kids of Barracuda Class are shocked to the core when one of their favourite teachers is revealed to be an agent of the League of True Pirates. Jacoby tries to make sense of the betrayal – and discovers evidence that one of his own classmates may be LOT P’s next target. Jasmine launches a maverick sailing mission to reunite with her father, but soon finds herself voyaging in highly dangerous waters. Neo is following a treasure-trail left by his mother, far away from the Academy. At the end of his journey lies an amazing gift: a sword with untold powers that, in the right hands, might just change everything.

About the Author

Justin Somper is the award-winning author of eight novels for young people, all with a focus on high-octane fantasy adventure, driven by strong, complex characters. Justin’s Vampirates sequence comprises, to date, six main novels and has been published in 35 countries and 25 languages. Justin developed his acclaimed Pirate Academy series with UCLan Publishing in 2024.

About the Illustrator

Teo Skaffa has lived in many places but currently lives in Istanbul. He grew up in a small town in the Netherlands you’ve probably never heard of. Besides making art, he likes video games, the colour pink and weird electronic music. He uses simple shapes filled with texture and detail to tell a story and is grateful that he’s able to make a living by drawing, especially since he’s not particularly good at anything else.