By Josh Lacey - Published by Andersen Press June 2023
Discover two sides of history with the Time Travel Twins!
Twins, Scarlett and Tom,
are studying the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons at school and they have a homework project to do. When Tom’s
struggling for inspiration, Grandad comes to the rescue with his time machine. Tom is catapulted onto a
Viking long ship and it’s not long before he’s being told oral tales, fitted out with armour and weapons and
is getting ready to attack a Saxon village.
But uh oh, his sister Scarlett has landed in a Saxon village,
in a pile of pig poo to be exact. Things seems to be getting better when she befriends the young Alfred the
Great, but watch out, Scarlett, there’s a Viking ship on its way.
In the second book of the series, The Roman Invasion, the twins are transported to the year 43. Scarlett is captured as a slave and has to work for the Roman Emperor’s eldest daughter. Meanwhile Thomas meets a gang of kids determined to resist the invaders; they are led by a determined girl named Bou.
Time Travel Twins - The Roman Invasion publishes 7th Sept 2023.
Josh Lacey (Author)
Josh Lacey is the author of many books for children
including The Dragonsitter and the Grk series, both featuring illustrations from Garry Parsons. He
has worked as a journalist and written one book for adults, God is Brazilian. His first book for
children, A Dog Called Grk, was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award. Josh lives in London with
his wife and daughters.
Simply click on the link to download everything you need to hold your own Glamarama Party at home. Packed with things to print , cut-out, make, eat, and colour. There is even a party playlist on Spotify to get your party in full groove.
Perfect for Parents and teachers and FREE for everyone.
Download your Party Pack HERE!
Join Garry and follow along as he draws Larry the Llama from Llama Glamarama in his draw along video on youtube HERE.
Be sure to post your drawings on Twitter using Garry's twitter handle @icandrawdinos and #LLamaGlamarama. Just grab a pencil.
Good Luck!
Praise for Llama Glamarama
‘A jazzy, rocking, leaping, rapping colourful picturebook… A celebration of difference’ SUNDAY TIMES
‘An absolutely beautiful book filled with incredible illustrations’ BADASS WOMEN’S HOUR, talkRADIO
‘The message here – delivered in a bright, fun book - is that we all need to be true to ourselves and celebrate the ways we are different, fabulous and glamarama-worthy. Garry Parsons’ illustration is full of character, expression and some pretty fabulous dancing animals.’ BOOKTRUST
‘Celebrating difference, flamboyance and fun… A riot of colour and energy, this tale of Larry, the disco dancing llama, is a quirky and endearing treat.’ WATERSTONES
‘This is a boldly illustrated picture book that celebrates the power of dance as a form of expression like never before in a children’s book… [Llama Glamarama] brings out the brilliance and best in us all’ THE READER TEACHER
‘A fabulous life lesson wrapped around rainbow-glittery colours and superb characters, imparting the valuable message that it's super--fine and OK to be different!’ READ IT DADDY
‘This story is a glorious celebration of dance, music and the freedom to express yourself.’ LIBRARY GIRL AND BOOK BOY
‘Joyous from start to finish and a delight to read aloud… A must for schools.’ MISS CLEVELAND IS READING
‘It’s impossible not to feel good after reading this story’ THE BOOK ACTIVIST
‘Bright, colouring and really engaging.’ THE TEACHER BOOKWORM
‘The joyous illustrations are full of colour and energy… a glorious picture book that celebrates difference and the power of acceptance.’ GET KIDS INTO BOOKS
‘This book filled my heart with sheer joy and love’ A LITTLE BUT A LOT
‘Gloriously extravagant illustrations’ KATE POELS
‘What a simply splendid celebration of being yourself...Bursting with joy and exuberant colour, Garry’s illustrations perfectly complement Simon’s fabulously funky rhyming story that is an absolute joy to read aloud.’ RED READING HUB
‘A jazzy, rocking, leaping, rapping colourful picturebook… A celebration of difference’ SUNDAY TIMES
‘An absolutely beautiful book filled with incredible illustrations’ BADASS WOMEN’S HOUR, talkRADIO
‘The message here – delivered in a bright, fun book - is that we all need to be true to ourselves and celebrate the ways we are different, fabulous and glamarama-worthy. Garry Parsons’ illustration is full of character, expression and some pretty fabulous dancing animals.’ BOOKTRUST
‘Celebrating difference, flamboyance and fun… A riot of colour and energy, this tale of Larry, the disco dancing llama, is a quirky and endearing treat.’ WATERSTONES
‘This is a boldly illustrated picture book that celebrates the power of dance as a form of expression like never before in a children’s book… [Llama Glamarama] brings out the brilliance and best in us all’ THE READER TEACHER
‘A fabulous life lesson wrapped around rainbow-glittery colours and superb characters, imparting the valuable message that it's super--fine and OK to be different!’ READ IT DADDY
‘This story is a glorious celebration of dance, music and the freedom to express yourself.’ LIBRARY GIRL AND BOOK BOY
‘Joyous from start to finish and a delight to read aloud… A must for schools.’ MISS CLEVELAND IS READING
‘It’s impossible not to feel good after reading this story’ THE BOOK ACTIVIST
‘Bright, colouring and really engaging.’ THE TEACHER BOOKWORM
‘The joyous illustrations are full of colour and energy… a glorious picture book that celebrates difference and the power of acceptance.’ GET KIDS INTO BOOKS
‘This book filled my heart with sheer joy and love’ A LITTLE BUT A LOT
‘Gloriously extravagant illustrations’ KATE POELS
‘What a simply splendid celebration of being yourself...Bursting with joy and exuberant colour, Garry’s illustrations perfectly complement Simon’s fabulously funky rhyming story that is an absolute joy to read aloud.’ RED READING HUB
A special thank you to Authors Aloud and Pea Green Boat Books for your brilliant organisation!
To book Garry for your school, library or festival, say hello at garry@garryparsons.co.uk
Breakfast will never be the same again!
Created by reading experts, Bloomsbury Young Readers aim to get children reading, with stories by brilliant authors packed with colour illustrations. Filled with appealing illustrations, these engaging stories have been tailored to Key Stage 1 children who are learning to read and are book banded. The progression of them will help children develop their confidence. Learn more about this series here and watch the short animation here.
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Garry Parsons - Artist SpotlightThe Dinosaur That Pooped A Princess by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter is the fifth title to be published this year featuring Garry Parsons' wonderful illustrations.Garry has been particularly busy over the last few months; he's enjoyed creating artworks that have featured dragons, princesses, dinosaurs, fairies and out of this world adventures to name just a few! Never one to rest on his laurels, Garry has also enjoyed becoming a regular guest author on the much loved Picture Book Den.We spoke to Garry about some of the titles he has worked on this year and why each book, although very different, means so much to him. |
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The Dinosaur That Pooped series has enjoyed phenomenal success, it has sold over a
million copies in the UK alone. Why do you think the Pooping Dinosaur appeals to so many
people?
Children love naughty, rude jokes and these books provide a space to explore and laugh at
things they know aren't really acceptable in the classroom or at the dinner table. Also,
parents love them too, just as many adults have expressed their fondness for these books as
children. Rude humour need not be crude humour, having said that, creating art that involved
copious amounts of gushing poo did require a few re draws and a refined colour palette to keep
the fun and humour out of the realms of obscene and distasteful!
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The tenth Dragonsitter book was published earlier this year. Did you
envisage that these would be so successful from the start? What's been the best part of
working on such an enduring series?
Andersen commissioned the illustrations for the first Dragonsitter book back in
2012 and at the time I thought it was going to be a one off, so to be completing the tenth
book and seeing so many co-editions published is wonderful. From the outset, I was incredibly
fond of the main character Eddie and his quirky anti-heroness. He's short-sighted, a
little awkward, a bit naive and quite clumsy; but he's an independent thinker and can be
quite fiery, like his dragons. Over the years I feel I have grown to know him and his family
pretty well, they are like old friends, it's been a pleasure to draw and re-draw them
over the years.
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Andersen have also been brilliant at bringing Josh Lacey and I together for festivals and
events in schools and libraries. We've taken lots of long train journeys where we have had
many conversations about Eddie and the dragons, many of our conversations have focused on
Eddie's mysterious uncle Morton whose appearance is kept hidden until book 10. These chats
have helped me gain a real insight into the books and have changed my approach to the artwork I
think.
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The George series, written by Lucy and Stephen Hawking came to a conclusion this year.
This was such a special series, not only because of the authors, but because it really made
science more accessible to a wider audience. How was it working with such a technical subject
matter?
The illustrations for the original book were not only under the scrutiny of the creative team
at Random House, but also Stephen and Lucy Hawking. If that wasn't daunting enough, the team
also included a former research student of Stephen Hawking, Christophe Galfard who was on board to
advise us on what was visually possible or not. Both Lucy and Stephen were keen to keep the
science as accurate as possible whilst accommodating the fictional elements.
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In the third book, George and the Big Bang, the main challenge was to illustrate the Big
Bang Theory backwards! Lucy wanted a simple comic strip, so we produced a graphic novel style
sequence, starting with the present day and moving backward to when space and time as we know it
began. So now when I boast to school children that I can draw anything for them and some bright
child suggests I draw the entire universe I can say... erm, ok, I can give it a try!!
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Mollie's Magic Wardrobe written by Adam and Charlotte Guillain was published
earlier this year. This was your first proper foray into a sparkly, glittery world. Did you
enjoy it? Were there any particular challenges?
I'm always keen to tackle different genres and what I liked about this story was its
ramble through the best parts of traditional fairy tales and its twist on familiar characters
and places; the wolf and witch in the woods and my favourite from this book, the giant in his
castle.
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It was also a chance to explore these much loved personalities and an opportunity to develop a
more decorative approach. There are lots of flowers, birds, animals, flying teapots and a few
unicorns in this book, all set in an unreal landscape of oversized mushrooms, bubbles and sparks
of light. Earlier this summer we completed the second Molly title which is set beneath
the sea and centred around a shipwreck. It was great to take the decorative and detailed style of
the first book and carry it through into fish, coral and seaweed. I'm looking forward to its
publication next year.
To discuss Garry's availability for new projects, please click here.
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With a whizz, a pop and a shower of stars, Molly is whisked off to Fairyland!
She arrives in fairyland just in time to help Fairy Flo who has lost her magic wand. There she meets an array of magical creatures including a unicorn, a big grey wolf, a witch and a huge friendly giant. Can she help Flo find her wand?
Every book includes an amazing dressing up set – free fairy wings and wand for every reader! Children can read the book and then join in the dressing-up fun with their very own set of fairy wings and a magic wand.
This rhyming adventure full of magic, featuring favourite fairytale characters, is brought to life with bright, eye-popping artwork from Garry Parsons. Perfect for parents and children to enjoy at bedtime.
There's even a song accompanying the book HERE!
See the hero's cloaks flicker at the company website HERE.
Read Garry's blog post on the Picture Book Den Blogspot HERE
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Clockwise from the top; G - Gorilla, E - Echidna, F - (island) Fox, J -Javan Rhino, D - Dugong and H - Hawksbill Turtle.
Here's a link to The WWF.
The Tooth Fairy’s Royal Visit is the second book in author Peter Bently's Tooth Fairy series, brilliantly illustrated by Garry Parsons and published by Hodder in March 2017 (hardback) and June 2017 (paperback).
Praise for The Tooth Fairy's Christmas:
'Garry Parsons does the both characters proud
with his swirling, atmospheric illustrations.' - Independent
'Lots of fun for young
children' - Angels and Urchins
I teamed up with awesome authors Gareth P Jones & Josh Lacey in Southampton and Norwood and also Weinay Tang at Kew Bookshop.
The brilliant Anne Marley at Authors Aloud organised events in London, Peterborough and Leicester and got me to the right place at the right time immaculately.
I must mention Hannah Mee at Ipswich Prep who pulled out all the stops to create the best World Book Day 'day' I've ever had where every child and teacher was either dressed as a dinosaur or cavemen, decorated the whole school including the school reception and receptionists and who even made a giant dinosaur egg for the middle of the playground. Hannah also organised an evening with the Ipswich Children’s Book Group where I was invited to talk (and draw) about my work as an illustrator to the parents and children in one of the local school libraries . Dinosaurs galore!
"Are You The Pirate Captain?" even comes with a sing-a-long sea shanty.
"With its jaunty rhyming telling and gigglesome visuals, this swashbuckling tale, complete with sea shanty is likely to appeal to would-be young sea dogs especially those who enjoy a book where things are not quite as they seem." (Red Reading Hub)
"The text bounces along in rhyme, swishing readers along to a satisfying end. It just begs to be
read aloud!" (Books for Keeps)
"Revel in the rhythm and rhyme of this colourful tale." (Early Years Educator)
Long listed for the Kate Greenaway Award.
Published by Andersen Press. Paper back out this summer.
A new four book box set of the best selling space series from Lucy & Stephen Hawking featuring Garry Parsons' interior illustrations and character covers is available now in hard cover from Simon & Schuster.
The Papercuts also formed part of the Annual Pride Art Exhibition 2011 curated by Michael Petry at the Clifford Chance building in London's Docklands. Eight large papercuts were shown alongside two giant pieces specially made for the exhibition space, “From The Fires Of Burnt Lies” and “The Lower World”.
Prints drawings and papercuts are for sale.
http://www.garethwrites.co.uk/home/
Fundraising Gala Night at the Bath Children's Literature Festival.
This is your chance to own a unique piece of original art by one of the UK’s best and most popular illustrators. Come along on the night to bid on one of several framed pieces of art – each depicting the famous Bath Children’s Literature Red Chair.
Amazing artists including including Chris Riddell (Goth Girl), Ben Cort(Aliens love Underpants), Nick Sharratt (The Story of Tracey Beaker), Korky Paul (Winnie the Witch), Alison Jay (Welcome to the Zoo),Michael Foreman (War Game) and Axel Scheffler (The Gruffalo) have all donated pieces featuring their own, entertaining interpretation of the Festivals’ iconic red storytelling chair.
Help secure the future of the Bath Festivals internationally renowned programme of popular Festivals and be in with a chance of acquiring a piece of artwork to treasure for your family, school or business.
An Online Auction of many more Artworks will be launched on the night including this piece by Garry Parsons!
Watch the Bedtime Story. Available for 28 days.
First shown on 9 June 2015.
James McAvoy takes us on a space adventure with Danny and Dinosaur, but when Danny realises he's forgotten Dino's lunch box, the very hungry dinosaur eats everything in sight, including their only way home - the rocket!
Gareth P Jones and Garry Parsons present The Dinosaurs are Having a Party!
The Blue Peter Book of the Year award-winner and multi award-winning illustrator lead a rip-roaring dino romp.
Come along for party games, balloons, ventriloquism, ukulele playing and live drawing. This event lasts 50 minutes. For ages 3 – 6. Level 5 Function Room at The Royal Festival Hall Tuesday 17th February 2015. Book Tickets Now
Part of the Southbank's Imagine Children's Festival 2015
Garry Parsons teaches how to draw his infamous pooping Dinosaur character
We are sure they will also love to see what a dinoaur looks like when it poops, especially your own version.
Garry Parsons is the illustrator of The Dinosaur That Pooped series written by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Pointer. The Dinosaur that Pooped Christmas, The Dinosaur That Pooped a Planet and most recently The Dinosaur That Pooped The Past.
The Guardian "How To Draw…"
Puffin asked Garry to illustrate the popular My Best Fiend series written by Sheila Lavelle and first published in 1979. The series tells how a deceptively innocent looking friend named Angela manages to get Charlie Ellis, who narrates these stories, into constant trouble at home and at school.
Puffin. August 2014.
8-12 yrs.
Garry was asked by the wonderfully creative people at PLANarama to illustrate The St Albans Museum gift shop. Garry illustrated a life size Roman Centurian and also created a pair of racing chariots and a colloseum for the Museums donation box.
Tim and Grk's eighth amazing adventure takes them to the home of pizza, pasta and the leaning tower of Pisa. Here they meet the Duke of Macaroni, a man with a terrible secret which he will do anything to hide.
Grk and the Phoney Macaroni publishes March 2012 from anderson Press.
This is the fourth Grk cover from Garry.
This is the final image of a wordless picture book retelling the story of Sleeping Beauty. "There Was a Princess Long Ago" has been made for for use digitally through the web and is partnered with a sing-a-long tune for kids to join in with.
With an Americana feel, the illustrations will don locker labels, workout logs, posters and T shirts to incentivise gym goers. Bike, run, row or step your way down route 66!
To see other projects, recent work and my inspiration, take the link to my illustration blog.
