Little Bird Emma’s favourite children’s book is Jill Murphy’s The Worst Witch. The story of Mildred Hubble, the clumsiest witch at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches, is brought to life by Murphy’s beautiful illustrations, such as this image of Mildred sitting up in bed late at night, confiding her fears to her best friend, Maud. The use of shadow – as well as the glow from the candle in the window – immediately makes you feel that you are there, in the dark room, taking part in this secret conversation.
Of course, Jill Murphy’s iconic illustrations fill the pages of all her books, from the big-hearted Large family in Five Minutes’ Peace, to the adventurous Baby Bear in Whatever Next, but it’s The Worst Witch that has a special place in Emma’s heart.
Although Little Bird Lesley was also a fan of The Worst Witch, her favourite book as a child was Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland. Her first pick for this blog is by John Tenniel. She explains: “I love this illustration in particular because it’s so full of detail and character – everyone’s face is really expressive.”
The illustration also cleverly encapsulates a playing card, through the use of the outfits the characters are wearing, as well as the Jack posed at the front of the picture.
Lesley’s fondness for Alice In Wonderland has endured into adulthood and illustration is a big part of that! She adds: “I love that the story is full of weird and wonderful things that can only be captured by illustration and there’s been so many different takes on it through the years..”
Emma’s second pick is the Shirley Hughes classic story, Dogger, a book Emma loved reading as a little girl and is now excited to introduce to her young nephew!
Shirley Hughes’ distinctive style was developed using pen and ink, watercolour and gouache and her illustrations manage to convey a sense of warmth and cosiness, as well as realism. In this scene from Dogger, we see a young girl, indignant at being asked to give back the toy she has just bought at a fair. Everything about it feels instantly familiar and believable – from the pleading expression of the child carrying the bear, to the tight grip the girl has on Dogger.
Few artists have captured toddlers and children better than Hughes, in Emma’s view!
We hope we’ve got you thinking about some of your own favourite illustrations! We believe that illustration can be a wonderful way to set an organisation apart from the rest – whether it’s a beautifully designed restaurant menu or a personalised greetings card, a picture tells a thousand stories! Why not let us help you to tell yours?
For illustration and graphic design – or any of our creative services – simply drop us a line.
Yes, yes, we know: the weather is being stereotypically British, of late, but Summer will be here before you know it. Is your organisation ready to make the most of it?!
These days, you can find anything you want online – not just quickly, but cheaply. Want a new website? Dozens of companies will promise you a sparkling site, speedily made and slim on the price tag. So, when faced with the promise of getting what you want – without breaking the bank – the offer may seem too good to ignore.
Ever had one of those days where all it takes is one person saying the wrong thing to totally push you over the edge? What about the reverse, where a kind word turns your mood around completely? The tone we take with others – and they with us – has a far greater impact than we might think. But what about your organisation’s tone of voice?
