Christmas Greetings!

Have a very Merry Christmas, everyone! 
Wishing you all a jolly festive season with family and friends.
Looking forward to more fun in 2015.

Here are some beautiful illustrations of birds in the colours of Christmas!

Maurice Saxby

I was saddened to hear that grand old man of children's literature, Maurice Saxby, died recently.

He was an enthusiastic and tireless promoter of children's literature and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of this genre.

Many an author, artist, teacher, academic or would-be creative person could not help but be inspired by his encouragement and generosity, whether through his books, lectures, articles or in person.

I will miss his cheery disposition and youthful outlook. He will be greatly missed.

Vale Maurice Saxby (1924 -2014)

This Little Piggy Went Singing

At last my illustrations have been published in a brand new picture book and it's in the book shops now!.  This is a sequel to This Little Piggy Went Singing written by Margaret Wild.  The new book features the piggies getting ready for Christmas and excitedly enjoying the journey to the big day!

It is just the book to get you in the Christmas mood. The illustrations were great fun to do especially as they involved happy piglets in a festive spirit.  I love the sparkly glittery cover.

Thanks to Allen and Unwin, the publishers! 

Piggy Cover by Deborah Niland

Piggy shopping by Deborah Niland

Piggy playing flute by Deborah Niland

More Piggies

I've been hard at work illustrating a sequel to This Little Piggy Went Dancing!  The new picture book will be called This Little Piggy Went Singing and is again written by Margaret Wild. 

This time the piggies are preparing for Christmas and all the illustrations have a joyous happy vibe.  The book is planned for publication towards the end of this year.

Below is a sneak peek!

Looking for Santa

Baking gingerbread

Hanging Christmas stockings

For Dog Lovers

David Shannon has a special way with dogs.  Any dog owner reading or looking at this book will recognize that the author has nailed it.  The illustrations captures the quirky nature of Fergus, his beloved West Highland terrier.

The pictures below are from Good Boy, Fergus. It was written and illustrated by David Shannon, and published by The Blue Sky Press in New York.

A funny cheerful book for children.