Oh boy, do we love autumn – and here it is, in all its colourful glory. This year, more than ever, there seems to be a rich abundance of autumn colours and autumn produce. Wherever we walk, we are bombarded by conkers, acorns, and spectacular hues on the trees. We’re always looking for inspiration for…
Why children’s books are essential in schools…
Of the hundreds of appeals that schools make for additional support, have you noticed how many of them are asking for help with buying books? This isn’t just a whim. It’s because books are an absolutely essential ingredient in school life. So often, schools fundraise for books because they don’t have enough to go around,…
How well do you know your children’s classics?
Here’s a bit of fun for the summer holidays: a fun quiz on how well you know your children’s classics. Are you au fait with Anne of Green Gables? Could you wax lyrical about Winnie the Pooh? Are you cognisant of the Cat in the Hat? By classics, we’re, of course, talking about books that…
Here comes Summer: five things for Children to do!
We may have just passed the longest day, and the nights are about to start drawing in, but summer is upon us, and school will soon be breaking up. So, dig out the shorts and sunshades, grab a picnic and head off outside. Here are five things to do in the summer that won’t break…
Writing Tips for Budding Young Authors
Are you a young person who is burning to write a book? Do you love reading children’s stories and want to see if you can write too? It’s never too soon (or too late) to start. Some people start young. Did you know that Mary Shelley was only 18 when she began work on Frankenstein?…
Why adults should read children’s books
Shh… we want to let you into a secret. At Happydesigner, we may all be adults but we LOVE reading children’s books! And this isn’t because we are reading them to children. Nope – we are reading them because we enjoy them. We know we’re not alone. Even if many adults don’t like to admit…
We’re helping get children outside and into the garden
If there’s one thing that’s at the heart of Happydesigner, it’s a love of the outdoors and nature. You can see it in so many of the children’s book illustrations we create for our clients. So, we’re really pleased that at the end of the month, from May 27 to June 4, is National Children’s Gardening…
Writing a children’s book? Five mistakes to avoid
We love children’s literature at Happydesigner, and as children’s book illustrators and authors, we’re committed to getting more publications out there to engage and inspire young readers. However, anyone who thinks writing a children’s book is easy just because the audience members are young should think again. It may not be the same as writing…
Animals in children’s books: which are your favourite?
Did you know that April in the UK was National Pet Month? We’re said to be a nation of animal lovers, and the team here at Happydesigner certainly concur with that. We even have Erik the cat featured on our website (our Head of Quality Control and bringer of chaos!). Drawing animals, though, requires great skill and our…
