It’s already that time of year again: when venturing out requires a map for navigating leaf labyrinths on pavements, chunky jumpers become kings of their wardrobe estates, and the heating goes on for the first time. We love autumn in the bookshop (is there better weather for curling up with a good novel?), but no one loves it more than Halloween Queen Laura Ellen Anderson, the newest author and artist to grace our illustrator’s corner.
Laura has worked with many UK and US publishers to create books (both written and illustrated by her!) that have become staple recommendations in our children’s section. Beautifully designed merchandise from the Amelia Fang series – where Laura’s gusto for all things ghoulish really comes to light – now adorns the walls and shelves of our little corner. Described as ‘the Addams Family for six-year-olds’ (Tom Mooney), the limited-edition prints, badges, and books we have available are perfect for fan(g)s of the series, or for kids and parents alike searching for a new reading delight. If graphic novels are more your thing, Laura is also the creator of the Evil Emperor Penguin comic which appears in the weekly serial The Phoenix, and now on an especially arctic shelf in the southern pole of the illustrator’s corner.
We asked Laura a few questions to get know her better, you can read her answers below:
- What is your favourite naughty food? Lindt Chocolate Bunnies!
- Coffee or wine? COFFEE ALWAYS COFFEE *takes sip of coffee*
- What is your favourite childhood picture book? ‘Who’s House Is This?’ Written by Caryl Koelling. Illustrated by Carol Wynne
- What is your top illustrating tip? Draw what you love!
- What is your drawing implement of choice? A Muji Fineliner pen!
- Snow or rain? Snow!
- What is your dream pet? A micro pig
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Telekinesis
- If you could be an animal, what would you be? A bird so I could fly!
- What is your favourite place in the world? Japan!
We hope all of our readers are enjoying the start to the autumn season, and we hope to see you in our illustrators corner soon!