One of the world’s most popular illustrators, Shaun Tan – known for a series of fascinating picture books – has just published The Bird King, An Artist’s Sketchbook. A book containing ‘much fun, wit and wisdom’, according to our reviewer, Karl Foster, who spoke to Shaun about sketchbook vs tablet, the influence of his Australian location and how he pursues the use of scale in his artwork.

There was possibly no other artist of this period capable of creating a work like The Starry Night – it’s sublime. This is a simple but effective addition to the many books on the artist.

“You can’t plan it and all that randomness can be terrifying,” Sydney Smith talks about inspiration striking and his new book, and Karl Foster reviews this ‘classic’ title.

This highly detailed illustrated book alive with textures and vibrant imagery is from the hand of artist and printmaker Graham Carter. The main excitement comes from his spectacular bird illustrations: the vivid colour and dynamic shapes helps to drive the narrative and grab our attention.

Featuring an unlikely female anti-hero who is well into middle age and has hardly any redeeming features, with this graphic novel Posy Simmonds has put her finger on the zeitgeist, presenting to the reader a world no longer sure of itself, where pigeons always come home to roost.

This scholarly and engaging collection of key readings provides an excellent body of work for those who wish to understand how the subject of graphic design is moving from a field towards a discipline.

In the first part of Stagdale, nostalgia is as vivid as the swallows that dart about in the cauldron heat of the summer of 1975. The drawing style and character design of this credible world combines modulated lines with delicate textures and sumptuous colour with somber tones.

The life of the world famous boxer and wit is richly evoked in this picture book. It illustrates his enduring legacy and the inspirational story behind his success.

‘Unofficial and Unauthorized’ from Little White Lies Written by Adam Woodward Illustrated by Sharm Murugiah Published by Laurence King ISBN: 978-1-78067-264-5 Reviewed by Karl Andy Foster In this book, image-maker..

Little Wise Wolf learns much on his journey, and Siemensma’s paintings contain wonderful details. Wisdom does indeed come from book learning, but it also requires the scholar to step outside the door and be prepared for an adventure.

Written and illustrated by Adam Allsuch Boardman Published by Nobrow ISBN 978-1-910620-56-4 Reviewed by Karl Andy Foster If you want to know how film came into being and the medium’s..

A life without books is Wack! An A-Z book that is playful and inter-generational in its outlook, with great images and a lexicon derived from one of the world’s most vibrant popular cultures.

Kadir Nelson brings us his personal take on the life of Nelson Mandela with his distictive paintings. A book designed to help young people appreciate the qualities of the African spirit and its origins.

The Dam interprets a father and daughter visit to the Kielder Valley before it was flooded in 1981 after the construction of a dam. Levi Pinfold’s illustrations are observed with precision, with the expansive use of skies looming high above the solid earth below.

This story is a coming of age drama. It explores the desire to push at the limits set by those in authority in order to find themselves a place in the world.

A beautifully sensitive story from Marianne Dubuc about Mrs Badger and her regular walks up the mountain. Joined by a new young friend, the story explores what will happen as Mrs Badger ages.

Mini Grey has taken on Little Red Riding Hood, absorbed the story and repurposed the plot so it is more relevant for our present troubling times.

Easton draws upon familiar motifs from the circus, the greasepaint, the animals and the roar of the crowd with bright, simple and subtle illustrations. But what’s going to happen to Coralie at the circus?

The 5 Misfits all live together doing things their own way, but the the Perfect One arrives… Alemagna’s work impresses with its inventive and majestically realised environments.

Imagination is something that we really want to encourage in children. This book shows Tiny Cat exercising this faculty to marvelous effect. It’s about fun, and capitalizes on the curiosity inherent in cats to ensure the tale is engaging and inventive.

“I’m the fastest mouse in the world!” Simona Ciraolo’s illustrations are loose, dynamic and direct, and Jake the mouse shows pure joy in his face as he scoffs at every creature he meets. But what is his fate?

A simple but effective tale illustrated using attractive shapes and symbolism to capture that which adults mostly forget. Sang Miao’s illustrations set the mood perfectly as the young protagonist navigates her world.

This book provides ample evidence that black people are not a homogenized group, but rather individuals who have all had to overcome varying degrees of negativity to reach for success and to stay the course. It should be required reading for every young child.

Where did Mad Jack McMuddle bury his treasure chests? The clues are all there if you take your time and have a compass at the ready. Jonny Duddle’s illustrations are detailed with strong character development that is matched by a credible Pirate family.

What is it that every Monster wants? Answer: to scare a Peopley Person! Simon Bertram’s story captures the true value of companionship with subtle, precise and perfectly realised illustrations

I have two words for this book – absolute bonkers! The imagery is disturbing, creepy and displays an obsession with bodily fluids and all things stomach churning. Acid colours and discordant hues leave you in no doubt that you are observing the world of the weird.

This tale of searching for a lost chick delights with its inventive puzzle based visuals and makes one realize just how many animals and plants have striped patterns.

We are going back in time on an instructive and entertaining journey showing the history of travel on a global stage. Tom Clohoshy-Cole’s illustrations shows sensitivity for machines and landscapes.

Author Kate Jane Neal is new to the world of illustration. Her ink lines and use of colour are direct, free and lively. The emotional and spiritual resonances in the story are all encapsulated in the refrain “The little bit inside of you that makes you, you!”

Inspired by Columbia Road, the East London flower market, this charming book covers a joyous week of discoveries for it’s young protagonist, Alex, in bright, flat colours.