Ben Mantle – illustratör

A hilarious story full of noises and naughtiness. A sure-fire Christmas cracker of a book!“Oh, dearie me!” said Rudey. Now I’ve done a windy pop!This is a bit embarrassing. I’ll do my best to stop.”Rudey has eaten too many sprouts and the explosive effect is smelt all around the world as he Santa delivery presents on Christmas Eve… The other reindeer have laughed so much, they’re out of puff. How ever will they get the sleigh back home?A naughty, noisy, rip-roaring story, full of hilarious phrases that children will love!

Roll into Halloween with this wickedly funny rhyming book! Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate. The first one said, “My, it’s getting late!” The second one said, “There are witches in the air!” The third one said, “Good folk, beware!” Five little pumpkins are sitting quietly on a gate until… night falls and they are joined by a cast of creepy characters – witches, spiders, bats, frogs and ghosts – all determined to cause plenty of Halloween mischief. What a terrific treat!

A sweet, tender, and touching tale about a wise lighthouse guiding a young boat through the turbulent waters of life. This is a beautiful take on parenting and growing up, and a perfect pick for sharing and gifting for graduation, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and more.Once, there was a lighthouse.She stood proud and steady, strong and bright. In fair weather and in foul, she towered over the waters and guided ships to safe harbor.A lighthouse stands by the sea and keeps everything in her sight safe and sound. When a little boat named Brightness appears in her harbor, Lighthouse offers to watch out for her. But, as Brightness becomes more confident, she goes out farther than Lighthouse can see. When a big storm hits, will Lighthouse be able to protect Brightness?Perfect for both young readers and adults, this gorgeous picture book by Katie Frawley and Ben Mantle shows that, even when there are storms, love will always guide children home.

Even the most delightful ducks can have a bad day . ..What's the matter with Dick the Duck? He's usually so kindand friendly!But today Dick got out on The Wrong Side of Bed.He feels humpy and grumpy, cranky and cross. Can anyone helpcheer him up?Luckily Dick's friends rally round and shower him with kindness,and Dick is soon back to his usual delightful self!This magnificently funny rhyming story showsthat even the most delightful ducks can have a bad day. (And that'stotally okay!) Children will adore this hilarious rhyming storyby the much-loved author of the PONGWIFFY booksKaye Umansky is one of the funniest children's writers around.This brilliant rhyming story is a joy to read aloud,and has echoes of Dr SeussBen Mantle's superb colourful illustrations bring every characterto life. Each page is packed with fabulous, funny detailsFull of warmth and humour, Dick the Delightful Duckshows even the youngest children that it's okay notto be okay, and how they can be a good friend

Even the most delightful ducks can have a bad day . ..What's the matter with Dick the Duck? He's usually so kindand friendly!But today Dick got out on The Wrong Side of Bed.He feels humpy and grumpy, cranky and cross. Can anyone helpcheer him up?Luckily Dick's friends rally round and shower him with kindness,and Dick is soon back to his usual delightful self!This magnificently funny rhyming story showsthat even the most delightful ducks can have a bad day. (And that'stotally okay!) Children will adore this hilarious rhyming storyby the much-loved author of the PONGWIFFY booksKaye Umansky is one of the funniest children's writers around.This brilliant rhyming story is a joy to read aloud,and has echoes of Dr SeussBen Mantle's superb colourful illustrations bring every characterto life. Each page is packed with fabulous, funny detailsFull of warmth and humour, Dick the Delightful Duckshows even the youngest children that it's okay notto be okay, and how they can be a good friend

Dragons, mermaids, unicorns and more. Believing is just the beginning … The first in the much-loved and beautifully illustrated children’s fantasy adventure series,The Land of Roar sits perfectly on a child's bookshelf next to great adventures such as The Chronicles of Narnia, How to Train Your Dragon, Skandar and Peter Pan. When Arthur and Rose were little, they were heroes in the Land of Roar, an imaginary world that they found by climbing through the folding bed in their grandad’s attic. Roar was filled with things they loved – dragons, mermaids, ninja wizards and adventure – as well as things that scared them (including a very creepy scarecrow…)Now the twins are eleven, Roar is just a memory. But when they help Grandad clean out the attic, Arthur is horrified as Grandad is pulled into the folding bed and vanishes. Is he playing a joke? Or is Roar … real? Praise for The Land of Roar series: 'This funny, captivating story is filled with the painful pangs of growing up and the transporting qualities of imagination' Guardian"Fast-paced, immersive and full of adventure – this new book in the fantastic Land of Roar series is the perfect fuel for young imaginations.” A.F. STEADMAN, author of the bestselling Skandar series‘A stunning adventure from the ever-brilliant Jenny McLachlan.She’s my favourite creator of dragons!’ EMMA CARROLL, author of Secrets of a Sun King‘This welcome return to the Land of Roar will delight existing fans of the series but can also be enjoyed by readers coming to Roar for the first time.’ BOOKTRUST‘Roar adventures are the BEST adventures – I wish I could stay in Roar forever!’ MEL TAYLOR-BESSENT, author of The Christmas Carrolls series‘Jenny McLachlan’s imagination knows no bounds. Saddle up your dragon and ride away with this absolute gem of a book,’ JENNY PEARSON, author of The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates'Jenny is without doubt one of the UK’s most gifted and versatile of storytellers and a writer of immense heart and skill,’ PHIL EARLE, author of When the Sky Falls'Once again, it’s wonderful, gripping roar-some fun. So exciting being back in the Land of Roar,’ SAM COPELAND‘Another absolutely fantastic rip-ROARING adventure from the genius Jenny McLachlan,’ SOPHY HENN‘The most exciting instalment so far in this warm, thrilling and completely brilliantly written series. I devoured every page!’ SARAH CROSSAN, author of One 'A vividly imagined adventure, […] full of heart, humour and a terrifying villain’ FINOA NOBLE, The Bookseller‘Roar is an exhilarating, hilarious, vividly drawn tribute to the power of the childhood imagination, the love of family and the magic we risk losing as we grow up. If you plan to visit one new place in 2019, make it Roar’ SARAH DRIVER, author of The Huntress trilogy

The magical new book in the bestselling middle-grade fantasy adventure series, The Land of Roar. A series that celebrates the power of imagination and finding the greatest adventures in the most ordinary of places – perfect for children aged 8, 9, 10 and upwards, and fans of Narnia, Jumanji and How to Train Your Dragon.Featuring breathtaking illustrations throughout by Ben Mantle and stunning fold-out cover artwork.Twins Arthur and Rose can’t wait to go back to Roar, the fantasy world they get to through their grandad’s attic. Roar is a land of dragons, mermaids, unicorns, ninja wizards and where anything they can imagine can be real.But when they return there’s no time for exploring, because a message arrives from their scarecrow enemy, Crowky.WHAT’S IN THE BOX?The Box would always contain the things that scared the twins most – and if Crowky gets hold of it, Roar could be in more danger than ever.Soon they find themselves on another thrilling adventure, accompanied by old friends and new faces and seeing parts of Roar they'd almost forgotten. But will they get to the box before Crowky does? And if it opens, what will they see?Praise for The Land of Roar:'This funny, captivating story is filled with the painful pangs of growing up and the transporting qualities of imagination' GuardianJenny McLachlan is the author of several acclaimed teen novels including Flirty Dancing, Stargazing for Beginners and Truly, Wildly, Deeply. Before Jenny became a writer, she was Head of English in a secondary school; she now loves visiting schools as an author and delivering funny and inspiring talks and workshops. When Jenny isn’t thinking about stories or writing stories, she enjoys living by the seaside, cycling and running over the South Downs. The Land of Roar series is Jenny’s middle-grade debut.Ben Mantle began his illustration career early, picking up his first award in a local library colouring-in competition aged seven. He went on to study Animation at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design before working as an animator. Ben has illustrated a number of children’s books including Rudey’s Windy Christmas (HarperCollins) and Callum’s Incredible Construction Kit (Egmont) which won the 2013 Bishop’s Stortford Picture Book Award. He is also the creator of the award-winning The Best Birthday Present Ever! and The Best Christmas Present Ever! published by Macmillan Children’s Books. Ben lives and works in Brighton.

The final book in the epic and bestselling children’s fantasy series that will make you believe in magic … Perfect for fans of Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon, Michelle Harrison's A Pinch of Magic, as well as classic children's fantasy adventures, Narnia and Jumanji. Rose and Arthur are back in Roar, on a voyage that takes them further than they’ve ever been before: beyond The End.It’s an amazing adventure – full of secrets, surprises and fairies with fangs – but then a mysterious storm changes everything.Shipwrecked on a strange island, they make a shocking discovery … Could this be the end of Roar?Jenny McLachlan is the author of several acclaimed teen novels including Flirty Dancing, Stargazing for Beginners and Truly, Wildly, Deeply. Before Jenny became a writer, she was Head of English in a secondary school; she now loves visiting schools as an author and delivering funny and inspiring talks and workshops. The Land of Roar series is Jenny’s debut for readers of 8-12.Ben Mantle began his illustration career early, picking up his first award in a local library colouring-in competition aged seven. Ben has illustrated a number of children’s books and is the creator of the award-winning The Best Birthday Present Ever! . Ben lives and works in Brighton.

Little Train is going out on the track, all by himself, for the very first time! But before he goes, his mummy and daddy remind him: “When it’s time to come home, no matter how far you are, just follow the track all the way back, where we’ll be waiting.” So Little Train heads off into the unknown with a clickety-clack… But, when night falls and the track runs out, will he remember what to do? Taking its place beside the classic The Little Engine That Could, young readers will share Little Train’s trepidation and excitement in this uplifting and extraordinary read-aloud adventure, and rejoice in the gorgeously atmospheric artwork of illustrator Ben Mantle.

A hilarious, light-hearted fable about seeing past our differences.Frog is a frog. And Toad is a toad. They are totally different from each other. So when a fly mistakes Frog and Toad for two FROGS, it’s not long before things get a bit fruity... Luckily, a too-close call with a snappy alligator makes Frog and Toad join forces to see that they’re not THAT different after all… At heart, a laugh-out-loud journey about togetherness, putting differences aside and realizing that friends don't need to be just like you, but they come in all shapes and sizes!

Watch out! Move out of the way! Hold onto your tails! There are ... BUNNIES ON THE BUS! And they aren't stopping for ANYONE!The Times' Children's Book of the Week: "The relentless anarchy and fruity rhyming scheme makes for a thrilling ride for younger children and their tongue-twisted parents. To be chanted at high speed and followed by a little lie-down."The bunnies have taken over the bus and they're on a wild ride across the streets of Sunny Town! They whizz past the bus stop, swerve around corners and zoom over crossings on a non-stop roller coaster adventure! There are bunnies on the roof! Bunnies in the aisle! DO sit down, bunnies, or you’ll end up in a pile! Eventually, they come to a stop ... at the train station. And what's that they've spotted? A TRAIN! Uh-oh, here we go again… A hilarious romp of a book, with a fantastic read-aloud rhyming text and spectacular illustrations.- Perfect for transport-loving children aged 3-5 years!- Bursting with hilarious details to spot, visual subplots to follow, search-and-find elements and non-stop on-the-move action.- Funny, rhyming, read-aloud texts, with repeated join-in refrains – ideal for sharing with little ones and supporting bonding and early literacy.“Will keep readers occupied for hours.” Kirkus Reviews“Brimming with action, colourful details, and rambunctious fun.” Booklist OnlineCollect ALL the Sunny Town Bunnies books!Bunnies in a BoatBunnies in a SleighBunnies in a Rocket

A hilarious, light-hearted fable about seeing past our differences.Frog is a frog. And Toad is a toad. They are totally different from each other. So when a fly mistakes Frog and Toad for two FROGS, it’s not long before things get a bit fruity... Luckily, a too-close call with a snappy alligator makes Frog and Toad join forces to see that they’re not THAT different after all… At heart, a laugh-out-loud journey about togetherness, putting differences aside and realizing that friends don't need to be just like you, but they come in all shapes and sizes!

As a little girl and her mum discover some dinosaur footprints on the beach - one set small, one set large - they wonder who they could have belonged to . . ."Come, Little Dino, the world is so wide.The safe place for you, is here by my side . . ."Little Dino loves exploring the wide world with Mama, but when they get separated by a storm, can he be brave and find the way back to her side?Perhaps the kindness of others, and some clues in the sand, will help to lead Little Dino home . . .A reassuring and beautifully illustrated celebration of the unbreakable parent-child bond. Written by Hollie Hughes, author of The Girl and the Dinosaur, with artwork from award-winning illustrator Ben Mantle. Inspired by real dinosaur footprints on the Isle of Skye in Scotland!

A reassuring and beautifully illustrated celebration of the unbreakable parent-child bond. Written by Hollie Hughes, author of The Girl and the Dinosaur, with artwork from award-winning illustrator, Ben Mantle. As a little girl and her mum discover some dinosaur footprints on the beach - one set small, one set large - they wonder who they could have belonged to . . ."Come, Little Dino, the world is so wide.The safe place for you, is here by my side . . ."Little Dino loves exploring the wide world with Mama, but when they get separated by a storm, can he be brave and find the way back to her side? Perhaps the kindness of others, and some clues in the sand, will help to lead Little Dino home . . .Inspired by real dinosaur footprints on the Isle of Skye in Scotland!

A delightful story book with a wind-up ladybird toy and four different tracks to follow through the garden. Wind up the ladybird, place her on the tracks and watch the busy bug as she speeds back home through the garden, passing flowers, vegetables and other insects. The simple story, colourful illustrations, winding tracks and speedy ladybird will give children lots to spot and talk about. - A toy and a book combined.- A wonderful gift that children will want to play with again and again.- With four tracks included.

*Shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Book Award* This is a thrill-ride of an adventure, with illustrations by Ben Mantle bringing Boot's world to life. Fans of Toy Story and Charlie Changes into a Chicken will love this hilarious, warm-hearted story about a small robot on a big adventure: full of fun, friendship ... and Boot's quest to find out why humans are so leaky and weird. 'Fast, funny and furious. These are definitely my favourite robots.' Eoin ColferWhen toy robot, Boot, wakes up at a scrapyard, it has no idea how it got there and why it isn't with its owner, Beth. It only has two and a half glitchy memories, but it knows it was loved, which means something important to humans. Boot soon realises its emotions make it different to other robots, who just function and don't think. Boot is scared but tries to be brave, which is hard when its screen keeps showing a wobbly, worried face. Luckily Boot meets Noke and Red - other 'advanced' robots who have learned to survive in secret.With new friends by its side, Boot is determined to find Beth and the gang set off on a dangerous adventure. Everything Boot thought it knew about the world is changing, and things aren't as simple as it remembers . . .Illustrated throughout in glorious black and white by the award-winning Ben Mantle, this is an unforgettable tale of resilience and hope. It will take you by surprise and make you think about the world around you. Read more of Boot's adventures in The Rusty Rescue and The Creaky Creatures!

This is a thrill-ride of an adventure, with illustrations by Ben Mantle bringing Boot's world to life. Fans of Toy Story and Charlie Changes into a Chicken will love this hilarious, warm-hearted story about a small robot on a big adventure, full of fun, friendship and a warehouse full of bouncy castles.'Fast, funny and furious. These are definitely my favourite robots.' Eoin ColferToy robot Boot has come a long way since it woke up in a scrapyard with only two and a half glitchy memories. It has a home with its robot pals in an abandoned amusement arcade, and has discovered what true happiness is - although it's still not sure why humans are so leaky and weird ... But when Boot and the gang stumble upon Rusty, an old, broken robot, forgotten in the back of a testing lab, it's time to spring into action. Boot knows there's something special about Rusty - but can they free the old robot and help it find its purpose?Illustrated throughout in glorious black and white by the award-winning Ben Mantle, this is an unforgettable tale of resilience and hope. Read more of Boot's adventures - shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Book Award - including Boot: small robot: BIG adventure and The Creaky Creatures.

This is a thrill-ride of an adventure, with illustrations by Ben Mantle bringing Boot's world to life. Fans of Toy Story and Charlie Changes into a Chicken will love this hilarious, warm-hearted story about a small robot on a big adventure: full of fun, friendship, and a large number of malfunctioning robot pets.'Fast, funny and furious. These are definitely my favourite robots.' Eoin ColferBoot was once a toy robot, but it has come a long way since it was scrapped and woke back up with only two-and-a-half glitchy memories. When Boot catches sight of a robot pet it used to know - Mr Piggles - our hero and pals follow it to a beautiful green square in the city of skyscrapers. Here they find not just real nature, but also a haven for broken and rejected pets. They also meet the children who look after the pets, and for whom this green space is a sanctuary too. But Boot is distracted by its emotions, swinging from happy to sad ... maybe Boot is broken? Can it work out what is wrong, with the help of its friends? Illustrated throughout in glorious black and white by the award-winning Ben Mantle, this is an unforgettable tale of resilience and hope. Read more of Boot's adventures - shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Book Award - including Boot: small robot, BIG adventure and The Rusty Rescue.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dexter's lost his Boo-Woo. It's a scary sounding beast! It has fiery eyes and floppy ears, and twenty pointy teeth! Soon the whole town is on the hunt for the Boo-Woo ... Are YOU brave enough to join the search?Join police officers, firefighters and more in this gloriously illustrated, action-packed adventure with an unexpected twist about losing - and finding! - your favourite toy.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dexter's lost his Boo-Woo. It's a scary sounding beast! It has fiery eyes and floppy ears, and twenty pointy teeth! Soon the whole town is on the hunt for the Boo-Woo ... Are YOU brave enough to join the search?Join police officers, firefighters and more in this gloriously illustrated, action-packed adventure with an unexpected twist about losing - and finding! - your favourite toy.

Take an incredible trip across space and time to discover just how special YOU are.In this whole wide world of people and animals, and plants and flowers, and oceans and lakes, and so, so many things, there is only one YOU.A heartfelt picture book about celebrating individuality.

Take an incredible trip across space and time to discover just how special YOU are.In this whole wide world of people and animals, and plants and flowers, and oceans and lakes, and so, so many things, there is only one YOU.A heartfelt picture book about celebrating individuality.

Duck dreams of being an explorer, but the problem with exploring is that it's a bit risky. For a very nervous duck, staying at home and sticking to a routine seems like the safer option.Except sometimes adventures - and dinosaurs - sneak up on you whether you want them to or not!Suddenly, Duck finds himself having to look after a lost young Dino as they navigate the (mild) perils of the jungle! Good thing Duck has his Just-In-Case Kit nearby. But with vibrant Dino excited about everything she comes across, Duck will learn that flying by the seat of his pants isn't as scary as he thought. The highly illustrated unlikely adventures of the nervous Duck and his best friend Dino. Perfect for ages 5-7, these stories balance sweet humour with gentle thrills, subtly exploring the tricky emotions children encounter at this age.

A magical, captivating picture book about the power of love between a son and his fatherTom and his dad are good at making things. Their inventions start out simple, but they quickly become bigger, faster, crazier - and they almost always involve wheels. But then Dad loses his job, and everything changes. Sadness clouds the house like a winter sky. That is, until Tom comes up with a brilliant plan that takes their amazing vehicle inventions and creates something astounding - something the world has never seen before . . .An emotionally charged and highly imaginative book that explores themes of love and support between children and their parents but is also great fun, with incredible inventions, crazy contraptions and a wonderfully inspiring pioneering spirit at its heart.

From a brand-new picture book duo, this is a striking and unique story perfect for little people interested in climate awareness and looking after nature.  McDarkly lives quietly all on his own, growing orchids in his dank swamp, until one day his peace is disturbed by an arrogant king who wants to turn the swamp into a roller-skate park. McDarkly has ten days to prove that the swamp isn't damp and dark, but an enchanted world. Can he do it, or will he risk losing his home forever?