Chris Mould – illustratör

‘This captivating series of adventures is ideal for those who love whimsical humour’ Guardian, Best Children’s Books of the Year Written by Carnegie and Costa Award-winning author Sally Gardner and beautifully illustrated throughout by Greenaway-shortlisted artist Chris Mould, Pernickety Boo is the unforgettable story of a very unusual umbrella. 'Hello,' said the umbrella. 'Gosh,' said the boy. The umbrella's handle was carved in the shape of a dog’s head, with a very long snout and a shiny nose and ears that flopped back. 'You can talk.' 'I suppose I can,' said the umbrella. 'Do you have a name?' asked the boy. 'No,' said the umbrella. 'Do I need a name?' 'Yes,' said the small boy. 'You need one for someone to let you in at the front door, and another name to be let out the back door.' Brought to life by a careless sorcerer, Pernickety Boo is a well-educated umbrella with unexplored magical powers – and after he is left behind on the London Underground by his forgetful creator, Pernickety must find an owner: someone who will truly love him.So when Pernickety meets young Sylvie Moonshine and is welcomed into her home, he thinks that all of his prayers have been answered. But there are plenty of other people who are also interested in the magical umbrella, and who threaten to separate Pernickety from his beloved Sylvie, unless he can find a way to stop them. Perfect for fans of A Bear Called Paddington, The Velveteen Rabbit, and Winnie-the-Pooh, this instant classic is a book for the whole family to share.

‘This captivating series of adventures is ideal for those who love whimsical humour’ Guardian, Best Children’s Books of the Year Written by Carnegie and Costa Award-winning author Sally Gardner and beautifully illustrated throughout by Greenaway-shortlisted artist Chris Mould, Pernickety Boo is the unforgettable story of a very unusual umbrella. 'Hello,' said the umbrella. 'Gosh,' said the boy. The umbrella's handle was carved in the shape of a dog’s head, with a very long snout and a shiny nose and ears that flopped back. 'You can talk.' 'I suppose I can,' said the umbrella. 'Do you have a name?' asked the boy. 'No,' said the umbrella. 'Do I need a name?' 'Yes,' said the small boy. 'You need one for someone to let you in at the front door, and another name to be let out the back door.' Brought to life by a careless sorcerer, Pernickety Boo is a well-educated umbrella with unexplored magical powers – and after he is left behind on the London Underground by his forgetful creator, Pernickety must find an owner: someone who will truly love him.So when Pernickety meets young Sylvie Moonshine and is welcomed into her home, he thinks that all of his prayers have been answered. But there are plenty of other people who are also interested in the magical umbrella, and who threaten to separate Pernickety from his beloved Sylvie, unless he can find a way to stop them. Perfect for fans of A Bear Called Paddington, The Velveteen Rabbit, and Winnie-the-Pooh, this instant classic is a book for the whole family to share.

A second collection of poems based on familiar themes.....

With a focus on building phonics skills, this collection includes seven fun stories with colourful illustrations. It is ideal for children who are developing early reading skills. Find out what's so important about Ron Rabbit's egg, what happens to the Doll in the in and learn about animals in the Animal Quiz! Tips for reading together explain the letter patterns that each story focuses on and identify any words children may find tricky, helping you to get the most out of the collection.Former Children's Laureate and author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson, has captivated children all over the world with her lively and engaging stories. Songbirds is a phonics programme carefully created by Julia to support children who are learning to read and is used in schools to inspire a love of reading. There are eight Songbirds story collections for you to enjoy.Featuring much-loved characters, great authors, engaging storylines and fun activities, Read with Oxford offers an exciting range of carefully levelled reading books to build your child's reading confidence.Find practical advice, free eBooks and fun activities to help your child progress on oxfordowl.co.uk. Let's get them flying!

Drusilla the Sand Witch is a friendly witch, but not when it comes to greedy Hagbag. In this magically funny story, Drusilla and her cat, Peg, must come up with a good spell to get rid of their unwanted visitor. Books with short chapters are a great way for children who are becoming independent readers to extend reading stamina and progress to the next step of their reading journey. This Read with Oxford Stage 5 book has short chapters, an engaging story and humorous colour illustrations. Tips for parents and fun after-reading activities help you to get the most out of the story.Featuring much-loved characters, great authors, engaging storylines and fun activities, Read with Oxford offers an exciting range of carefully levelled reading books to build your child's reading confidence.Find practical advice, free eBooks and fun activities to help your child progress on oxfordowl.co.uk. Let's get them flying!

A stunning full-colour edition with illustrations by Chris Mould bring this Ted Hughes classic to life. For fans of The Wild Robot, and perfect for reading aloud.The Iron Man came to the top of the cliff.Where had he come from? Nobody knows.How was he made? Nobody knows.The Iron Man is causing destruction everywhere he goes, and humankind are setting a trap to stop him. But one little boy realises that the Iron Man is not here to destroy the Earth. He could even save the planet from a new, more deadly danger!'One of the greatest of modern fairy tales.' Observer'Gripping . . a classic.' Phillip Pullman'A visionary tale.' Michael Morpurgo'Whether you're already a fan of this classic children's story or a new reader, this wonderful new version is a real treat.' BookTrust'Stunning.' WRD Magazine

A stunning full-colour edition with illustrations by Chris Mould bring this Ted Hughes classic to life. For fans of The Wild Robot, and perfect for reading aloud.The Iron Man came to the top of the cliff.Where had he come from? Nobody knows.How was he made? Nobody knows.The Iron Man is causing destruction everywhere he goes, and humankind are setting a trap to stop him. But one little boy realises that the Iron Man is not here to destroy the Earth. He could even save the planet from a new, more deadly danger!'One of the greatest of modern fairy tales.' Observer'Gripping . . a classic.' Phillip Pullman'A visionary tale.' Michael Morpurgo'Whether you're already a fan of this classic children's story or a new reader, this wonderful new version is a real treat.' BookTrust'Stunning.' WRD Magazine

NOMINATED - CILIP KATE GREENAWAY MEDALAll animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.It's just an ordinary farm - until the animals revolt. They get rid of the irresponsible farmer. The other animals are sure that life is improving, but as systems are replaced and half-truths are retold, a new hierarchy emerges . . .Orwell's tale of propaganda, power and greed has never felt more pertinent.With an exciting new cover and inside illustrations by superstar Chris Mould.'Heartily recommend.' Just Imagine'Never been so timely . . . simply striking illustrations.' Armadillo Magazine'Atmospheric and deliciously macabre.' Lancashire Post'Perfectly pitched.' WRD Magazine

NOMINATED - CILIP KATE GREENAWAY MEDALAll animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.It's just an ordinary farm - until the animals revolt. They get rid of the irresponsible farmer. The other animals are sure that life is improving, but as systems are replaced and half-truths are retold, a new hierarchy emerges . . .Orwell's tale of propaganda, power and greed has never felt more pertinent.With an exciting new cover and inside illustrations by superstar Chris Mould.'Heartily recommend.' Just Imagine'Never been so timely . . . simply striking illustrations.' Armadillo Magazine'Atmospheric and deliciously macabre.' Lancashire Post'Perfectly pitched.' WRD Magazine

A stunning full-colour illustrated adaptation of H. G. Wells' sci-fi classic, from the illustrator of A Boy Called Christmas and The Iron Man.1894. Across space, this earth is being watched by envious eyes.What seems to be a meteorite falls to earth, but from the debris unfolds a terrifying alien threat . . .Leon and and his scientist wife race against the clock to end the war of all worlds.This is a modernised graphic novel retelling of one of the most popular science fiction novels ever written, now suitable for a younger 11+ readership.'Exquisite, detailed illustrations . . . convey as much emotion as do words in this remarkable re-imagining of War of the Worlds.' Susan Price, Carnegie winning author of Ghost Drum'An absolute masterpiece.' Kieran Larwood, author of The World of Podkin One-Ear series

A stunning full-colour illustrated adaptation of H. G. Wells' sci-fi classic, from the illustrator of A Boy Called Christmas and The Iron Man.1894. Across space, this earth is being watched by envious eyes.What seems to be a meteorite falls to earth, but from the debris unfolds a terrifying alien threat . . .Leon and and his scientist wife race against the clock to end the war of all worlds.This is a modernised graphic novel retelling of one of the most popular science fiction novels ever written, now suitable for a younger 9+ readership.'Exquisite, detailed illustrations . . . convey as much emotion as do words in this remarkable re-imagining of War of the Worlds.' Susan Price, Carnegie winning author of Ghost Drum'An absolute masterpiece.' Kieran Larwood, author of The World of Podkin One-Ear series

In this stunning full colour abridged illustrated edition of Charles Dickens' classic, the story is brought to life for a younger readership with all the sparkle and pazzazz of a West End show.'Bah,' said Scrooge, 'Humbug.'Old Ebenezer Scrooge is too mean to spend money on coals for the fire in his counting-house, where his clerk Bob Cratchit shivers in the winter cold. Declining an invitation to his nephew Fred's Christmas party, and refusing to give money to charity, he is ready for his usual miserly Christmas in his cold, dingy apartment. But that night, the ghost of his dead partner Jacob Marley appears and tells him to expect a visit from three spirits over the next three nights . . .

NOMINATED - CILIP KATE GREENAWAY MEDALOne of Faber's hand-picked classics that no home should be without. Animal Farm is the timeless story of revolution - now with an exciting new cover and inside illustrations by Chris Mould.All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.It's just an ordinary farm - until the animals revolt. They get rid of the irresponsible farmer. The other animals are sure that life is improving, but as systems are replaced and half-truths are retold, a new hierarchy emerges . . .Orwell's tale of propaganda, power and greed has never felt more pertinent.This edition is part of a select range of illustrated 'rite of passage reads' from Faber, which includes: The Great Gatsby, The Bell Jar, Nineteen Eighty-Four, A Room with a View and Maurice.'Heartily recommend.' Just Imagine'Never been so timely . . . simply striking illustrations.' Armadillo Magazine'Atmospheric and deliciously macabre.' Lancashire Post'Perfectly pitched.' WRD Magazine

A hilarious tale of derring do and needing the loo from the brilliant Greg Gormley and Chris Mould!Prince Freddie is off to save a castle from a ferocious dragon, when he realises he really, REALLY needs a pee. But what with scary ogres, damsels in distress, and massive queues for the only toilet in the forest, it doesn't look like Freddie will ever get to go . . . So when the dragon blocks his path, and accidentally sets fire to the castle, things don't look too good. Luckily, Prince Freddie is able to have a pee AND put out the fire in one go!This funny, fast-paced story is a visual feast, perfect for any child aged 3-6 who loves fairy tales or has ever asked: "Are we nearly there yet?"Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free 'Stories Aloud' audio recording - just scan the QR code and listen along!

After Billy Brute burns down his old school – and gets away with it – his parents have to find him a new one. St Lemons say they’ll take him, but little does Billy know that St Lemons have a secret weapon: Enter Miss Wanda . . .Her glasses are spectacular.Her dress so prim and neat.But what big eyes, and what big ears…And what big hairy feet! Perhaps Billy won’t get away with EVERYTHING after all. With gloriously gothic illustrations from bestselling Chris Mould, and an alternative back-to-school message, this fabulously dark tale is perfect for parents looking for the picture book equivalent of Roald Dahl’s twisted tales.

After Billy Brute burns down his old school – and gets away with it – his parents have to find him a new one. St Lemons say they’ll take him, but little does Billy know that St Lemons have a secret weapon: Enter Miss Wanda . . .Her glasses are spectacular.Her dress so prim and neat.But what big eyes, and what big ears…And what big hairy feet! Perhaps Billy won’t get away with EVERYTHING after all. With gloriously gothic illustrations from bestselling Chris Mould, and an alternative back-to-school message, this fabulously dark tale is perfect for parents looking for the picture book equivalent of Roald Dahl’s twisted tales.

Virginia was a tyrant, a bully and a brat, who was rude to sweet old ladies, and tormented next door’s cat. Then one day the doorbell rings and Virginia meets Julian. Her mother calls him an angel and insists he share Virginia’s room, but Virginia has never shared in her life! Obviously, Julian must go. But perhaps he’s not quite as angelic as he first appears. . . .  With gloriously gothic illustrations from bestselling Chris Mould, and a hair-raising twist, this fabulously dark tale is perfect for parents looking for the picture book equivalent of Roald Dahl’s twisted tales. Also available: Billy Brute whose Teacher was a Werewolf

'A thrilling, original, evocative and eerie tale - I adored it!’ Michelle Harrison, author of A Pinch of Magic'A thrilling page-turner. Madame Pinchbeck is a gloriously Dickensian villain’  Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song'Ghosts, gadgets, likeable villains and unlikely heroes: The Vanishing Trick is a dark and dazzling adventure’ Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse'A completely enthralling tale, oozing with atmosphere and originality’ Catherine Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper's Island'Jenni Spangler is the next big voice in children’s magical history novels’ Lucy Powrie, author of The Paper & Hearts Society 'Deliciously dark and atmospheric … I couldn’t get enough' Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole An Elephant  'A spectacular heart-stopping adventure in a dark and dangerous Victorian world' Tamsin Winter, author of Jemima Small Versus the Universe 'An eventful gothic adventure full of secrets and surprises' Sunday Times Book of The Week​Step into a world of secrets, folklore and illusions, where nothing is as it seems and magic is at play…  Madame Augustina Pinchbeck, travels the country conjuring the spirits of dearly departed loved ones... for a price. Whilst her ability to contact ghosts is a game of smoke and mirrors, there is real magic behind her tricks too - if you know where to look.  Through a magical trade, she persuades children to part with precious objects, promising to use her powers to help them. But Pinchbeck is a deceiver, instead turning their items into enchanted Cabinets that bind the children to her and into which she can vanish and summon them at will.  When Pinchbeck captures orphan Leander, events are set into motion that see him and his new friends Charlotte and Felix, in a race against time to break Pinchbeck’s spell, before one of them vanishes forever…#TheVanishingTrickA historical adventure with a magical twist from an outstanding debut talent. Perfect for fans of Michelle Harrison, Sophie Anderson and Emma Carroll.

Pull back the curtain and enter a world where mystery and magic take centre stage in a gloriously gothic adventure from Jenni Spangler, illustrated by Chris Mould.  Twelve-year-old Tig works at Manchester's Theatre Royale, cleaning, selling tickets and doing anything else that is asked of her by her tyrannical boss, Mr Snell. Tig will do whatever it takes to get closer to her dream – to become a Stage Manager and spend her days inventing new ways to imagine and build the intricate machinery and props that bring the exciting productions to life!  But when a strange new act – a talking machine – arrives at the Theatre Royale, it moves and behaves in a way that Tig just can’t work out. It’s as though it’s alive somehow . . . And when the machine appears to be hiding a dangerous secret, Tig must race against time to solve the mystery, before everything and everyone she cares about is lost forever.  A Victorian adventure full of ghost, gadgets and shifty villains, from the critically-acclaimed Jenni Spangler, who's debut The Vanishing Trick, was selected as Waterstones Book of the Month.  Praise for THE VANISHING TRICK: A thrilling, original, evocative and eerie tale - I adored it!’ Michelle Harrison, author of A Pinch of Magic'A thrilling page-turner. Madame Pinchbeck is a gloriously Dickensian villain’  Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song'Ghosts, gadgets, likeable villains and unlikely heroes: The Vanishing Trick is a dark and dazzling adventure’ Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse'A completely enthralling tale, oozing with atmosphere and originality’ Catherine Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper's Island

Jackson LOVES football. He plays it. He watches it. He eats it. He sleeps it!Jackson lives and breathes football – he knows all the players, the fixtures, the scores. Then, one grey stormy day, Jackson kicks his ball, and it goes up ... and up ... and UP! All the way to the moon! Overnight, Jackson becomes an international footballing sensation, and before you know it, he's kicked ALL of the Earth's footballs into space. The moon-folk – the aliens! – don't know the rules of the game, but they become football mad all the same. It's up to Jackson to bring football home...

They are sneaky. They are stealthy. They are cunning… They’re the CROOKS!Isabelle Crook is a very good little girl, who would never dream of breaking the law. Her family, on the other hand, are the stealthiest, most cunning burglars around! Can Isabelle ever feel like one of the gang – a true Crook – while staying true to herself? Irreverent and adventurous, this picture book comedy sees everyone tip-toeing about at night, and is brought to life by Chris Mould’s expressive, gloriously detailed illustrations.

Jackson LOVES football. He plays it. He watches it. He eats it. He sleeps it!Jackson lives and breathes football – he knows all the players, the fixtures, the scores. Then, one grey stormy day, Jackson kicks his ball, and it goes up ... and up ... and UP! All the way to the moon! Overnight, Jackson becomes an international footballing sensation, and before you know it, he's kicked ALL of the Earth's footballs into space. The moon-folk – the aliens! – don't know the rules of the game, but they become football mad all the same. It's up to Jackson to bring football home...

The town is in chaos – Wolfman is on the loose! Support severely struggling readers with this funny hi-lo tale. Wolfman is on the loose and he is raging and rampaging through town like a terror! Lamp-posts have been ripped up, paving slabs chewed – even the Army has gone into hiding! Particularly suitable for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 6.

The classic laugh-out-loud horror that inspired the hit BBC series Young Dracula, in an gloriously illustrated hi-lo format. Before Count Dracula became one of the greatest, most feared vampires of all time, he was just a young boy called Wilfred who didn't really feel like he belonged anywhere. But Wilfred's dad, the old Count, doesn't think his son is up to the task of being a great vampire! Can Wilfred show his father what he's really made of? Particularly suitable for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 7.