Claire Powell – illustratör

Princess Scallywag and the Queen are back in a brand new rollicking adventure, taking on no-good pirates on the high seas in their hilarious, take-no-prisoners style!

'A stunning debut . . . laugh-out-loud funny' - ObserverDiscover the hilarious New York Times bestselling mystery adventure perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Lemony Snicket.On the day they are born, each Swift is brought before the Family Dictionary. They are given a name and a definition, and it is assumed they will grow up to match. Unfortunately, Shenanigan Swift has other ideas.So what if her relatives all think she's destined to turn out as a troublemaker, just because of her name? Shenanigan knows she can be whatever she wants - pirate, explorer or even detective.Which is lucky, really, because when one of the Family tries to murder Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude, someone has to work out whodunit.With the help of her sisters and cousin, Shenanigan grudgingly takes on the case, but more murders, a hidden treasure and an awful lot of suspects make thing seriously complicated.Can Shenanigan catch the killer before the whole household is picked off? And in a Family where definitions are so important, can she learn to define herself?Winner of the Nero Book Award and the Barnes & Noble Children's Book Award, and nominated for the Carnegie Medal.

Sequel to the New York Times-bestselling The Swifts - a gleeful gothic mystery perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Robin Stevens.Shenanigan Swift hates burglars . . .So when the famous criminal gang Ouvolpo target Swift House and swap a valuable painting for an exploding inflatable bird, Shenanigan sets off in pursuit, determined to make them payThe trail leads to Paris, home of her eccentric French cousins, the Martinets. The two sides of the Family have been squabbling for centuries, but when a body is discovered at the scene of Ouvolpo's latest robbery, the quarrelsome cousins must join forces to solve the mysteryDid Ouvolpo kill hotel caretaker Bernard? Why is Uncle Maelstrom wearing an earring again? And what does it all have to do with a disappearing clownCan Shenanigan uncover the answers and set right a century-old injustice? Or will she be left adrift as her Family pulls itself apart?The Swifts won the 2023 Nero Children’s Fiction Award and the Barnes & Noble Children's Book Award, and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal.

Children's Winner of the 2023 Nero Book AwardsDiscover the hilarious New York Times bestselling mystery adventure perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Lemony Snicket.On the day they are born, each Swift is brought before the sacred Family Dictionary. They are given a name and a definition, and it is assumed they will grow up to match. Unfortunately, Shenanigan Swift has other ideas.So what if her relatives all think she's destined to turn out as a troublemaker, just because of her name? Shenanigan knows she can be whatever she wants - pirate, explorer or even detective.Which is lucky, really, because when one of the Family tries to murder Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude, someone has to work out whodunit.With the help of her sisters and cousin, Shenanigan grudgingly takes on the case, but more murders, a hidden treasure and an awful lot of suspects make thing seriously complicated.Can Shenanigan catch the killer before the whole household is picked off? And in a Family where definitions are so important, can she learn to define herself?'A stunning debut . . . laugh-out-loud funny' - Observer'Murder most splendid' - The Telegraph.

An instant New York Times bestseller and sequel to the multi-award-winning The Swifts - a gleeful gothic mystery perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Robin Stevens.Shenanigan Swift hates burglars . . .So when the famous criminal gang Ouvolpo target Swift House and swap a valuable painting for an exploding inflatable bird, Shenanigan sets off in pursuit, determined to make them pay.The trail leads to Paris, home of her eccentric French cousins, the Martinets. The two sides of the Family have been squabbling for centuries, but when a body is discovered at the scene of Ouvolpo's latest robbery, the quarrelsome cousins must join forces to solve the mystery.Did Ouvolpo kill hotel caretaker Bernard? Why is Uncle Maelstrom wearing an earring again? And what does it all have to do with a disappearing clown?Can Shenanigan uncover the answers and set right a century-old injustice? Or will she be left adrift as her Family pulls itself apart?The Swifts won the 2023 Nero Children’s Fiction Award and the Barnes & Noble Children's Book Award, and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal.

From flossing and howling, to building nests and thumping chests, this delightful follow up to Freaky, Funky Fish explores the amazing things primates do. All primates climb and breathe in air. They have big brains and hands and hair. But. . . some live alone, some live in groups. One primate has a nose that droops. Peculiar Primates is an adorable picture book with a scientific—and child-friendly—underpinning. With examples of different primates for each description, as well as extensive backmatter explaining the fascinating science behind their behaviors, this bizarre book captures the wonders of our ecosystem.

Did you know that they don’t give away goldfish at the fairground anymore? You can win a giraffe instead. So much better! Although, you might come across a few problems when you bring your cute new pet home. Giraffes tend to be big and clumsy, so here is a handy guide of all the best places to hide them... In this gorgeous book by award-winning author Michelle Robinson, with illustrations from the brilliant new one-to-watch picture book talent Claire Powell, learn what to do when you find yourself with a pet giraffe in need of a hiding place!

Did you know that they don’t give away goldfish at the fairground anymore? You can win a giraffe instead. So much better! Although, you might come across a few problems when you bring your cute new pet home. Giraffes tend to be big and clumsy, so here is a handy guide of all the best places to hide them... In this gorgeous book by award-winning author Michelle Robinson, with illustrations from the brilliant new one-to-watch picture book talent Claire Powell, learn what to do when you find yourself with a pet giraffe in need of a hiding place!

An inspiring story about the incredible things that can happen when you give something a try, from award-winning author Catherine Emmett and bestselling illustrator Claire Powell.  Delilah did not often talk of her dream, in case others laughed at how daft it might seem.For like all those others, this small dodo knew, there never had been any dodos who flew.  Meet Delilah. She’s on a mission to be the first dodo to take flight – and she won’t let what any of the other dodos say stand in her way. This heart-warming story of perseverance, from the Oscar’s Book Prize shortlisted author of The Pet, will strike a chord with anyone who’s ever dared to dream. Brought to life with fabulous artwork from the illustrator of The Night Before the Night Before Christmas. This empowering story is perfect for fans of Rachel Bright.

**A triumph - Daily Mail****Laughter, action, colour, rhyme, silliness, chaos, a king, a feast and a fairytale setting — The Royal Leap-Frog has all these - Sunday Times**-----------------When a flea, a grasshopper and a frog compete to show the King who can jump the highest, it causes CHAOS in the royal dining hall. Who can jump the highest? Can the clever leap-frog use his wits to win?And will the Emperor's dog EVER get rid of the flea?This funny and irresistible retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fable, 'The Leap Frog', will make children laugh - AND show them that brains are sometimes better than brawn. With a pitch-perfect rhyming text by bestselling Peter Bently, and gloriously detailed illustrations by award-winning Claire Powell, this is an unmissable treat for all ages!

Incredibly clever and funny - Picture Book SnobJust brilliant - Rascals and RainbowsYoung readers will love this hilarious twist on a classic tale - GCBG Blog-------------------------------------------------------King Albert-Horatio-Otto the Thirdhad SO many clothes it was simply absurd …So when two seemingly well-meaning fabric merchants promise to make an outfit of only the very BEST and most special cloth, King Albert-Horatio-Otto the Third simply cannot resist. He MUST have these new clothes! Surely, the unquestionably charitable and not-at-all-suspicious-looking tailors are genuine, and the King won't end up looking red-cheeked … ? This funny and timely retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fable 'The Emperor's New Clothes' will not only make children laugh, but also encourage them to think and speak up for what they believe.

Archie McBudge knows his lucky underpants must really work, because when he and his mum are summoned to Honeystone Hall in the remote Scottish village of Dundoodle, they find Archie has inherited not only the enormous hall, but the whole of the world-famous McBudge Confectionery Company from Great-Uncle Archibald. That’s a new home, a fortune and a lifetime’s supply of treats rolled into one! But all is not well in Dundoodle, and when Archie reads the mysterious letter his great-uncle left him, he finds himself on a quest to save his family’s company from ruin. With the help of his new friends Fliss and Billy, Archie has to try to figure out the puzzles of Honeystone before his sweet future melts away like an ice lolly in the sun!Fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Tilly and the Time Machine will be hungry for this delicious mystery full of weird clues, strange creatures, malevolent relatives and lots and lots of SWEETS!

Archie McBudge's lazy summer has just turned into a magical meltdown! The second adventure in this madcap magical mystery series is perfect for fans of How to Train Your Dragon, amateur detectives and anyone who loves SWEETS!Archie McBudge was planning a sweet summer at Honeystone Hall. Picnics by the loch, watching the honeydragons flying around the hillsides, chasing ghosts through the shadowy castle hallways, and of course, testing out all the new sweets from the McBudge Confectionery Factory. But now the Wyrdie Tree, source of all the magic in the town of Dundoodle, is dying, and the guardian must save it before Dundoodle's magic is gone for good. And who's the guardian, you ask? That's right, Archie McBudge. With enemies on every side, puzzles to solve and secrets to uncover – not to mention a very scary dentist to avoid – Archie's summer's looking less like a strawberry marshmallow dream and more like a super-sour sherbet lemon with exploding bits that make your mouth go numb for a week!The follow-up to David O'Connell's The Chocolate Factory Ghost, this is a must read for anyone who loves ghosts, monsters, toffee, marshmallows, and wants to explore more of the weird and wonderful town of Dundoodle.

A hilarious, cosy and magical Christmas adventure from the author of Oi Frog!'Twas the night before Christmas (That's Christmas Eve Eve)And Santa was wipinghis brow on his sleeve . . .Up in the North Pole, bells are jingling, reindeer are limbering up and Santa's sleigh is being polished - but will Santa and his elves have everything ready in time for THE BIG DAY? This delightfully funny twist on Clement C. Moore's classic poem is the perfect stocking filler or advent gift for anyone who's ever wondered what REALLY happens behind the scenes in the run-up to the most magical night of the year . . .

Merdyn the Wild is from the Dark Ages. He's the world's greatest Warlock (don't call him a wizard), banished to the 21st century for bad behaviour, and he's about to create a whole load of trouble for Rose, aged 12.Rose is a totally ordinary girl, on a mission to mend her broken family.Bubbles is Rose's guinea pig. He just poos a lot.When Rose bumps into Merdyn and discovers what he is, she quickly realises that he could be just what she needs. Rose agrees to help Merdyn navigate the confusing ways of the modern world (things like: the lidded bowl in the bathroom is NOT a sink, it's a TOILET, so definitely DON'T wash your face in it) if Merdyn gives her a spell to fix her family in return.Now they just need to hide him in the shed without Rose's mum noticing, track down Merdyn's magic staff and find a way to send Merdyn back through time to the Dark Ages. What could possibly go wrong...?From the writer of the Paddington 2 movie and writer and star of Horrible Histories, this hilariously silly, heartfelt adventure with a historical twist is perfect for fans of David Walliams and David Baddiel.

Merdyn is the greatest wizard of the Dark Ages. Obviously. Rose is his 21st-century descendent. Lucky her. And Vanheldon the vandal warrior is FURIOUS! After all, last time they met, Merdyn turned his army to stone. Seeking revenge, Vanheldon comes up with a way to kidnap Rose and transport her back to Dark Ages Transylvania, set on luring Merdyn into a terrible trap. Except - whoops! - his magical minion kidnaps Rose's teenage brother Kris instead. Rose, Merdyn and Bubbles the guinea pig must team up to save the day. But can they rescue Kris without creating historical mayhem? Will Rose's wizard ancestor even remember her? (And want to help them?) And will Bubbles ever stop pooing? From the writer of the Paddington 2 movie and writer and star of Horrible Histories and Ghosts, this hilariously silly, heartfelt comedy of errors with a historical twist is perfect for fans of David Walliams and David Baddiel. The follow-up to The Wizard in My Shed.

A brilliantly funny Christmas picture book from the bestselling author of Oi Frog!Phew! Now that the presents are all delivered, Santa and his elves can enjoy their own festive fun! With crackers and presents, dance-offs and light shows, Santa's Boxing-night party is the North Pole's biggest event of the year! A hilarious follow-up to the bestselling The Night Before the Night Before Christmas. This rhyming picture book is perfect for anyone who has ever wondered what Santa gets up to once all the present are delivered.

Merdyn the Wild is from the Dark Ages. He's the world's greatest Warlock (don't call him a wizard), banished to the 21st century for bad behaviour, and he's about to create a whole load of trouble for Rose, aged 12.Rose is a totally ordinary girl, on a mission to mend her broken family. Bubbles is Rose's guinea pig. He just poos a lot. When Rose bumps into Merdyn and discovers what he is, she quickly realises that he could be just what she needs. Rose agrees to help Merdyn navigate the confusing ways of the modern world (things like: the lidded bowl in the bathroom is NOT a sink, it's a TOILET, so definitely DON'T wash your face in it) if Merdyn gives her a spell to fix her family in return.Now they just need to hide him in the shed without Rose's mum noticing, track down Merdyn's magic staff and find a way to send Merdyn back through time to the Dark Ages. What could possibly go wrong...?From the writer of the Paddington 2 movie and writer and star of Horrible Histories, this hilariously silly, heartfelt adventure with a historical twist is perfect for fans of David Walliams and David Baddiel.

Join one tiny bird on a hilarious adventure to save his sister - and his country!An action-packed tale of courage, adventure and a smattering of bird poo, from the bestselling children's author of Toto the Ninja Cat, Dermot O'Leary, with glorious illustrations throughout by Claire Powell.Royal Bird Force recruit Linus can't wait for his big adventure. He's out to prove that swifts can be just a brave as falcons, with a combination of teamwork, talons and of course poo!But with his sister missing and rumours of a spy amongst their ranks, can Linus become the hero he dreams of?Featuring courageous loop-the-loops, top-secret plans and a smattering of bird poo, this heroic tail will keep young readers entertained and giggling from start to finish."A wonderful, heartwarming read that captures the feel of camaraderie" Parent of a reader aged 8 (Toppsta)"I loved this book about Linus who is a very brave tiny bird... [it] is very exciting and made me laugh at the poop bits." Reader aged 7 (Toppsta)

Join one tiny bird on a hilarious adventure to save his sister - and his country!An action-packed tale of courage, adventure and a smattering of bird poo, from the bestselling children's author of Toto the Ninja Cat, Dermot O'Leary, with glorious illustrations throughout by Claire Powell."Full of adventure and heart" - Cressida Cowell, bestselling author of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON"Magnificent fun" - David Walliams, bestselling author of CODE NAME BANANASRoyal Bird Force recruit Linus can't wait for his big adventure. He's out to prove that swifts can be just a brave as falcons, with a combination of teamwork, talons and of course poo!But with his sister missing and rumours of a spy amongst their ranks, can Linus become the hero he dreams of?Featuring courageous loop-the-loops, top-secret plans and a smattering of bird poo, this heroic tail will keep young readers entertained and giggling from start to finish."A wonderful, heartwarming read that captures the feel of camaraderie" Parent of a reader aged 8 (Toppsta)"I loved this book about Linus who is a very brave tiny bird... [it] is very exciting and made me laugh at the poop bits." Reader aged 7 (Toppsta)

A brilliantly funny new festive picture book from the bestselling and award-winning author of Oi Frog!One night before Christmas, some years ago(Please keep this a secret . . . you're not meant to know!)This doesn't start well so I'll just tell you straight,'Twas the night before ChristmasWHEN SANTA WAS LATE!High up in the night sky, Santa is trying desperately to fix his broken-down sleigh. And when he finally manages, he only has three hours left to fly around the whole world!Is Santa too late to deliver Christmas? Or might some old garden gnomes and a sprinkling of magic just save the day?A laugh-out-loud sequel to The Night Before The Night Before Christmas and The Night After Christmas. Kes Gray was inspired to write this new festive trilogy by Clement C. Moore's beloved classic poem. A perfect gift for sharing on Christmas Eve. Look out for other hilarious books from Kes Gray:Oi Frog!Oi Dog!Oi Cat!Oi Goat!Oi Duck-billed Platypus!Oi Puppies!Oi Aardvark!Oi Dinosaurs!

A brilliantly funny new festive picture book from the bestselling and award-winning author of Oi Frog!One night before Christmas, some years ago(Please keep this a secret . . . you're not meant to know!)This doesn't start well so I'll just tell you straight,'Twas the night before ChristmasWHEN SANTA WAS LATE!High up in the night sky, Santa is trying desperately to fix his broken-down sleigh. And when he finally manages, he only has three hours left to fly around the whole world!Is Santa too late to deliver Christmas? Or might some old garden gnomes and a sprinkling of magic just save the day?A laugh-out-loud sequel to The Night Before the Night Before Christmas and The Night After Christmas, inspired by the classic poem by Clement C. Moore. The perfect gift for sharing on Christmas Eve.Look out for other hilarious books from Kes Gray:Oi Frog!Oi Dog!Oi Cat!Oi Goat!Oi Duck-billed Platypus!Oi Puppies!Oi Aardvark!Oi Dinosaurs!

Can a crafty fox and a genius chicken complete an epic rescue mission... without one of them getting eaten? A funny action-adventure story from bestselling children's author Dermot O'Leary, with glorious illustrations from Claire Powell.Charles Redfearn is one of Britain's very best spies. He's dashing, he's clever . . . but he can't stop chasing chickens. He is a fox, after all.When his French cousin goes missing in action, along with some vital war plans, Charles is forced to pair up with Gertrude Featherhorn - chicken and master code-breaker - to have any chance of a successful rescue. But will he be able to control his appetite?Featuring the cunning French Resistance, a daring castle break-in and a race against time to stop plans falling into the wrong hands, Charles and Gertrude's mission is going to be even more important than they could have imagined!Set during the Second World War, this amazing story brings history alive in a brilliantly fun way for readers aged 7-12.Dermot O'Leary is the bestselling author of the Toto the Ninja Cat series and Wings of Glory.Praise for Wings of Glory:"Full of adventure and heart" - Cressida Cowell, bestselling author of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON"Magnificent fun" - David Walliams, bestselling author of CODE NAME BANANAS

Can a crafty fox and a genius chicken complete an epic rescue mission... without one of them getting eaten? A funny action-adventure story from bestselling children's author Dermot O'Leary, with glorious illustrations from Claire Powell.Charles Redfearn is one of Britain's very best spies. He's dashing, he's clever . . . but he can't stop chasing chickens. He is a fox, after all.When his French cousin goes missing in action, along with some vital war plans, Charles is forced to pair up with Gertrude Featherhorn - chicken and master code-breaker - to have any chance of a successful rescue. But will he be able to control his appetite?Featuring the cunning French Resistance, a daring castle break-in and a race against time to stop plans falling into the wrong hands, Charles and Gertrude's mission is going to be even more important than they could have imagined!Set during the Second World War, this amazing story brings history alive in a brilliantly fun way for readers aged 7-12.Dermot O'Leary is the bestselling author of the Toto the Ninja Cat series and Wings of Glory.Praise for Wings of Glory:"Full of adventure and heart" - Cressida Cowell, bestselling author of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON"Magnificent fun" - David Walliams, bestselling author of CODE NAME BANANAS