Gill Smith – illustratör

"Profound, deeply moving but also healing. It's aimed at children but, honestly, anyone grieving should read it" - Daily Mail"Deeply poignant" - Observer After Michael Rosen's son Eddie died of meningitis aged just 18, Michael makes sure Eddie lives on in their memories.Visiting the places they went together and speaking to Eddie's friends and siblings, he discovers how Eddie is still with them all.Simply told with emotional honesty by the former Children's Laureate, this is a vital book for helping with conversations with children dealing with loss, showing how loved ones can stay with us through sharing memories.Illustrated with warmth and sensitivity by acclaimed artist Gill Smith, and with a personal afterword by Michael Rosen.Michael Rosen's Sad Book has helped hundreds of thousands of readers in their times of need. Where Are You, Eddie? is the powerful companion book.Praise for Michael Rosen's Sad Book:"Important and astonishing" - The Sunday Times"a masterpiece" - Observer

A poetic, powerful story about a little brother and a big sister finding a new home and new hope after being rescued from a boat lost in the dark sea.A little brother and his big sister try their best to settle in a new home, where they have nothing left from before except each other. The little one makes new friends and quickly learns to laugh again but his sister remains haunted by the shadows of their past and hides away in their broken house. Trying to help his sister, the little one catches a butterfly for her and brings it inside the house. His sister knows that she needs to set the butterfly free ... but that would mean going outside. In taking the first steps to face her fears and save the butterfly, she also begins the process of saving herself.

A poetic, powerful story about a little brother and a big sister finding a new home and new hope after being rescued from a boat lost in the dark sea.A little brother and his big sister try their best to settle in a new home, where they have nothing left from before except each other. The little one makes new friends and quickly learns to laugh again but his sister remains haunted by the shadows of their past and hides away in their broken house. Trying to help his sister, the little one catches a butterfly for her and brings it inside the house. His sister knows that she needs to set the butterfly free ... but that would mean going outside. In taking the first steps to face her fears and save the butterfly, she also begins the process of saving herself.

A dramatic and moving story set in the same world as the international bestseller The Island from the celebrated novelist Victoria Hislop.The absorbing story of the Cretan village of Plaka and the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga – Greece's former leper colony – is told to us by Maria Petrakis, one of the children in the original version of The Island. She tells us of the ancient and misunderstood disease of leprosy, exploring the themes of stigma, shame and the treatment of those who are different, which are as relevant for children as adults. Gill Smith's rich, full-colour illustrations will transport the reader to the timeless and beautiful Greek landscape and Mediterranean seascape.

An enchanting and heart-warming story between a father and son, that will make you want to reach for stars.Joe wants to find a way to the stars. With the help of his dad, he builds a ladder, a tower, even a rocket to go up, up, up… Oh no! Crash, bang, wallop! What next?Together, the pair jump on pogo sticks and build sheds to paint their dreams and find a way. An uplifting and magical tale of sky-high courage, imagination and the bond between father and son that will make your heart soar. Written by internationally acclaimed author David Almond and brought to glorious life by award-winning illustrator Gill Smith in their first collaboration.

An enchanting and heart-warming story that will make you want to reach for stars.Joe wants to find a way to the stars. With the help of his dad, he builds a ladder, a tower, even a rocket to go up, up, up… Oh no! Crash, bang, wallop! What next?Together, the pair jump on pogo sticks and build sheds to paint their dreams and find a way. An uplifting and magical tale of sky-high courage, imagination and the bond between father and son that will make your heart soar. Written by internationally acclaimed author David Almond and brought to glorious life by award-winning illustrator Gill Smith in their first collaboration."For a soaring story of the loving bond between parent and child, A Way to the Stars… is sheer delight." The Guardian"Gently funny, emotionally warm, this magical story is a reminder of how important the bond between parent and child can be." Daily Mail

An uplifting picture book celebrating wildness from a multi-award-winning author and illustrator team, Katya Balen and Gill Smith.A little girl loves playing in the woods and rejoicing in the wildness all around her. She sees secrets in the stars and stories in the earth. But one day she moves to the city. Surrounded by tall, grey buildings, she feels disconnected and alone. She has lost her wild. Or has she? Maybe she will find wildness where she least expects it...PRAISE FOR WILD"A lush, poetic picture book, with words by a Carnegie-winning author." The Guardian"This delightful book is perfect for kids aged three to seven years. A celebration of nature in all its forms." The Courier"features stunning artwork from Gill Smith … An uplifting celebration of the power of the natural world, even in the most built-up environments." The Bookseller

The joyful first book in a heart-warming and cosy animal rescue series from Carnegie-winner Katya Balen and beloved illustrator Gill Smith, for readers who love animals and all things vets."Cosy, heartwarming escapism in the spirit of Dick King-Smith." The Times, The 20 Best Children's Books of 2025When Mattie wishes on a shooting star for a puppy, she knows her wish is hopeless. Her dad just doesn't believe Mattie is responsible enough to look after a puppy. She finds the next best thing when she and her friend Zoë start helping the new vet and animal rescuer, Dr Polly. Mattie still may not have a pet of her own, but she has amazing adventures rescuing a runaway ferret, trying to stop a greedy goat from eating everything in the garden and looking after an adorable puppy with a hurt paw. But as the animal rescue gets more and more crowded, Mattie, Zoë and the vet's son, Casper, realize that they need to do something more. Can they help the animals find their forever homes?Set in the cosy village of Mossdale in the lead up to their village fête, this uplifting animal and friendship story is the perfect gift for readers age 6, 7, 8 and 9. And don't miss the friends' next snowy adventure as they try to help a cheeky puppy at Christmas in The Appletree Animal Agency: Collie Chaos!"Balen has a wonderful gift for blending humour and emotion and this heart-warming animal adventure overflows with both." Daily Mail

Snow and puppies cause fun-filled chaos in a heart-warming animal rescue story set in a cosy village from Carnegie-winner Katya Balen and beloved illustrator Gill Smith - the perfect gift for kids who love pets, animals and all things vets."Cosy, heartwarming escapism in the spirit of Dick King-Smith." The TimesThe Appletree Animal Agency have found three brand-new clients: a terrapin called Algernon, a ginger cat called Crumpet, and a three-legged dog called Domino!When Domino escapes in a snowstorm, the team set out to rescue him. They track his paw prints - but when they find their dog, they stumble upon someone else who needs help...Set in the happy village of Mossdale, this charming animal and friendship story is perfect for readers ages 6, 7, 8 and 9. And discover more animal adventures for the friends in The Appletree Animal Agency."A huge heap of fun!" Ross Montgomery, NYT bestselling author of I Am Rebel"Balen has a wonderful gift for blending humour and emotion and this heart-warming animal adventure overflows with both." Daily Mail"This heartwarming and festive animal and friendship story is the perfect Christmas stocking filler for young readers who love pets." Lancashire Post

An uplifting picture book celebrating wildness from a multi-award-winning author and illustrator team, Katya Balen and Gill Smith.A little girl loves playing in the woods and rejoicing in the wildness all around her. She sees secrets in the stars and stories in the earth. But one day she moves to the city. Surrounded by tall, grey buildings, she feels disconnected and alone. She has lost her wild. Or has she? Maybe she will find wildness where she least expects it...PRAISE FOR WILD"A lush, poetic picture book, with words by a Carnegie-winning author." The Guardian"This delightful book is perfect for kids aged three to seven years. A celebration of nature in all its forms." The Courier"features stunning artwork from Gill Smith … An uplifting celebration of the power of the natural world, even in the most built-up environments." The Bookseller