Julien Arnal – illustratör

When darkness falls, Mabel the tortoise’s fears come alive. She could hide in her shell like her family, but she’s too afraid of the dark! With nowhere to hide, she spends her days fearing the night ahead. When she finally does fall asleep, she has terrible dreams of being locked in the darkness . . .But when a kind-hearted firefly joins her for tea, he brings with him a spark of hope. He teaches her to be brave in the night, to embrace the darkness and safety of her shell and no longer be ashamed of her fears.A warm, comforting graphic novel-inspired picture book about a tortoise facing her fears and discovering true friendship when the darkness feels overwhelming.

Mabel and Merryglow are the best of friends, their days are filled with her laughter, and the nights shine with his light, but Merryglow has always been a wanderer at heart, and the time has come for his next adventure.With Mabel's only friend gone, she returns to old habits, spending her days sulking. But when Mabel crosses paths with two unexpected new friends, Pip, a spirited little bunny, and Cara, a kindhearted fox with a taste for vegetables, her days are once more filled with the laughter of friends! The outcasts learn to love themselves despite their differences, and teach Mabel to find comfort in their company with Merryglow gone.When Merryglow returns, will he recognise the once morose and miserable tortoise he called a friend? This joyful story explores the importance of loving yourself and your differences, and to stand on your own two feet even when you feel afraid.