Paddy Donnelly – illustratör

An epic tale of volcanoes, dragons and wild storms, with themes drawn from Irish legend. Written by the current Irish Children's Laureate, this is a celebration of the magic of bees and the power we can all draw from the natural world.Nestled on a peaceful island, Orla and her grandmother live tending their beloved bees. But bubbling below is a monster waiting to surface – a dormant volcano – and when it wakes Orla and the rest of the island must flee in search of safety. Orla adventures across the wild sea, guided by her buzzing friends, to find a new home. But what will they find over the horizon?"The story has a wonderful legendary feel, a sparky central character, and an ecological message that resonates strongly with the contemporary moment." The Irish Times"The Island of Bees brings together two stel­lar Irish tal­ents — Patri­cia Forde and Paddy Don­nelly — to cre­ate a beau­ti­ful piece of work . . . If you like bees, mys­tery, strong girls and even stronger grand­par­ents, you’ll love this book." The Belfast Telegraph

An epic tale of volcanoes, dragons and wild storms, with themes drawn from Irish legend. Written by the current Irish Children's Laureate, this is a celebration of the magic of bees and the power we can all draw from the natural world.Nestled on a peaceful island, Orla and her grandmother live tending their beloved bees. But bubbling below is a monster waiting to surface – a dormant volcano – and when it wakes Orla and the rest of the island must flee in search of safety. Orla adventures across the wild sea, guided by her buzzing friends, to find a new home. But what will they find over the horizon?"The story has a wonderful legendary feel, a sparky central character, and an ecological message that resonates strongly with the contemporary moment." The Irish Times"The Island of Bees brings together two stel­lar Irish tal­ents — Patri­cia Forde and Paddy Don­nelly — to cre­ate a beau­ti­ful piece of work . . . If you like bees, mys­tery, strong girls and even stronger grand­par­ents, you’ll love this book." The Belfast Telegraph

A heartwarming World Book Day story from Rose Ayling-Ellis about empathy, friendship and deaf awareness. Uh oh! Where did Casper go?When a noisy storm scares Halo and Rocky, Casper remains calm. But when lightning flashes, Casper dashes off, and the other kittens realise he is deaf! Can Halo and Rocky be brave, find Casper, and learn a new way to communicate with their friend?The Big Bang! is a charming and accessible story for children aged 3-5 that teaches the importance of helping others - especially those with disabilities - fostering emotional intelligence early in life.Inside this inclusive picture book, you’ll find:A story of empathy and understanding by award-winning actress, author, and presenter, and Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE.An official World Book Day 2026 book that explores deafness in an age-appropriate way, created to promote reading, awareness and inclusivity.An introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) with a page of useful illustrated signs to learn.Adorable illustrations by bestselling, award-winning author-illustrator, Paddy Donnelly.Perfectly sized for little hands! This official World Book Day edition is the ideal pocket-sized adventure to take to school.Perfect for World Book Day, this inspiring story opens up conversations about difference, communication and kindness.Continue your BSL journey with the Rose Signs series!If you enjoyed learning new signs, discover more from Rose Ayling-Ellis in her Rose Signs series, where you can learn to sign How Do You Feel?, Please and Thank You, Good Morning!, and Good Night.

This book is about a knight on a mission: to find and slay a dragon. The other knights have told him that there's no such thing as dragons, but he doesn't care. For he has a map, and the map says: "HERE BE DRAGONS."He travels right to the spot marked ‘X’, past treasure, suspicious bones and many signs telling him to turn back. He wanders up and down a huge, spiky hill (the dragon's back) shouts into a burrow (the dragon's nose) and eventually walks into a cave (the dragon's mouth)… Will the hapless knight see the dragon before it's too late?! Young readers will love spotting the dragon in the background in this laugh-out-loud story from the author of This Book Can Read Your Mind.

Prithee, let us not tarry, for the hapless knight is BACK and he is setting forth on a new MOST PERILOUS quest! A quest to find a GIANT!All the other knights in the kingdom say he could never track down a giant, but the knight has just come across a most fortuitous find! A book, 'How to Spot a Giant Before He Spots You.'And so, with his long-suffering horse, the knight sets off to find a giant. His journey takes him through huge craters, past a towering beanstalk and up a strange-looking mountain. But is that thunder he can hear or is he getting closer to giant-sized peril?Will our hapless hero spot the giant before it’s too late?Young readers will love the 'he’s behind you!' feel of this laugh-out-loud follow-up to Here Be Dragons from Susannah Lloyd and Paddy Donnelly.

Prithee, let us not tarry, for the hapless knight is BACK and he is setting forth on a new MOST PERILOUS quest! A quest to find a GIANT!All the other knights in the kingdom say he could never track down a giant, but the knight has just come across a most fortuitous find! A book, 'How to Spot a Giant Before He Spots You.'And so, with his long-suffering horse, the knight sets off to find a giant. His journey takes him through huge craters, past a towering beanstalk and up a strange-looking mountain. But is that thunder he can hear or is he getting closer to giant-sized peril?Will our hapless hero spot the giant before it’s too late?Young readers will love the 'he’s behind you!' feel of this laugh-out-loud follow-up to Here Be Dragons from Susannah Lloyd and Paddy Donnelly.

Get ready to join magical new hero Felix Green on an edge-of-your-seat adventure at the FUTURE AGENCY.Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Skandar . . .‘Explosively magical! What a fun-filled, exciting adventure - kids are going to love it!’Abi Elphinstone, author of Skysong  ‘Very occasionally, a book comes along that feels fantastically unique - Felix and the Future Agency is that book. Clever and funny with a genius premise and characters to fall in love with, I’m already counting down the days to the sequel.” A.F. Steadman, author of the Skandar series.Felix Green has a talent – a talent that often gets him into A LOT of trouble – he can forsee the future. And he's not the only one! When his latest prediction comes true, he soon finds himself whisked off to join the secret underground Future Agency. Here he starts to learn the tools to protect the country from the natural disasters set to befall it – summoning animal star constellations down from the sky, dream weaving and speaking to ghosts. When a dark spectre infiltrates the Future Agency, only Felix can unmask the culprit and save the agency from destruction . . .Praise for Felix and the Future Agency:‘A heart-strong story built to get lost in. Storytelling at its most spectacular.’  Jacob North, author of the Ice Apprentices series.'It’s packed with mystery and bursting with magic – the must-read middle-grade adventure of the year!’Laura Noakes, author of Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star‘Loved this twisty magical adventure with a big-hearted hero and roots in real history from the ghost stories of the London Underground to the Premonitions Bureau.’ Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Think Like a Boss  'A super contemporary story grounded in history... Wow!  The research, joy, time, thought, fun and wit Rachel has poured into the story and not to mention MAGIC.’ Cerrie Burnell, author of The Girl with the Shark’s Teeth  ‘Spookily good! Devoured it all in a day!’ Steven Lenton

Get ready to join magical new hero Felix Green on an edge-of-your-seat adventureat theFUTURE AGENCY. Perfect for fans of Percy Jacksonand Skandar .. .'';Explosively magical! What a fun-filled, exciting adventure - kids are going to love it!'' Abi Elphinstone, author of Skysong '';Very occasionally, a book comes along that feels fantastically unique - Felix and the Future Agency is that book. Clever and funny with a genius premise and characters to fall in love with, I''m already counting down the days to the sequel.''A.F. Steadman, author of the Skandar series. Felix Green has a talent a talent that often gets him into A LOT of trouble he can forseethe future. And hes not the only one! When his latest prediction comes true, he soon finds himself whisked off to join the secret underground Future Agency.Here he starts to learn the tools to protect the country from thenatural disasters set to befall it summoning animal star constellations down from the sky, dream weaving and speakingto ghosts. When a dark spectre infiltratesthe Future Agency, only Felix can unmask the culprit and save the agency from destruction. . . Praise for Felix and the Future Agency:'';A heart-strong story built to get lost in. Storytellingat itsmost spectacular.'' Jacob North, author of the Ice Apprentices series.It''s packed with mystery and bursting with magic the must-read middle-grade adventure of the year!'' Laura Noakes, author of Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star'';Loved this twisty magical adventure with a big-hearted hero and roots in real history from the ghost stories of the London Underground to the Premonitions Bureau.'' Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Think Like a Boss A super contemporary story grounded in history... Wow! The research, joy, time, thought, fun and wit Rachel has poured into the story and not to mention MAGIC.'' Cerrie Burnell, author of The Girl with the Shark''s Teeth '';Spookily good! Devoured it all in a day!'' Steven Lenton

Get ready to join magical new hero Felix Green on an edge-of-your-seat adventure at the FUTURE AGENCY.Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Skandar . . .‘Explosively magical! What a fun-filled, exciting adventure - kids are going to love it!’Abi Elphinstone, author of Skysong  ‘Very occasionally, a book comes along that feels fantastically unique - Felix and the Future Agency is that book. Clever and funny with a genius premise and characters to fall in love with, I’m already counting down the days to the sequel.” A.F. Steadman, author of the Skandar series.Felix Green has a talent – a talent that often gets him into A LOT of trouble – he can forsee the future. And he's not the only one! When his latest prediction comes true, he soon finds himself whisked off to join the secret underground Future Agency. Here he starts to learn the tools to protect the country from the natural disasters set to befall it – summoning animal star constellations down from the sky, dream weaving and speaking to ghosts. When a dark spectre infiltrates the Future Agency, only Felix can unmask the culprit and save the agency from destruction . . .Praise for Felix and the Future Agency:‘A heart-strong story built to get lost in. Storytelling at its most spectacular.’  Jacob North, author of the Ice Apprentices series.'It’s packed with mystery and bursting with magic – the must-read middle-grade adventure of the year!’Laura Noakes, author of Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star‘Loved this twisty magical adventure with a big-hearted hero and roots in real history from the ghost stories of the London Underground to the Premonitions Bureau.’ Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Think Like a Boss  'A super contemporary story grounded in history... Wow!  The research, joy, time, thought, fun and wit Rachel has poured into the story and not to mention MAGIC.’ Cerrie Burnell, author of The Girl with the Shark’s Teeth  ‘Spookily good! Devoured it all in a day!’ Steven Lenton

Get ready to join magical new hero Felix Green on an edge-of-your-seat adventure at the FUTURE AGENCY. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Skandar . . .‘Explosively magical! What a fun-filled, exciting adventure - kids are going to love it!’ Abi Elphinstone, author of Skysong  ‘Very occasionally, a book comes along that feels fantastically unique - Felix and the Future Agency is that book. Clever and funny with a genius premise and characters to fall in love with, I’m already counting down the days to the sequel.” A.F. Steadman, author of the Skandar series. Felix Green has a talent – a talent that often gets him into A LOT of trouble – he can forsee the future. And he's not the only one! When his latest prediction comes true, he soon finds himself whisked off to join the secret underground Future Agency. Here he starts to learn the tools to protect the country from the natural disasters set to befall it – summoning animal star constellations down from the sky, dream weaving and speaking to ghosts. When a dark spectre infiltrates the Future Agency, only Felix can unmask the culprit and save the agency from destruction . . . Praise for Felix and the Future Agency:‘A heart-strong story built to get lost in. Storytelling at its most spectacular.’  Jacob North, author of the Ice Apprentices series.'It’s packed with mystery and bursting with magic – the must-read middle-grade adventure of the year!’ Laura Noakes, author of Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star‘Loved this twisty magical adventure with a big-hearted hero and roots in real history from the ghost stories of the London Underground to the Premonitions Bureau.’ Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Think Like a Boss  'A super contemporary story grounded in history... Wow!  The research, joy, time, thought, fun and wit Rachel has poured into the story and not to mention MAGIC.’ Cerrie Burnell, author of The Girl with the Shark’s Teeth  ‘Spookily good! Devoured it all in a day!’ Steven Lenton

Get ready to join magical new hero Felix Green on an edge-of-your-seat adventure in this SECOND title at the FUTURE AGENCY.Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Skandar . . .Felix Green is back for a second year at the future agency and has just passed his initiation test to become a sky rider. It’s not a moment too soon, as agents have been going missing and the Future Agency is at risk once more from the school of night. It seems as though a double agent could be working inside the agency and Felix still hasn’t found his missing friend, Luke. As Felix begins to receive premonitions of himself with his old adversary, Christopher Marlowe, he starts to worry that he, too, could find himself recruited to the dark side . . .  Praise for Felix and the Future Agency:‘Explosively magical! What a fun-filled, exciting adventure - kids are going to love it!’Abi Elphinstone, author of Skysong ‘Very occasionally, a book comes along that feels fantastically unique - Felix and the Future Agency is that book. Clever and funny with a genius premise and characters to fall in love with, I’m already counting down the days to the sequel.” A.F. Steadman, author of the Skandar series.‘A heart-strong story built to get lost in. Storytelling at its most spectacular.’  Jacob North, author of the Ice Apprentices series.'It’s packed with mystery and bursting with magic – the must-read middle-grade adventure of the year!’Laura Noakes, author of Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star‘Loved this twisty magical adventure with a big-hearted hero and roots in real history from the ghost stories of the London Underground to the Premonitions Bureau.’ Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Think Like a Boss 'A super contemporary story grounded in history... Wow!  The research, joy, time, thought, fun and wit Rachel has poured into the story and not to mention MAGIC.’ Cerrie Burnell, author of The Girl with the Shark’s Teeth ‘Spookily good! Devoured it all in a day!’ Steven Lenton

All the things that you've lost - that you've loved - are not gone, When they're held in your heart, a small part still lives on... Together Grandad and Ava adventure along the twisting path and over the hill where, beneath the canopy of their friend the old Oak tree, they make wonderful memories to treasure and share: from summer picnics with jam-sticky fingers to carefree days kicking through russet leaves in autumn's soft glow. But as the seasons change, so too does the old Oak tree and Grandad's health . . .A tender, stay-with-you-forever story about one little girl's relationship with her grandad, and the hope that lies in the changing of the seasons and the circle of life.Because where you think there's an end, there's always a beginning . . .

All the things that you've lost - that you've loved - are not gone, When they're held in your heart, a small part still lives on... Together Grandad and Ava adventure along the twisting path and over the hill where, beneath the canopy of their friend the old Oak tree, they make wonderful memories to treasure and share: from summer picnics with jam-sticky fingers to carefree days kicking through russet leaves in autumn's soft glow. But as the seasons change, so too does the old Oak tree and Grandad's health . . .A tender, stay-with-you-forever story about one little girl's relationship with her grandad, and the hope that lies in the changing of the seasons and the circle of life.Because where you think there's an end, there's always a beginning . . .

Book Band: Purple (Ideal for ages 6+)An imaginative story, ideal for children practising their reading at home or in school.When Jack kicks his ball over the garden wall, he meets Abbie, his mysterious neighbour, who gives him a glimpse of a whole jungle next door. From slithering snakes to ferocious wolves, Abbie must face them all to get Jack his ball back. But when the tigers and giant appear, Jack must venture into the wild too. This exciting tale from award-winning author Malachy Doyle is perfect for children who are learning to read by themselves and for Key Stage 1. It features engaging illustrations from Paddy Donnelly and quirky characters young readers will find hard to resist._______________Bloomsbury Young Readers are the perfect way to get children reading, with book-banded stories by brilliant authors like Julia Donaldson. The series is ideal for both home and school, with gorgeous colour illustrations, tips for parents, and fun activity ideas. Online guided reading and teaching notes, written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), are available at bloomsburyreaders.com. 'Every child needs a Bloomsbury Young Reader. Fun, stretching, just the right length, full of adventurous vocabulary and punctuation.' - Julie-Ann McCulloch, Teacher

Book Band: Purple (Ideal for ages 6+)An imaginative story, ideal for children practising their reading at home or in school.When Jack kicks his ball over the garden wall, he meets Abbie, his mysterious neighbour, who gives him a glimpse of a whole jungle next door. From slithering snakes to ferocious wolves, Abbie must face them all to get Jack his ball back. But when the tigers and giant appear, Jack must venture into the wild too. This exciting tale from award-winning author Malachy Doyle is perfect for children who are learning to read by themselves and for Key Stage 1. It features engaging illustrations from Paddy Donnelly and quirky characters young readers will find hard to resist._______________Bloomsbury Young Readers are the perfect way to get children reading, with book-banded stories by brilliant authors like Julia Donaldson. The series is ideal for both home and school, with gorgeous colour illustrations, tips for parents, and fun activity ideas. Online guided reading and teaching notes, written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), are available at bloomsburyreaders.com. 'Every child needs a Bloomsbury Young Reader. Fun, stretching, just the right length, full of adventurous vocabulary and punctuation.' - Julie-Ann McCulloch, Teacher

Book Band: Purple (Ideal for ages 6+)An imaginative story, ideal for children practising their reading at home or in school.When Jack kicks his ball over the garden wall, he meets Abbie, his mysterious neighbour, who gives him a glimpse of a whole jungle next door. From slithering snakes to ferocious wolves, Abbie must face them all to get Jack his ball back. But when the tigers and giant appear, Jack must venture into the wild too. This exciting tale from award-winning author Malachy Doyle is perfect for children who are learning to read by themselves and for Key Stage 1. It features engaging illustrations from Paddy Donnelly and quirky characters young readers will find hard to resist._______________Bloomsbury Young Readers are the perfect way to get children reading, with book-banded stories by brilliant authors like Julia Donaldson. The series is ideal for both home and school, with gorgeous colour illustrations, tips for parents, and fun activity ideas. Online guided reading and teaching notes, written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), are available at bloomsburyreaders.com. 'Every child needs a Bloomsbury Young Reader. Fun, stretching, just the right length, full of adventurous vocabulary and punctuation.' - Julie-Ann McCulloch, Teacher

A magical and uplifting story from a prize-winning author-illustrator duo, celebrating the importance of intergenerational friendships and the beauty in passing on treasured traditionsIn the little town of Gloam, every child receives their own special star from the Starmaker when they are born. Stella’s star is her best friend, with a knack for adventure and a sixth sense for danger. Together they learn to ride a bike, build a fort and make the best ooey-gooey chocolate cake. And if Stella ever feels sad, her star sits very close to her heart to comfort her.When Stella’s tiny baby brother Leo won’t stop crying and no-one can work out why, it’s her star that nudges Stella to try and solve the mystery. Together they go on a journey into the deepest corners of Gloam to find a person who not only knows how to help baby Leo, but who also holds the key to Stella’s special, starry destiny...

**A magical and heartwarming picture book from a prize-winning author-illustrator duo**A beautiful and poignant story which celebrates the importance of friendship across the generations and the passing on of treasured traditionsIn the little town of Gloam, every child receives their own special star from the Starmaker when they are born. Stella’s star is her best friend, with a knack for adventure and a sixth sense for danger. Together they learn to ride a bike, build a fort and make the best ooey-gooey chocolate cake. And if Stella ever feels sad, her star sits very close to her heart to comfort her.When Stella’s tiny baby brother Leo won’t stop crying and no-one can work out why, it’s her star that nudges Stella to try and solve the mystery. Together they go on a journey into the deepest corners of Gloam to find a person who not only knows how to help baby Leo, but who also holds the key to Stella’s special, starry destiny...

Hom is the last of his kind. I don’t know what kind of creature he is, and nobody knows he exists... apart from me.When a boy washes up on a desert island after a shipwreck, he is sure he’s all alone in the world. But he soon discovers there’s someone else living there: Hom, a peace-loving creature who has lost his family, too. Alone on the island together, they learn from each other and become the best of friends. So when a rescue ship appears on the horizon, the boy has a big decision to make...

Little Skunk loves playing with his cuddly toy, Sniffy.Any time Skunk feels scared or sad, a sniff of Sniffy makes everything right.But one day Sniffy goes missing and loses that special smell.Skunk is heartbroken.Can Mama help make Sniffy his old sniffeable self again?

A range of simple stories for new readers, with beautiful colour illustrations.Whenever Roo visits Grandpa, she loves exploring the seaside cove near his cottage. But on her latest stay, Grandpa explains that he can't go down there any more - the path is too steep and overgrown for him to manage. Instead Grandpa tells Roo the stories behind the many objects that fill his house. All of Grandpa's stories feature the cove and Roo realizes that now, even though they're so close to the sea, Grandpa is cut off from it. Is there anything she can do to bring Grandpa to the place he loves the most?An inspiring tale about the importance of sharing stories, by Sylvia Bishop, the author of ERICA'S ELEPHANT and THE BOOKSHOP GIRL.

A range of simple stories for new readers, with beautiful colour illustrations.Whenever Roo visits Grandpa, she loves exploring the seaside cove near his cottage. But on her latest stay, Grandpa explains that he can't go down there any more - the path is too steep and overgrown for him to manage. Instead Grandpa tells Roo the stories behind the many objects that fill his house. All of Grandpa's stories feature the cove and Roo realizes that now, even though they're so close to the sea, Grandpa is cut off from it. Is there anything she can do to bring Grandpa to the place he loves the most?An inspiring tale about the importance of sharing stories, by Sylvia Bishop, the author of ERICA'S ELEPHANT and THE BOOKSHOP GIRL.

A playful and chaotic riot of animal naughtiness from picture book master Jeanne Willis.Nigel’s done a naughty thing, and he’s giving it some thought in a quiet spot. But it gets hard to focus as he quickly becomes surrounded by wild, animal naughtiness! Mole has been ruining the lawns, Bull’s been charging around with his horns . . . even Daddy admits it’s hard to be perfect all the time! But can you guess what naughty thing Nigel has done?Each scene gets wilder and wilder as the chaos builds, and Paddy Donnelly's brilliantly engaging pictures provide so much whacky detail to spot.

A playful and chaotic riot of animal naughtiness from picture book master Jeanne Willis.Nigel’s done a naughty thing, and he’s giving it some thought in a quiet spot. But it gets hard to focus as he quickly becomes surrounded by wild, animal naughtiness! Mole has been ruining the lawns, Bull’s been charging around with his horns . . . even Daddy admits it’s hard to be perfect all the time! But can you guess what naughty thing Nigel has done?Each scene gets wilder and wilder as the chaos builds, and Paddy Donnelly's brilliantly engaging pictures provide so much whacky detail to spot.

Nominated for the Carnegie Medal for IllustrationCan Hop find a way to escape the wolves in her nightmares, even if they chase her in helicopters? Mummy thinks so...Every night, Hop has nightmares filled with, scary, hungry-eyed wolves. She knows they only exist in her dreams but they still seem very real. Her mummy comforts her and has some good advice, but can Hop find the courage to conquer the wolves?Practical advice for children who suffer night fears and terrors, in a gentle and funny story for the youngest of readers, illustrated by Sainsbury's Children's Book Award-Winning Paddy Donnelly.

A perfect story to read with Dad, from multi-award-winning author Michelle Robinson. Following in their daddies' gigantic footsteps, will the baby dinosaurs find their own feet?Baby dinosaur wishes he could follow in his dad's giant footsteps, and grow up to be big, brave and strong, just like him. But when he and his friends lose sight of their daddies while on an adventure, and the world suddenly feels wild and dangerous, will he remember the advice his daddy gave him, and find his way home?Four adorable baby dinosaurs find their way in the world with the help of their dads in this uplifting and heart-warming celebration of amazing fathers and the unique bond their children share with them, perfect for fans of Disney's The Good Dinosaur. A fun Father's Day gift to enjoy together, sure to become a bedtime favourite.Also in the series: Mummy's Promise'A modern masterpiece' WATERSTONES'A touching celebration of daddies... a gorgeous book to share with little ones' LOVEREADING4KIDS