Polly Dunbar – illustratör

**Highly commended for the Wainwright Prize for Children’s Fiction 2026** Follow the thrilling animal adventures of young otter Portly – including all your favourite characters such as Mole, Ratty and Toad, from the countryside classic, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. The perfect gift!🦦 "A magical tale of one mischievous otter bursting with charm, wit and wonder" — Hannah Gold From bestselling author of Adventures on Trains, M.G.Leonard, and beautifully illustrated in full colour by award-winning illustrator of The Hug, Polly Dunbar, this gorgeous hardback gift book is inspired by and celebrates the 95th anniversary of EH Shepard’s iconic artwork for The Wind in the Willows. There is a time in a young otter’s life when they must be introduced to their river. For Portly, today was that day … Told across four seasons in one year, little Portly has the greatest of adventures. Among other fur-raising encounters, the youngest of Mrs Otter’s pups learns to swim, battles a large trout, rescues a human girl, outwits the weasels and stoats of the Wild Wood and sleeps in the care of the god Pan – a scene familiar to readers of the original book.Full of all the charm, nostalgia and sounds of splashing in the river that fans of The Wind in the Willows have fallen in love with over the years, M.G.Leonard’s faithful spin-off will enchant an entirely new generation. The perfect Easter gift for both new readers and existing fans – young and old! 🦦“This magical retelling bubbles with wonder, joy and love.” — Piers Torday, author of The Last Wild“A glorious future classic” — Alexander Armstrong, author of Evenfall"Marvellous tales, full of sparkle and charm” — Sophie Anderson, author of The Girl Who Speaks Bear"One of the loveliest books I've read in a long time” — Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Girl of Ink and Stars"A story that ripples with the gentleness of childhood wonder and friendship.” — Leah Lane, @mymulberryhouse🦦

A beautiful, heartwarming picture book with all the universal appeal of Guess How Much I Love You.Hedgehog was feeling sad.As sad as a hedgehog can feel.So sad only one thing could help . . .Tortoise was feeling sad. As sad as a tortoise can feel. So sad only one thing could help . . .In this clever flipbook, both a hedgehog and a tortoise are looking for a hug. They ask all the other animals they come across but for some reason no one will hug them. Until a wise owl explains: Hedgehog is too spiky; Tortoise is too bony. And that's when they find each other!'Feels like being enveloped in your very own hug.' Kirkus'A smashing story time tale.' Books for Keeps'It's utterly lovely. It makes her face light up every time she hears it.' The Guardian Best Books of 2019

A beautiful, heartwarming picture book with all the universal appeal of Guess How Much I Love You.Hedgehog was feeling sad.As sad as a hedgehog can feel.So sad only one thing could help . . .Tortoise was feeling sad. As sad as a tortoise can feel. So sad only one thing could help . . .In this clever flipbook, both a hedgehog and a tortoise are looking for a hug. They ask all the other animals they come across but for some reason no one will hug them. Until a wise owl explains: Hedgehog is too spiky; Tortoise is too bony. And that's when they find each other!'Feels like being enveloped in your very own hug.' Kirkus'A smashing story time tale.' Books for Keeps'It's utterly lovely. It makes her face light up every time she hears it.' The Guardian Best Books of 2019

A beautiful, heartwarming picture book with all the universal appeal of Guess How Much I Love You.Hedgehog was feeling sad.As sad as a hedgehog can feel.So sad only one thing could help . . .Tortoise was feeling sad. As sad as a tortoise can feel. So sad only one thing could help . . .In this clever flipbook, both a hedgehog and a tortoise are looking for a hug. They ask all the other animals they come across but for some reason no one will hug them. Until a wise owl explains: Hedgehog is too spiky; Tortoise is too bony. And that's when they find each other!'Feels like being enveloped in your very own hug.' Kirkus'A smashing story time tale.' Books for Keeps'It's utterly lovely. It makes her face light up every time she hears it.' The Guardian Best Books of 2019

A beautiful, heartwarming picture book with all the universal appeal of Guess How Much I Love You.Hedgehog was feeling sad.As sad as a hedgehog can feel.So sad only one thing could help . . .Tortoise was feeling sad. As sad as a tortoise can feel. So sad only one thing could help . . .In this clever flipbook, both a hedgehog and a tortoise are looking for a hug. They ask all the other animals they come across but for some reason no one will hug them. Until a wise owl explains: Hedgehog is too spiky; Tortoise is too bony. And that's when they find each other!'Feels like being enveloped in your very own hug.' Kirkus'A smashing story time tale.' Books for Keeps'It's utterly lovely. It makes her face light up every time she hears it.' The Guardian Best Books of 2019

Tiger was feeling sleepy. As sleepy as sleepy can be. So sleepy only one thing could help... Crocodile was feeling sleepy. As sleepy as sleepy can be. So sleepy only one thing could help...Tiger and Crocodile are both looking for a goodnight kiss in this clever flip-book story. But the animals along the way don't seem very forthcoming! Perhaps it's those sharp little teeth that they can see when Tiger and Crocodile yawn. Then they see a sharp-toothed shadow... eek! But don't worry it's just Daddy Croc and Mummy Tiger, come to kiss their little ones goodnight. A delightful, snuggly bedtime story that celebrates blended families and kindred spirits.

Tiger was feeling sleepy. As sleepy as sleepy can be. So sleepy only one thing could help... Crocodile was feeling sleepy. As sleepy as sleepy can be. So sleepy only one thing could help...Tiger and Crocodile are both looking for a goodnight kiss in this clever flip-book story. But the animals along the way don't seem very forthcoming! Perhaps it's those sharp little teeth that they can see when Tiger and Crocodile yawn. Then they see a sharp-toothed shadow... eek! But don't worry it's just Daddy Croc and Mummy Tiger, come to kiss their little ones goodnight. A delightful, snuggly bedtime story that celebrates blended families and kindred spirits.

Tiger was feeling sleepy. As sleepy as sleepy can be. So sleepy only one thing could help... Crocodile was feeling sleepy. As sleepy as sleepy can be. So sleepy only one thing could help...Tiger and Crocodile are both looking for a goodnight kiss in this clever flip-book story. But the animals along the way don't seem very forthcoming! Perhaps it's those sharp little teeth that they can see when Tiger and Crocodile yawn. Then they see a sharp-toothed shadow... eek! But don't worry it's just Daddy Croc and Mummy Tiger, come to kiss their little ones goodnight. A delightful, snuggly bedtime story that celebrates blended families and kindred spirits.

The bestselling and heart-warming picture book that shows us ways to be affectionate while social distancing, from the team behind The Hug.Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends. They wanted to give each other a great, big hug. But they weren't allowed to touch. "Don't worry," said Owl. "There are lots of ways to show someone you love them." So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can't hug and they can't touch, they both know that they are loved. A gorgeous, uplifting, inspiring picture book that makes social distancing fun!

The bestselling and heart-warming picture book that shows us ways to be affectionate while social distancing, from the team behind The Hug.Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends. They wanted to give each other a great, big hug. But they weren't allowed to touch. "Don't worry," said Owl. "There are lots of ways to show someone you love them." So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can't hug and they can't touch, they both know that they are loved. A gorgeous, uplifting, inspiring picture book that makes social distancing fun!

The bestselling and heart-warming picture book that shows us ways to be affectionate while social distancing, from the team behind The Hug.Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends. They wanted to give each other a great, big hug. But they weren't allowed to touch. "Don't worry," said Owl. "There are lots of ways to show someone you love them." So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can't hug and they can't touch, they both know that they are loved. A gorgeous, uplifting, inspiring picture book that makes social distancing fun!

The bestselling and heart-warming picture book that shows us ways to be affectionate while social distancing, from the team behind The Hug.Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends. They wanted to give each other a great, big hug. But they weren't allowed to touch. "Don't worry," said Owl. "There are lots of ways to show someone you love them." So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can't hug and they can't touch, they both know that they are loved. A gorgeous, uplifting, inspiring picture book that makes social distancing fun!

Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends. They wanted to give each other a great, big hug. But they weren't allowed to touch. "Don't worry," said Owl. "There are lots of ways to show someone you love them." So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can't hug and they can't touch, they both know that they are loved. A gorgeous, uplifting, inspiring picture book that makes social distancing fun!

Everyone's favourite (socially distanced) characters return to help us through this challenging period.Hedgehog is waiting for his friend Tortoise to wake up. But where is he and when will he wake?Hedgehog's friends are all very lovely, but they just aren't as much fun at the beach, or at hide and seek, or at holding hands, or at hugs. Tortoise begins to stir - the one boulder that Hedgehog didn't think he could lift to turn . . . Tortoise has been dreaming of Hedgehog. And the hug that follows is their best yet!A charming and touching new tale from the creators of the bestselling While We Can't Hug!

Everyone's favourite (socially distanced) characters return to help us through this challenging period.Hedgehog is waiting for his friend Tortoise to wake up. But where is he and when will he wake?Hedgehog's friends are all very lovely, but they just aren't as much fun at the beach, or at hide and seek, or at holding hands, or at hugs. Tortoise begins to stir - the one boulder that Hedgehog didn't think he could lift to turn . . . Tortoise has been dreaming of Hedgehog. And the hug that follows is their best yet!A charming and touching new tale from the creators of the bestselling While We Can't Hug!

Everyone's favourite (socially distanced) characters return to help us through this challenging period.Hedgehog is waiting for his friend Tortoise to wake up. But where is he and when will he wake?Hedgehog's friends are all very lovely, but they just aren't as much fun at the beach, or at hide and seek, or at holding hands, or at hugs. Tortoise begins to stir - the one boulder that Hedgehog didn't think he could lift to turn . . . Tortoise has been dreaming of Hedgehog. And the hug that follows is their best yet!A charming and touching new tale from the creators of the bestselling While We Can't Hug!

There were so many things that Tortoise wanted to do.So many games to play and rocks to climb.Oops.Tortoise was stuck.Tortoise was not happy.Tortoise is not having a good day and now he's stuck in a hole and is far too upset for hugs. Hedgehog sits and waits and then makes Tortoise laugh - taking the time to let the moment pass, and acknowledge how Tortoise feels.

There were so many things that Tortoise wanted to do.So many games to play and rocks to climb.Oops.Tortoise was stuck.Tortoise was not happy.Tortoise is not having a good day and now he's stuck in a hole and is far too upset for hugs. Hedgehog sits and waits and then makes Tortoise laugh - taking the time to let the moment pass, and acknowledge how Tortoise feels.

There were so many things that Tortoise wanted to do.So many games to play and rocks to climb.Oops.Tortoise was stuck.Tortoise was not happy.Tortoise is not having a good day and now he's stuck in a hole and is far too upset for hugs. Hedgehog sits and waits and then makes Tortoise laugh - taking the time to let the moment pass, and acknowledge how Tortoise feels.

There were so many things that Tortoise wanted to do.So many games to play and rocks to climb.Oops.Tortoise was stuck.Tortoise was not happy.Tortoise is not having a good day and now he's stuck in a hole and is far too upset for hugs. Hedgehog sits and waits and then makes Tortoise laugh - taking the time to let the moment pass, and acknowledge how Tortoise feels.

'Merry Christmas!' said Fox.'Merry whatmas?' said Hedgehog.'Merry whichmas?' said Tortoise.You see, it was Hedgehog and Tortoise's first Christmas.So they didn't know what Christmas was.Fox thinks Christmas is about presents, Badger thinks it's about pudding, Magpie thinks it's about singing . . . Tortoise and Hedgehog begin to feel rather overwhelmed with all the noise and fuss. But in a quiet moment of reflection they learn the most important lesson of all: Christmas is about being with the ones you love.

With over 250,000+ copies sold in the series, everyone's favourite Hedgehog and Tortoise are BACK with the message that Christmas is about being with the ones you love, now with an even more dazzling cover!'Merry Christmas!' said Fox.'Merry whatmas?' said Hedgehog.'Merry whichmas?' said Tortoise.You see, it was Hedgehog and Tortoise's first Christmas.So they didn't know what Christmas was.Fox thinks Christmas is about presents, Badger thinks it's about pudding, Magpie thinks it's about singing . . . Tortoise and Hedgehog begin to feel rather overwhelmed with all the noise and fuss. But in a quiet moment of reflection they learn the most important lesson of all: Christmas is about being with the ones you love.

From the creators of runaway bestselling picture books While We Can't Hug, The Hug and The Kiss, comes a playful new novelty edition of favourite moments from across the series.Hedgehog and Tortoise are best friends.Look at all the things they do together.They love holding hands.They love hugs.Lift the flaps, turn the wheels, pull the sliders! A gorgeous, chunky, top-quality novelty edition. With lots to do for little hands on every page.

Elephant had something important to say.It was something so important,so big and large and completely enormous,it was hard to know where to begin.'I.' said Elephant.'We.' said Elephant.'Which is to say, us.' said Elephant.'Oh, dear,' said Elephant, who sat down in a puddle.'I just can't seem to find the words. How do you tell someone that you'll be friends forever?'Elephant and Bird are the best of friends. They're always there for each other, quite literally. In fact, they need each other. But how do you tell someone you love them?

With over a quarter of a million copies sold in the series, everyone's favourite Hedgehog and Tortoise are BACK with the message that Christmas is about being with the ones you love."Merry Christmas!" said Fox."Merry whatmas?" said Hedgehog."Merry whichmas?" said Tortoise.You see, it was Hedgehog and Tortoise's first Christmas.So they didn't know what Christmas was.Fox thinks Christmas is about presents, Badger thinks it's about pudding, Magpie thinks it's about singing . . . Tortoise and Hedgehog begin to feel rather overwhelmed with all the noise and fuss. But in a quiet moment of reflection they learn the most important lesson of all: Christmas is about being with the ones you love.

When Dad loses his car keys, toddler Mary has a suggestion: why not see what's hiding down the back of the chair? But when they look, they get more than a few surprises...This lively, eccentric poem is a visual explosion of fun and imagination, featuring dragons, pirates, treasure, lions, elephants and much more. Margaret Mahy's classic story celebrates the wonderful everyday, guaranteed to put a smile on the face of readers young and old."The entertainment, humour, and exuberance of it all arises from what Dad finds... Mahy's text rollicks along in rhythm and rhyme, and Polly Dunbar's graphics are akin to a fireworks display on the page; words, phrases and pictorial images metaphorically pop up and explode like stardust over the double spreads" — School Librarian

When Dad loses his car keys, toddler Mary has a suggestion: why not see what's hiding down the back of the chair? But when they look, they get more than a few surprises...This lively, eccentric poem is a visual explosion of fun and imagination, featuring dragons, pirates, treasure, lions, elephants and much more. Margaret Mahy's classic story celebrates the wonderful everyday, guaranteed to put a smile on the face of readers young and old."The entertainment, humour, and exuberance of it all arises from what Dad finds... Mahy's text rollicks along in rhythm and rhyme, and Polly Dunbar's graphics are akin to a fireworks display on the page; words, phrases and pictorial images metaphorically pop up and explode like stardust over the double spreads" — School Librarian

Little Mabel blew a bubble and it caused a lot of trouble… Such a lot of bubble trouble in a bibble-bobble way.For it broke away from Mabel as it bobbed across the table,Where it bobbled over Baby, and it wafted him away.Follow the hilarious efforts of the townsfolk as they chase the baby far across the town in an effort to get him down from the bubble safe and sound.