Sam Caldwell – illustratör

Monsters from mythology finally get to tell their side of the story, in this hilarious illustrated series for fans of Loki, Horrible Histories and Pamela Butchart. "A charming, funny and hugely enjoyable reimagining of Greek mythology. Perfect for fans of Loki." Anna James When people hear Polyphemus is a cyclops, they always assume he's a big scary MONSTER with one huge eye who EATS PEOPLE.The truth is, YES, he is big, and he does have one huge eye, and ok he does OCCASIONALLY eat people… but THAT’S NOT THE WHOLE STORY!All he ever wanted was to throw THE GREATEST PARTY OF ALL TIME! But then Odysseus arrived, and it all went very, VERY, wrong…

Monsters from mythology finally get to tell their side of the story, in this hilarious illustrated series for fans of Loki, Horrible Histories and Pamela Butchart.Everyone thinks they know Tor – the mean old minotaur from the Greek myth, part human, part bull, trapped in a labyrinth to stop him attacking people.Actually, while he does have big horns and hooves for hands, he never wanted to hurt anyone. He just wanted to be LEFT ALONE in his peaceful maze with his bat friends!Then a tiny, cross princess called Ariadne convinced him that he might like to see the outside world.So they came up with THE GREATEST ESCAPE PLAN EVER… Praise for Monster Diaries: "A charming, funny and hugely enjoyable reimagining of Greek mythology. Perfect for fans of Loki." Anna James, bestselling author of the Pages & Co. series"Fun, fast-paced and hilarious, with fab illustrations." Philippa Leathley, bestselling author of the Inkbound series"Anarchic … propelled by short, cliff-hanger chapters and immersive illustrations." The Telegraph

Field guide Huw Lewis Jones takes readers out into the wild to discover all there is to know and love about the eight different species of bears. Do you know your panda from your polar bear? Or can you spot the difference between a sun bear and a sloth bear? Follow your expert field guide as we travel deep into the woods to learn all the ‘bear’ necessities. Bears are familiar to us all, but what you might not realise is that behind their big, grizzly image are wild animals who really need our help. So put on your walking boots, grab your binoculars and come along on a journey to see the eight incredible bear species in the wild. Not only will you discover why bears poop so much, you’ll also find out how to avoid getting eaten by one, and what we can do to protect them. Shortlisted for the 2023 English 4-11 Picture Book Awards

A charmingly illustrated book that takes readers on a field trip to Antarctica and beyond to discover the secret life of penguins. In this entertaining and highly informative book, polar-explorer Huw Lewis Jones and nature illustrator Sam Caldwell take readers on an intrepid field trip to Antarctica and beyond to discover the secret life of penguins. Journeying throughout the Southern Hemisphere to incredible locations including Argentina, Australia, Chile, the Galápagos Islands, Namibia, New Zealand, Peru and South Africa, Do Penguins Like the Cold? introduces readers to the 18 species of penguin and the conservation work underway to protect them and their habitats.

Intrepid readers are invited on a field trip into the wild to discover whether wolves are as big and as bad as we think they are. For many people, wolves are the stuff of nightmares and horror films, but the reality is that they’re among some of the most vulnerable wild animals on our planet. By following field guide Huw Lewis Jones and nature illustrator Sam Caldwell into the wild, readers will meet subspecies of grey wolf living in forests throughout Europe, North America and China, as well as red wolves in North Carolina and other members of the canid family, including coyotes. Along the way, aspiring naturalists will discover the difference between a ‘timber’ and a ‘tundra’ wolf, what traits wild wolves share with domestic dogs, and why wolf poo is so important to scientists! Through entertaining and informative text and expressive illustrations, Are Wolves Afraid of the Dark? challenges the stereotype of the ‘big, bad wolf’, passed down to us through fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood, and shows that wolves are intelligent, sensitive creatures with far more to fear from us than we have from them!

Ape fans gather round! Join expert field guide Huw Lewis Jones and fellow primate admirer Sam Caldwell on an expedition to rainforests around the world to learn more about these amazing animals. Can you imagine what it’s like to be an orangutan?What do chimpanzees have for breakfast?And most importantly… are gorillas really like my grandma? Head high into mountain forests, and through hot steamy jungles, to discover all the different types of ape and learn how we can best help them. From orangutans to chimpanzees, bonobos to YOU… this book is packed with facts, fun, and everything there is to know about our great ape family! Discover what gorillas eat, where chimpanzees sleep and what we have in common with orangutans. Meet some of the first primates and come face-to-face with a giant orangutan that stomped the earth 350,000 years ago! Stories and movies haven’t always been kind to apes but this book shows us how incredible they really are and highlights the remarkable ways that they communicate with and care for one another.

Some people just can’t resist showing off… and this book introduces readers to some of the biggest braggers and loudest show-offs throughout history. This book takes young readers on a tour of some of history's greatest show-offs, from wealthy kings and queens who loved to splash the cash to masterful musicians who weren't shy about their talents or brilliant artists who could not stop telling others how great they were.Some of the showoffs in this book include:Queen Elizabeth I of England, who owned over 2,000 pairs of gloves, Alexander the Great, who named more than 70 cities in his vast empire after himself,... and one after his horse!The Montgolfier brothers, who showed off their flashy new invention, the hot air balloon, in front of huge crowds and even the King and Queen!Andy Seed's hilarious text brings these crazy but true stories to life, as he tells readers tales about massive palaces, fast cars, monster banquets, immense armies, frilly outfits, dazzling bling, musical masterpieces, epic artworks, outrageous inventions and much, much more!Featuring long-dead leaders, artists, musicians and more, from all around the world, the snappy facts are paired with humorous character illustrations from the brilliant Sam Caldwell for maximum hilarity.

The world around us is full of life—and not just in nature reserves and national parks. There are plants, animals, and all kinds of living things right in your town or city. They live in your backyard, in your house, and even inside you!No matter where you call home, nature is there. You just have to look for it. But how much do you really know about nature?For example, we all know that. . .The dinosaurs that roamed the Earth before humans are all extinct Plants can get all the energy they need from sunlight Spiders are insects. . . and creepy AND that sharks are fearsome predators. . . Do we. . .? Because. . . OH NO THEY AREN'T!These commonly held misconceptions about nature are everywhere, but none of them are true! In Oh No They Aren't: Nature, widely held misconceptions about nature, from animals to plants, fungi, bacteria and even prehistoric creatures, are proven wrong. This myth-busting guide to planet Earth and all its wonderful life is an irreverent, fun and enriching way to learn about biology. Stylishly designed and humorously illustrated by Sam Caldwell, Oh No They Aren't: Nature is a hugely entertaining and trendy take on important STEM topics for kids. This myth-busting series makes science and nature accessible to everyone, taking an alternative and gripping approach to teaching the facts about our world. Dive in to learn what else you thought you knew that is completely WRONG!In the Oh No They Aren't. . . series popular misconceptions in science and nature are dispelled, busting myths about the world we live in! Check out the Oh No They Didn't. . . companion series for hilarious history and popular culture myth-busting.

Science is all about figuring out how things work. It means asking questions and conducting experiments to discover and test possible answers. Science affects every aspect of life, from what you’re wearing and what you had for breakfast, to the weather outside.Through science, you can examine the smallest atoms to the largest galaxies – and get to know the universe just a little bit better. But how much do you really know about science?For example, we all know that . . .Moons are smaller than their planetSummer is caused by Earth being closer to the SunWater is an element Tectonic plates don't move that much anymore AND that engineers are people who fix things Do we . . . ? Because . . . OH NO THEY AREN'T!Misconceptions about our world are everywhere, but none of them are true! In Oh No They Aren't: Science myths are busted about science from chemistry to geology, engineering, astronomy and even technology.In this fresh and funny guide learn about how our world works from atoms and molecules to volcanoes and solar systems, or even artificially intelligent robots. Stylishly designed and humorously illustrated by Sam Caldwell, Oh No They Aren't: Science brings important STEM topics to life for kids, uncovering how our world works and making science FUN accessible for everyone. In the Oh No They Aren't . . . series popular misconceptions in science and nature are dispelled. Check out the Oh No They Didn't . . . companion series for hilarious history and popular culture myth-busting.

Do you know everything there is to know about the Presidents of the United States? OH NO YOU DON'T!The people who have served as President of the United States of America are some of the most famous people on the planet. But how much do we really know about the presidents?We all know that...   President Abraham Lincoln freed enslaved people by signing the Emancipation Proclamation, Thomas Jefferson introduced ice cream to the US, Andrew Johnson was impeached by the House of Representatives and kicked out of office, AND that Theodore Roosevelt had teddy bears named after him because he once refused to shoot an injured bear... Do we...? Because... OH NO THEY DIDN'T!These commonly held misconceptions about our Presidents are everywhere, but none of them are true! In Oh No They Didn't: Presidents, commonly held misconceptions about the Presidents, Vice-Presidents, First Ladies and presidential pets are all dispelled. This myth-busting guide to the White House and everyone in it is an irreverent, fun and enriching way to learn about US political figures and history. Stylishly designed and humorously illustrated by Sam Caldwell, Oh No They Didn't: Presidents is a hugely entertaining and trendy take on US history for young readers. This myth-busting series makes history accessible to everyone, taking an alternative and gripping approach to teaching the true facts about the past. Dive in to learn what else you thought you knew that is completely WRONG!In the Oh No They Didn't... series, popular misconceptions in history and culture are dispelled, busting myths about famous people and events of the past!

Remarkable women have been at the forefront of history. They’ve changed the world and are leading the way to our future. But how much do you really know about the remarkable women who’ve shaped our world?We all know that. . . Frida Kahlo made her name as a painter Jane Austen wrote simple romance novels Men pioneered scientific breakthroughs in the pastAND that ancient people only worshipped strong male gods. . . Or did they. . . ? Because. . . OH NO THEY DIDN'T!Misconceptions about women from the past and present are everywhere, but none of them are true! In Oh No They Didn't: Remarkable Womenmyths are busted about over 50 remarkable women from politicians to legends, performers, activists, scientists, mathematicians, creatives and more.In this fresh and funny guide learn about inspiring womenfrom all over the world as well as their influence on history and popular culture. Stylishly designed and humorously illustrated by Sam Caldwell, Oh No They Didn't: Remarkable Women makes learning fun with unexpected facts and a playful, upbeat approach to non-fiction.Oh No They Didn't: Remarkable Women is the perfect inspiring guide for ALL young people to learn about the influential women who may have been left out of traditional history books and deserve to be celebrated.

Trailblazers have done extraordinary things throughout history. They’ve made incredible contributions to the world, from inventing common household objects we take for granted every day to breaking barriers in sports or medicine. But how much do you really know about the innovators who’ve shaped our world?Everyone knows that. . . Martin Luther King Jr. used every means possible to fight for civil rightsRuth Handler set up the toy company Mattel to createBarbie dollsWilliam Shakespeare came up with the story of Romeo and JulietAND that Florence Nightingale's family supported her dream of becoming a nurseOr did they. . . ? Because. . . OH NO THEY DIDN'T!Misconceptions about famous figures from the past and present are everywhere, but none of them are true! In Oh No They Didn't: Trailblazers myths are busted about over 50 trailblazers from politicians to legends, athletes, activists, scientists, company owners, creatives and more.In this fresh and funny guide written by Eric Huang, learn about inspiring innovators from all over the world as well as their influence on history and popular culture. Stylishly designed and humorously illustrated by Sam Caldwell, Oh No They Didn't: Trailblazers makes learning fun with unexpected facts and a playful, upbeat approach to non-fiction.Oh No They Didn't: Trailblazers is the perfect inspiring guide for ALL young people to learn about influential innovators, including the parts of their story that may have been left out of traditional history books or media. In this easy-to-read book, you're sure to discover lesser-known pioneers who deserve to be celebrated, too!

CONFIDENTIAL: a dossier of some of the world’s most outrageous real spy stories, perfect for young fans of James Bond and Mission Impossible.In Declassified! we can neither confirm nor deny that children will be thrilled by some of the wildest moments in espionage history, including:The Russian mole working inside the FBI who was finally caught with the help of a 25-year-old posing undercover as his assistant.The time a Bulgarian dissident was killed by an umbrella-wielding spy on a bridge in London.Operation Acoustic Kitty, when the CIA implanted microphones into cats' ears to use them as listening devices (an operation abandoned because of a complete failure to get the cats to do as they were told)Along the way, author Amanda Ohkle from the International Spy Museum weaves in explanations of key moments in history, from the American Revolution to the Cold War. Meanwhile stunning illustrations by Sam Caldwell will transport readers back to the dark alleys of Renaissance Europe, clandestine World War II hideouts, and secret KGB headquarters.Please burn after reading – but don’t actually, this book deserves re-reading!

Can owls swim?Do woodpeckers eat wood?Are vampire bats real?Tim Flannery has the answers. In this informed and accessible book, he introduces some of the most spectacular and unusual creatures soaring through Earth’s skies with in-depth and often-bizarre facts. Flannery ties together concepts of climate change, evolution, conservation, and taxonomy throughout each animal’s profile, firmly connecting it to its environment while sparking wonder at its role in the natural world. Packed with vibrant illustrations and guided by real-life anecdotes from one of our greatest science communicators, Weird, Wild, Amazing! Sky teaches readers to cherish and delight in our planet’s ecosystems with Flannery’s signature mix of humor and wisdom.

Are zombie ants real?How high can an armadillo jump?What’s it like to wrestle a python?Tim Flannery has the answers. In this informed and accessible book, he introduces some of the most spectacular and unusual creatures in our planet’s deserts and grasslands with in-depth and often-bizarre facts. Flannery ties together concepts of climate change, evolution, conservation, and taxonomy throughout each animal’s profile, firmly connecting it to its environment while sparking wonder at its role in the natural world. Packed with vibrant illustrations and guided by real-life anecdotes from one of our greatest science communicators, Weird, Wild, Amazing! Desert teaches readers to cherish and delight in our planet’s ecosystems with Flannery’s signature mix of humor and wisdom.

Three mischievous brothers are certain they are on Santa's naughty list this year and won't be getting any presents. So, the brothers come up with a dastardly plan to trap Santa and keep all the presents for themselves! Can the boys outsmart Santa this Christmas? It's time to find out who's naughty and who's nice! Looking out for the delightful twist in this festive tale, from the author ofTrick or Treat?

Tiktok star Dr Suzie Edge is here to guide you through macabre medical firsts in all their gory and gruesome detail.Meet the Victorian body snatchers, witness beginner's dissection and see how broken bones used to be shoved back into place. From nasty neolithic skull-drilling to rasping Roman skull-filling, Dr Suzie Edge will leave no body part uncovered in her quest to demystify medicine. Equally fascinating and DISGUSTING, A Hole in the Head is the perfect gift for anyone fascinated by grossness in all its technicolour glory.

Most people know Thor for being the super strong God of Thunder who could control lightning and rode around on a magical chariot pulled by goats. But once upon a time, Thor was just a little boy. Sure, he was the son of an almighty god, and he was a ferocious warrior, but in lots of other ways he was just like you. He liked midnight feasts, playing games and he had a really annoying friend. But he grew up, he grew stronger, he found a hammer and he had all sorts of adventures. This is his story.Packed with facts from the Norse mythology and graphic art panels, Little Myths is the perfect series for mythology-mad kids.

Exciting nonfiction stories of intrepid archaeologists and their amazing discoveries from history, written by archaeology YouTuber Stefan Milosavljevich.

Set to an upbeat seaside rhythm by Lily Murray and brought to life by Sam Caldwell’s vibrant artwork, Sheldon's New Shell is a fun, rhyming picture book that combines a gentle story with real-life ecological issues that affect animals around the world.Sheldon the hermit crab needs a new home, so it’s time for him to scour the beach and look for the perfect shell. However, the only thing he can find is rubbish! There are plastic bottles and tin cans littered everywhere. It’s a good job he has his fellow beach-side animal friends to help, as well as one little girl who is determined to clean up his environment for good.Plastic bottles and other rubbish are huge threats to marine life. Sheldon's New Shell is published in partnership with the successful environmental charity, Surfers Against Sewage, which is dedicated to the protection of our oceans.

All aboard the ship that Jack built for a rollicking picture book adventure.Jack’s ship has set sail with a precious cargo of gold in the hold, but a whole host of thieves are out to snatch it from under his nose. From the squid that opens the lid and the seal that tries to steal, to the cat and the rat and the whale with its splashy tail, Jack really has his hands full.With a joyful, rhyming text full of super-catchy repeated lines, this cumulative tale builds and builds to an epic crescendo. Told by Peter Millett and brought to life by Sam Caldwell, bestselling illustrator of Buster Books' popular picture book Sheldon's New Shell, this picture book voyage is one readers will want to take again and again.Sample content:This is the gull that flew from the hullAnd nabbed the crab that sneakily grabbedThe gold from the seal that jumped up to stealThe loot from the whale that splashed its tail......That stole the gold that lay in the holdOf the ship that Jack built.

A bookish family shipwrecked on a treasure island faces off against a fearsome pirate crew. The keen-reading Robinsons set out to sea, their boat barely afloat with all their books, until a storm strikes down their holiday plans. Shipwrecked on a mysterious island, they gather up their soggy books and research how to survive. On this quest for survival, they accidentally discover buried TREASURE! But when the Bloodbucket pirates arrive, and they find the Robinsons have taken their turf, it's time to walk the plank. With only Silly Monkey Goes to the Toilet left to hand, can the Robinsons read themselves free from a watery doom?

A riotous, animal-tastic story by Clare Helen Welsh (Poo! Is That You?, The Perfect Shelter) packed with engaging, characterful illustrations from the talented Sam Caldwell (A Parliament of Owls, Sheldon's New Shell).Daphne's mum and stepdad, Anthony, are throwing a family party. It's going to be SO BORING! But when a gorilla knocks on the door, a rhino rolls in and a kangaroo pops up, Daphne realises that this party is going to get . . . WILD!In Daphne's big animal family, everyone is different. But they all love to dance to the same beat.This joyous tale explores themes of belonging in a blended-family environment with a subtle nod to the interconnected animal family we all, as humans, share. In this light, funny read-aloud, children will love the accumulative animal action and will enjoy picking their favourite animal party guest! There's a Gorilla at the Door! will delight readers of The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, You Can't Take an Elephant on the Bus by Patricia Cleveland-Peck and David Tazzyman, and There's Nothing Faster Than a Cheetah by Tom Nicoll and Ross Collins.

A riotous, animal-tastic story by Clare Helen Welsh (Poo! Is That You?, The Perfect Shelter) packed with engaging, characterful illustrations from the talented Sam Caldwell (A Parliament of Owls, Sheldon's New Shell).Daphne's mum and stepdad, Anthony, are throwing a family party. It's going to be SO BORING! But when a gorilla knocks on the door, a rhino rolls in and a kangaroo pops up, Daphne realises that this party is going to get . . . WILD!In Daphne's big animal family, everyone is different. But they all love to dance to the same beat.This joyous tale explores themes of belonging in a blended-family environment with a subtle nod to the interconnected animal family we all, as humans, share. In this light, funny read-aloud, children will love the accumulative animal action and will enjoy picking their favourite animal party guest! There's a Gorilla at the Door! will delight readers of The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, You Can't Take an Elephant on the Bus by Patricia Cleveland-Peck and David Tazzyman, and There's Nothing Faster Than a Cheetah by Tom Nicoll and Ross Collins.