New! Re-issued Dick King-Smith's Sophie books with my illustrations

I'm very excited to announce that the first three Sophie books by my childhood hero author Dick King-Smith have been re-issued by Walker Books with my illustrations. They were a pleasure to work on and I look forward to seeing the final three of the series released in the summer. Sophie is a real character and her growing menagerie of pets and her dreams of being a lady farmer make great bedtime reading for young animal lovers everywhere.

 

Launch event for Stan Stinky vs the Sewer PiRATes!

On the 7th of August at 10:30 I'll be in bath at My Small World beautiful toy shop and cafe to do a fun launch event for my new fiction book - Stan Stinky vs the Sewer PiRATes. The event will be suitable for ages 6-12, although younger siblings are welcome. It will be PiRATe themed session, so make sure you wear your best PiRATe outfit! I'll be reading, doing live drawing and there will be a fun crafty activity afterwards which will be suitable for everyone!

For tickets, you'll need to pop into My Small World before the 7th or call them on the phone number provided on their website My Small World.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

 Oooh Arrrgh!

Stan Stinky- the SEQUEL!

A preview of the cover for the next Stan Stinky- Stan Stinky vs the Sewer Pirates. It's a sleuth style, detective and buckaneer themed sewer extravaganza! 

More sneaky blurb and fun stuff to follow.

Meanwhile it's work in progress and I am enjoying scribbling PiRATes (geddit?)

Eastnor Castle Hooked on Books SPACE DRAWINGS!

And...here are some of the funky 'We Have Lift Off! themed farm-animals-in-space pics from my Frances Lincoln event on Tuesday!

Fab sewer rat pics by Stan Stinky fans in Cirencester

Here are some cool sewer rat pictures, drawn by children at my Scholastic event in Octavia's Bookshop on Monday. The bookshop was packed with enthusiastic Stan Stinky fans of all ages. Squeeeek!

Events coming soon!

Cirencester Children's Literary Festival (It's the first one!!!)

The inaugural Cirencester Children's Literary Festival is to be held in 2013 organised by Octavia's Book shop in conjunction with Gloucestershire Library Service and the Bingham Library Trust.

There will be something to suit every age group with activities taking place at both Octavia's Bookshop and Cirencester Bingham Library.

Tickets for each event are just £1 and are available to buy ONLY at Octavia's Bookshop. All the proceeds are going to the Bingham Library Trust to support their charity work in the Community.

Sound tempting?

Well, there's still space at my event. Come and draw a ratty vermin character and create a fab sewer themed picture. 

I'm in the bookshop on Monday 12th August at 2:30. 

* * * Also...* * * 

Eastnor Castle- Hooked on books!

Again (the first one!) and another fab festival.

This time I'll be focusing on my Frances Lincoln books by author Sean Taylor. I'll be reading 'We Have Lift-Off!' and a few others. We'll be having lots of rocket themed fun, come and draw a rocket or spacemammal to add to a big space picture. There will be glitter and mess and all things sparkly! 

Tickets available here for Tuesday the 13th of August. I'm on at 12:15 and again in the afternoon.

Signing of We Have Lift-Off! at Stroud Bookshop this Saturday the 29th June

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ...ZOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Come and meet Sean Taylor and and myself for another double signing.
This time in the main Stroud Bookshop (the Children's bookshop has merged into the grown-ups shop)

We'll be scribbling dedications in We Have Lift-Off! as well as our other books.

There will also be a chance to draw a rocket and add it to a big space picture. Zooooom! Come along this Saturday the 29th of June from 11:00am onwards.

Stan Stinky Poster

Here's a wonderful poster of Stan Stinky drawn by Ruby from Gloucestershire!

I hope it inspires you to buy a copy!

Also a great review from the Chorley Guardian by Pam Norfolk here

And for teachers looking for an inspiring 'summer holiday diary' style book the Reading Zone is recommending it! Here

Remember I'll be signing copies in Octavias bookshop (Cirencester) in a few weeks (12th August- see previous post)

Signing at Octavia's Bookshop 12th August

I'll be there signing! Come and draw a rat!

http://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2013/05/31/monday-12th-august-hannah-shaw

Stan Stinky is Here!!

 

Squeeeeeek! 

What is that SMELL? 

It's the whiff of a sewer rat, he's climbing out of a toilet and darting to the nearest bookshop to eagerly buy his copy of STAN STINKY. The first book (ahem... I am writing the next one) in a brand new Hannah Shaw pic-fic series, published by Scholastic. Written by my fair hand and illustrated entirely by me too - Stan Stinky is a Sewer HERO! This story is sure to be a hit with anyone who likes furry vermin-type animals, surfing, fishing for rubbish, cockroaches, studying poo charts, climbing mountains of underwear or simply eating a nice bowl of maggot pops. Even if you don't like any of those things, I think you'll still enjoy it.

This is my first 'longer' children's book. I am waiting by my front door to be drowned by the adoring fan mail *go on, you know you want to!* I couldn't possibly be expecting any letters from cross parents whose sprogs have made the paper mache fake poo (suggested at the back of the book) and offended their grandma.


I have already had some excellent reviews from some very important young people. I am posting them below.

I've also done an activity sheet for those who like to draw vermin for a hobby (like I do). Have fun!!

Stroud Bookshop Signing of 'The Disgusting Sandwich'

Hello Gloucestershire dwellers!
Why not pop to the Stroud Children's Bookshop, Swan Lane on Easter Saturday -30th March...I'll be there from 11:30- 1:30 so come and meet me to get a disgustingly lovely signed copy of The Disgusting Sandwich.
It's also a chance to come and sample the delights of the Farmers Market including my favourite Pippin's Doughnuts (Lemon Curd ones are the best!).

Hopefully see you there!

We Have Lift Off! Book Trailer

WE HAVE LIFT-OFF! from Sean Taylor on Vimeo. LOOK at this excellent new trailer for my new picture book with Sean Taylor. OUT NOW!

Happy World Squirrelly Book Day!

Today is a great day to snuggle down and read your favourite book or dress up as your favourite book character.

I was sent a wonderful photo by Karen Cowley whose children Sarah (6) and Connor (4) love reading Erroll. Together they made this fantastic Erroll squirrel costume so Sarah could dress up for World Book Day.

I've been informed that the acorn is made of paper mache and the tail is crocheted stuffed and covered in eyelash wool. I think I need a grown-up size outfit to wear too school visits...although I might be tempted to climb trees all day instead!

Celebrating the publication of The Disgusting Sandwich with a biscuit...

...A very special biscuit, thanks to those lovely folk at Scholastic.
Seems too lovely to eat! Much nicer than that disgusting sandwich!

Buy your copy at a bargain price through Scholastic Books here http://shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/88283

It really is a fun book, if I can say so myself!

A blurry new world!

Happy belated 2013 one and all.

I'm having a rare afternoon off from squeaky baby! I haven't blogged since October so I thought it was about time.

So here's a quick round up of what is happening in blurry baby Hannah Shaw world...

NEW BOOKS

The Disgusting Sandwich by Gareth Edwards and illustrated by myself is out on the 4th of March

I hope to be making some disgusting sandwiches somewhere with some disgusting (I mean lovely!) children and doing a signing to promote this very funny new book. Most likely this event will be in Gloucestershire and I will have to bring along my disgusting (I mean very cute!) baby with me.
I will update you on this...

We Have Lift Off by Sean Taylor and again, illustrated by myself, is out on the 1st of April (no, I'm not pulling your leg!)  Sean and his clever animator wife - Adriana have been working on a trailer to give you a taster of what our book is all about. I have been contributing chicken noises for the soundtrack!

I also am looking forward to promoting my first Fiction book: Stan Stinky. Watch this space for more sewer and rat based tidbits. Scholastic have been sending out yummy samplers to tempt you into reading the full story which will be available to buy on the 3rd of June.



EVENTS

I have a fantastic event organised in August based on all of my Frances Lincoln books, focusing on We Have Lift Off. It's in Ledbury at Eastnor Castle Children's Literature Festival on Tuesday the 13th. There will be rocket drawing fun for everyone.

For other events, I'm afraid I'm not taking bookings until after September as I am now on maternity leave.


AWARDS

It's wonderful when you get on a shortlist and this year I have two books on the fabulous Portsmouth Book Award shortlist. There is I don't believe it Archie on the fiction book list and Who Ate Auntie Iris on the picture book one! How lucky am I? I don't Beeelliieve it!


I've probably forgotten to blog about something really important (that's baby brain for you) but *I THINK* that is all for now!

Goo Goo gaa ga!

Creating street scenes at Octavia's Bookshop

Here's some pics of a crazy street scene from an event I did at Octavia's bookshop in Cirencester. Almost every child who came to the shop contributed something to the picture.

My favourite shop has to be the Sausage Dog Coat and Sock Shop! If only we had one of those locally...

I did a similar themed event at the American School in London, which went down a storm. They all did some beautiful drawings.

Bump!

Ok, so I'll own up! The reason I haven't been blogging as much as I should (and the reason I may not be blogging so much in the future) can be explained in this doodle:

Yup, I'm having a baby! It's due in December which means I am frantically trying to meet deadlines and get as much work done before I give birth.

I must admit I'm kind of terrified but also very excited. Don't worry I'm not planning to give up work all together, I just might be a little distracted for a while.

In fact there's more than just babies to look forward to in 2013 and beyond.

I'll be promoting my new FICTION (Yes fiction!) book, written and illustrated entirely by me. I am working on the illustrations and final draft at the moment. It's all about a SEWER RAT called Stan Stinky (will be published by Scholastic) and I'm hoping it will be very funny, especially if you're 7-9 years old.

There will also be the final Harper Collins, Ivan Brett CASPER CANDLEWACKS book to look forward to as well as various exciting new fiction book projects I'm working on for Walker Books.

What else? Well I'll be illustrating another fab Frances Lincoln, SEAN TAYLOR picture book (this will be our 6th book together) because last month I finished the illustrations for our 5th book the very silly WE HAVE LIFT OFF! by Sean Taylor. Out in 2013!

So, although I may not be able to do so many events next year, I will definitely be in touch about new books and doing my best to keep calm and carry on!

If you want to come meet me and the bump, I'll be taking part in the following EVENTS this autumn:

SATURDAY 8th September 11am : Octavia's BOOKSHOP, Cirencester- Signing and activity morning.

WEDNESDAY 10th October 4 - 4:45pm: Cheltenham Literary Festival- School For Bandits Party!

WEDNESDAY 31st October 11:45 - 12:45: Newport Festival Big READ at the Newport Centre. This will be a front led session with Reading, drawing and games!

 ( ...and the last chance to meet me before I pop!)

It's Polly!

Barrington Stoke, who are publishing the two Julia Donaldson young reader books I've illustrated, have made a life size polly doll!
 

In the story THE SNAKE WHO CAME TO STAY, Polly opens a holiday home for pets, but she doesn't bet on losing one of the more slippery characters in her care!

Here's my drawing of Polly...

The Snake who came to Stay (Barrington Stoke -Little Gems) will be published in September 2012 and is perfect for children who have dyslexia or struggle with reading.

Double-Trouble Signing at Stroud Bookshop

Calling all Gloucestershire locals!

On the 21st of July at 11:30 (ooh that's NEXT Saturday!)

Myself and Sean Taylor will be signing our brand new picture book WHO ATE AUNTIE IRIS at the Stroud Children's Bookshop, 10, Union St, Stroud, Gloucestershire 01453 750055

Sean lives in Brazil most of the year so this is a once in a blue moon opportunity to meet the both of us together.

Come along, have a chat, buy a book! Looking forward to meeting you.

Who Ate Auntie Iris- Shortlisted for Junior Magazines Picture Book of 2012

The Junior Design Awards shortlisted Who Ate Auntie Iris for their best picture book 2012 category.
The winner was Press Here by Hervé Tullet
Still, fab to be shortlisted!


http://www.juniormagazine.co.uk/

Review by Catherine O'Dolan:
There's a miscellany of roguish tenants in the apartment block where Auntie Iris (a chincilla) resides with her family. On the first floor, there's a grumpy clans of grizzly bears; on the second floor, there's a toothsome crocodile, and on the third floor, a crew of drooling wolves who look intent on making mischief. With a bunch of neighbours like this, it's no wonder that Iris's young nephew is sent into something of a tizz when Iris disappears, and all that's left is her hat! But as he quizzes all the neighbours, they each plead ignorance of her whereabouts: the bears have been busily watching their favourite Porridge Chef on TV; the crocodile has been entertaining a coterie of pals in his new hot tub, and the wolves have been practising their yoga.

Turns out that Iris has actually been getting aquainted with her brand new neighbours, a burly family of lions – though she's not sure she should accept their invitation: “We'd very much like to ask you around, and have you all for a meal!”

Children will enjoy the playful portrayl of different animal stereotypes, as well as the fun double entendre in the lion's words, especially as Hannah Shaw's perfect illustrations give them a gleeful glint in their eyes!

Who Ate Auntie Iris? by Sean Taylor and Hannah Shaw (Frances Lincoln, £11.99).

Who Ate Auntie Iris? Come and find out!

Cheltenham types, Saturday the 7th of April from 10:30 onwards (until about 2ish) I'll be in Cheltenham Waterstones signing copies of Who Ate Auntie Iris?



I'll be drawing lots of scary wild animals too, so come join me, get a signed copy and maybe even draw your own animal.

I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Happy Easter.

World Book Day Visits

I've been so busy I've hardly had time to update my blog, as well as the new books I'm working on I've been visiting schools for World Book Day. One of the schools I visited just happened to be my old school, Stroud Valley Primary. It's changed quite a bit since I went there (it used to be on two different sites) but all the staff are just as lovely and the children were really enjoyed drawing animal characters with me.

Here's some pics, by the talented photographer Simon Pizzey. Some of these appeared in the Gloucestershire Citizen a few weeks ago..now I'm off to visit another school!

All photos courtesy of Simon Pizzey, Gloucestershire Media.

Claws of CRIME!

Have you ever heard of a cat stealing a sword? 

Have you ever seen an old lady eating a jelly bean sandwich?

Have you ever had to find your kidnapped baby sister?

... With a egg boiling lie detector machine?

NO? Then you really ought to read the new Casper Candlewacks in the CLAWS of CRIME. 

Written by the sickeningly young and exceptionally talented Ivan Brett, it's the second in the series of Casper's hilarious adventures. 

It was out a few weeks ago but I've been busy finishing lots of exciting new projects that I haven't had a chance to rave about it. 

I will be uploading pics to my website next month. (You may have guessed that I did the illustrations)

In the meantime : Here's a nice review 

Jingle Jangle...

Hippy, Hoppy, Happy Holidays!

It's been a very busy year for me and I've been so frantic this month I've been rather slack with my blog. You'll be pleased to know that I haven't been sitting in the dark muttering "Bah Humbug!" and burning chesnuts or kicking snowmen. I've actually been beavering away at my latest picture book project. It's a hilarious badger themed caper called THE DISGUSTING SANDWICH and is written by the exceptionally talented Gareth Edwards -you may have seen that I gave a sneaky preview of it earlier in the year.

As I have simply been so blissfully unaware of the outside world for a few months, I completely forgot about sending cards ... so to cheer things up a bit I selected 3 of my favourite images from THE DISGUSTING SANDWICH that relate to Christmas day.  I'll be donating Christmas card and stamp money to the RSPCA and their Badger campaign.

GO Badgers! Go Santa! Merry Christmas one and all.

Oh and remember, one of my books would make a lovely christmas pressie!

CHRISTMAS is all about

*Sharing*

*Eating* (mmm Slugs)

and finally *Sleeping!*

Zzzz

Julia Donaldson book covers

I'm very lucky to be illustrating some books for none other than Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson. The books will be published by Barrington Stoke next year and will be perfect for dyslexic or reluctant readers. I'm really looking forward to illustrating the interiors soon but in the meantime, here are some covers to get excited about.

Happy Halloween!

Hello monsters and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Do you need a guide to learn how to be proper monsters?
Well I know of just the thing.

The Awfully Bad Guide to Monster Housekeeping is being launched at the Ministry of Stories this week!

I've illustrated to FOOD guide and I can safely say it's utterly revolting!

It's been written by school children and a poet Naomi Woddis and I've done some gruesome illustrations- see below.
It will be available to buy online or at Hoxton St Monster supplies.

All profits will go to the Ministry of Stories.

So get your grubby mitts on some copies as they will make a fab halloween pressies.

School for Bandits Events

I had a fab Saturday in Gloucestershire /Wiltshire with some keen young bandits... err readers! The morning was spent at the wonderful Yellow-Lighted Bookshop in Nailsworth- see the great window display pics. The shop looked like a glitter bomb had gone off after the mask and loot sack decorating workshop! Much fun was had by all.

In the afternoon I was in Malmesbury at the town hall, giving a talk and presenting certificates to those clever folk who had completed the library Summer Reading Challenge. Despite my rather poor attempt at drawing Ralph Racoon (Why is sketching on flip-charts so hard!?) I managed to sign lots of books and give out tonnes of chocolate coins. Thanks to librarian Carolyn Kennedy and her helpers for organising such a great event.