Dear Father Christmas...............

Hello dear readers................... is it still too early to mention Christmasy things?! I imagine it is for some, but not early enough for others. Well, I'm going to risk going in at the deep end, by showing you my latest book, published in October of this year. The book ends with the pop-up you see above, quite a dramatic ending don't you think?

Maybe I should start at the beginning, rather than the end.

This book is a follow on from the first Christmas book I did, "Dear Father Christmas", or "Dear Santa" as it's known in the States.  Apart from the story and illustrations, they both have a lot of little envelopes inside them, which contain extras, exciting extras.

I don't know about you, but when I'm shopping for books on Amazon, I always find it frustrating that I can't have a flick through the book I'm interested in. A few times, I've bought a book, thinking it looked great because the cover made it look great, and then when I receive it in the post, I'm a bit disappointed. So I thought I'd show you a wide selection of pictures, and those little extras, from my new book, "Dear Father Christmas, Get Well Soon", to give you a good idea of what the content is like.

The above picture is actually the second spread in the book. Holly has woken up to find Father Christmas has left her a letter at the bottom of her bed. Holly's delighted by this, as she and Billy (her little brother), were getting very excited about the arrival of Christmas.

There is just one fly in the ointment, the letter in the envelope is actually written by a Christmas Elf, saying there's an emergency, Father Christmas is unwell! The Christmas Elf begs Holly to write Father Christmas a letter to cheer him up.

Holly, being the obliging little girl that she is, writes back to the Christmas Elf, and you get to see her letter , next to the picture above. Holly also wants to know what the Elfs name is. (Quite right too).

That night, the Elf flies in to pick up Holly's letter, and takes it all the way back to Lapland.

You then get the Elf's response. AND you get a nice surprise gift, in the form of a card from the Elf:

It's actually a pop-up card, on which Elf reveals his name to be Harvey.

There's Father Christmas, sitting in his armchair, reading Holly's letter. And just look at all those letters he still has to read, stacked up on the mantel piece. There's not a moments rest for him this time of year, is there?

And Harvey, in his letter, tries to push his luck a bit (if you ask me), and asks Holly to help out with getting all the presents ready!

The next day, Holly finds the time to write back to Harvey, despite a busy day of putting up the Christmas decorations.

Holly's letter cheers up Father Christmas no end.

After seeing to it that Father Christmas is comfortable, Harvey attends to his chores, and then sits down to write a reply.

(Fancy having correspondence with a Christmas Elf hey! What fun!)

Apart from enclosing his letter to Holly in the envelope, Harvey also pops in a little something extra:

His special Christmas recipes! Well! Who'd have thought, cooking tips from an Elf, it really doesn't get much better than that, does it? There are more recipes on the other side of the folding card too.

Holly loves Harvey's letter, and the recipe book, and she can't wait to tell Harvey all about how they got their Christmas tree. Holly even bakes Father Christmas a biscuit/cookie.

Father Christmas is still a little unwell, he's sneezing a bit, but, he can get out of bed, which is a good sign, isn't it? Of course Harvey is making sure Father Christmas is safe and warm, and he's still keeping up the correspondence with Holly on Father Christmas's behalf. And with his letter this time, Harvey includes...................

Oooohh! Some stencils! Harvey thinks Holly might like to use them to make her own Christmas decorations.

It's now only two days till Christmas, and there's snow outside! Yipee! Holly and Billy are watching carol singers from their window, everything is simply magical.

But little does Holly know that things are soon going to get even better.

Meanwhile, "back at the ranch", everyone is panicking.

Elves are running about madly, trying desperately to finish gifts, wrap them, sort them, and generally get organised.

But look who's up and about! It's Father Christmas! Phew. He still feels a bit wobbly though, and is worried he's going to let all those little children down, there are lots of people who depend on him.

Can we see what's going on to the left a bit please?

Thank you.

When Harvey hears that Father Christmas is worried, and a little bit miserable, he knows he needs to act fast.

Off Harvey flies, into the night sky.

Well! What a surprise when Harvey returns home! He's brought Holly with him to cheer up Father Christmas, and help him on his round of gift giving. Father Christmas is positively thrilled to see Holly. It will make the long night ahead much more bearable, having Holly there to help him.

All night long, they go from house to house, landing on the rooves of houses, and having a very jolly time.  I imagine they get quite full from all the treats people leave out for them.

The last house they come to is Holly's, and they have to leave her here. No doubt Holly will be glad to get to bed.

And how does this story end?

HAPPILY! Yes, Father Christmas feels much better, and of course, there's all the gifts to be given to the Elves, to look forward to, and a nice hot cuppa and a bite to eat no doubt.

Oh I do like a nice reassuring story, and at this time, it's always nice to have a bit of glitter and sparkle too. This last spread of the book has a bit of the wow factor when you open it up. I didn't do the paper engineering for this, a special paper engineer did all the pop up miracle stuff, but I did paint everything. When I was painting the house, I wanted to take full advantage of the fact that you can actually peer into the windows.

Oooohh look! The Elves are waving at us!

Wonder what those Elves in there are chatting about?

Here's some of Father Christmas's welcome home party, bet they're relieved to see him home safe and sound.

I do likethe idea of being able to physically look aroud a scene in an illustration, and with this pop-up, you really can do it! I remember as a child, turning books this way, and that, trying to see behind a figure, or round a corner, and getting very frustrated at the limitations a two-dimensional picture presented. The Reindeer, and all the figures in front of the house, incliding the sleigh, have their back views painted (very important the magic doesn't stop with the front view).  So you really can turn this picture this way and that, and have a very good nosy, without getting frustrated. The only drawback about this picture, is that the figures don't come alive and move around in the snow. Shame. You'll just have to imagine the stomping of Reindeer feet, the snorting of Reindeer noses, the excited chatter of the Elves, and the ho-ho-ho's of happy Father Christmas.

Now you've seen an abbreviated version of the story, and a selection of pictures, what do you think, would you like to see the full version? 

I just looked on Amazon, and it's very reasonably priced, and I have to say, what with all those extra treats, exceptional value for money. You can find it on Amazon for the U.K. here. And if you're in the States, you can find it on Amazon here.

I was going to show you the first Father Christmas book, but I think that's probably enough for now, I'll show it to you tomorrow.

It feels a little like I've just read you a quick bed time story! And what does one say after closing a book? Time to go to bed now, night-night.

See you tomorrow, love Vanessa xxx

Comments

[gill]

oh vanessa i love this!!
i have no small children any more but i'm just popping across to amazon now to buy a copy for me!!
congratulations! you are so talented
love gill xx

[RachelM]

Oh wow! You're book is beautiful!

[Lucille]

I'm sure I've spotted you and Hugo! I can see how much work this took. I must get one for a little girl I know it's a tour de force.

[Jane]

What a gorgeous book and your illustrations are superb - as always. Well done Vanessa - sleep tight!

Jane x

[Siobhan]

As soon as I saw those reindeer at the top I had to tell you that I love them loads! - I've seen reindeer everywhere this year, saw some on some Red Cross Christmas cards today, and I've got a reindeer shape drawn so I can be all artistic myself (in a very modest way sadly!) I love children's books - the artwork is often so beautiful. You've got a very special talent that enables you to make lots and lots of children very happy. I know I would have been asked to read this many many times when my daughter was small. Totally charming. You must get lots of satisfaction from your work; I hope you do! I completely love the pop-up bits especially. I love all the detail - like the little elf having a stretch and a yawn. Thanks for showing it to us. Really Christmassy and imaginative.

[bakeandsewblog]

Oh Vanessa, it is beautiful, and full of such gorgeous Christmassy detail. You are so talented. x

[natalie]

How very beautiful... if only I had just a teeny tiny bit of your talent,artistic flair and style I'd be soooo happy!!

[Heather]

Vanessa the book is beautiful ... you are so talented! I've so enjoyed "reading" it on here :-D thank you for sharing. You must be very proud of it though.

seriously amazing paintings, I can't stop looking at them!

xxxxxx

[Jennyff]

That is so beautiful and so very Christmasy, thank you for showing us. I loved pop up books when I was a little girl, many years ago, and always took great care of them. I have someone in mind who is only a few weeks old but will enjoy that book when she is a bit older.

[Vivienne]

What a beautiful book. You are a very talented artist. :)

[wonderwoman]

what a lovely book - you are so talented, your pictures are beautiful.

xx

[Erica K]

I absolutely LOVE it! And thank you so much for the link...you know a search on the US Amazon doesn't bring it up...how did you find it? And the original is only in a mini-version. I'd like that one too. Do you have a link for that?

[Erica K]

I was wrong...I didn't click the little see more results button!

[Kate Bruning]

Now Vanessa, did you get Hugo to pose as Father Christmas or as Harvey... I am going to have to ring around our bookshops as I want that book and I want it now (as well as an oompa-loompa). Love, love, love the shoes from yesterday - the computer was being a little sulky and I banished it to the corner of the room. Do you sometimes just sit with them on and wiggle them about and sigh about how lucky your little footsies are. I know I would. Love Kate xxooxxooxx

[Jaki]

What a gorgeous book, and your illustrations are just beautiful...no wonder you disappear on us now and then when you are busy with your work!!
Thanks for the preview :)

[Barbara]

Vanessa these are the most beautiful illustrations, be very proud of all you have created.
This reminds me of a book my two sons loved years and years ago called A Letter to Father Christmas by Rose Impey and Sue Porter. I still put it out on top of the bookshelf at this time of year. By mistake she posts a shopping list in place of a letter to Father Christmas.
May I put a link to your blog on mine,your crochet and pink studio are so pretty, I hope that will be OK.
I have just seen a blue and white knitted blanket in the op shop down the road, may have to go back for it - for our dear Snowy Westie's present!
The happiest Christmas to you all :)

[Grammy]

You did a beautiful job with this book. I love all the pop ups. And illustration is wonderful.

[brooke]

Really beautiful illustrations (and story). The details are wonderful...I especially love the white blanket at the end of Holly's bed.

[kitschen pink]

As the beautiful boy would say... "Again Again!" (repeat endlessly until desired re-reading is achieved!) t.xx

[Jane Neath]

Just placed my order for both books. They are magical and my kids are going to love them. With your permission I'd like to use them next week in a writing project at school for 9-10 yr olds. They will provide the visual stimulus needed for santa's workshop. Many thanks.jx

[sue]

What a beautiful book Vanessa you are very clever,it must have taken along time to do all the painting.Well done you.

Sue xxx

[Anna-Karin, Sweden]

Wow! Your pictures are gorgeous!!! I really want that book, but I guess it will not be published in Sweden... I think I have to order it from England, anyway.
Have a great weekend! Here, we'll celebrate "Lucia" on Sunday, it's so beautiful!

Love Anna-Karin xxx

[Nina - Tabiboo]

That is a beautiful book Vanessa - I love the illustrations and it is so detailed. The pictures are amazing and such a lovely story.

Have a wonderful day and weekend,

Nina x

[Pipany]

Oh Vanessa, it is beautiful. how I envy your talent. To be able to creat such wonderful images is amazing and is often what stays in the child's mind far beyond the tale. You clever thing. I hope the book sells by the armful xx

[Bee]

I have just ordered both Father Christmas books for my 3 year old grandson..and his baby sister..they look so enchanting, magical and I'm sure they will be read and re-read many times!
I don't often comment here but I look in on your lovely blog every day.

[driftwood]

what fantastic illustrations Vanessa, such exquisite detail. love it xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Rachel]

Oh Vanessa, you've illustrated this book beautifully! I love all the details and the colours you've used!It would make a wonderful gift!
I left a message on your last post to let you know that you've won the Christmas giveaway!If you could email me your address to [email protected],that would be great, I'll post it off to you straight away!
Have a lovely day!
Rachel x

[Margo K]

Vanessa, Thanks for sharing your work. I ordered it immediately and can't wait to have it in hand.....Christmas and children's sudden illnesses to be expected, why they can sympathise with Santa and hope, hope, hope for him.

[Becky]

Wow, thanks. I'd forgotten that you were an illustrator. Lovely work!

What I would be interested in is, more than the story line, is what it was like for you, as an artist in illustrating the book. How did you get into the biz, is it a difficult biz to get into, did you draw as a child, did you want to be an illustrator as a child, what's it like to work with someone who does the writing, how much freedom do you have choosing the content of the pictures, how long did you work on the book, is there pressure to work in high tech mediums as opposed to water colour etc, what's your favorite medium? I don't expect you to answer these particular questions, but as an artist (as a hobby) I'm curious.
Anyway thats what I would be interested in hearing about. Maybe one day?

Oh, and no it's not too early to be Christmassy. If you want an amazing vintage Christmas blast, go see Barbara's blog at oodles and oodles here http://www.bloglines.com/myblogs

thanks again for sharing!
Rebecca

[The Curious Cat]

Oh wow! I forget you do book illustrations! Amazing...you astound me all the time! xxx

[Janice Perkin]

wow it is fantastic - when I was teaching I used your first book lots of times and I never realisised it was you!!!!!!!!!! - I am going to be a grandma for the first time in March so this will be her Christmas present next Christmas!!! - i loved children's books and use to arrange lots of art weeks where the children got to meet authors and illustrators - it all started long ago when i first met Shirley hughes!

[martha in mobile]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful work!

[trashalou]

I am all gifted up for all the smalls in my life but it isn't too early to buy Christmas presents for next year is it??

[donna flower]

How wonderful Vanessa. I have already ordered this from Amazon for Lizzy because she loves your other book so much. I know she is going to adore this!!!

[Hampers]

I really love your Christmas cards, they look so beautiful. It was nice going through it. keep it up the good work.