.jpg)
Hello! We had a wonderful weekend away, celebrating my Mother-in-Law Susan's 70th Birthday. And then today I heard some fantastic news, so I'll wait for another day to tell you about our time away.
That should probably read FANTASTIC news.
'The Pig's Knickers', written by Jonathan Emmett and illustrated by me, won TWO (!) awards at the Sheffield Children's Book Award yesterday.
We won best picture book, and overall winner! You can see the listing here. The shortlist for all the categories is here.
I did a blog post about this book earlier in the year, you can see it here.
I am in shock, good nice shock, about this wonderful news.
Jonathan Emmett and I won a prize for another book we did together, back in 2004, the first book in the series of mole books, 'Bringing Down The Moon'. It was the Kiekeboekprijs, in Holland, and we were flown over to Amsterdam for three days to go to the awards ceremony, and be interviewed by journalists. The publishers Van Goor accommodated us in a very, very nice hotel in Amsterdam, I had an enormous room, and the visitors book was full of the signatures of famous writers.
I wasn't able to go to the awards ceremony for the Sheffield Children's Book Award, but Jonathan Emmett and my art editor Julie, (who I have worked with on most of my books for Walker Books), did go to the ceremony. Apparently Jonathan wore some great big spotty knickers over his trousers, to receive the award, wonderful!
I hope the knickers Jonathan wore were identical to Pig's knickers.
At the back of the book, is a page showing other books Jonathan has written and I have illustrated.
But this is a little out of date now, as the fifth book in the mole series has just been published!
'A Secret Worth Sharing'.
There's some exciting news for this book too, because it's going to be on CBeebies bedtime hour next week, Friday 9th December.
It is such a sweet, sweet, sweet story, this book, I'd like share it with you, and do a blog post about it next week.
And these books, are they for sale? Yep, they are indeed, perhaps in your local bookshop, or on amazon.
You can buy 'The Pig's Knickers' from amazon here (UK), or here (USA).
And 'A Secret Worth Sharing' is available from amazon here (UK), or here (USA).
The wonderful thing about the Sheffield Children's Book Award, is that the winning books are chosen by children. Many children from lots of different schools.
There were a lot of children at the awards ceremony, and when Jonathan phoned me this morning to tell me about the Pig's Knickers winning two prizes, he related that when our books title was announced, there was the most enormous roar of cheering from the children, it must have been wonderful to have heard it.
It must have been pretty wonderful and funny to see Jonathan accept the award in a big pair of polka dot knickers.
Cheerio! Vanessa xxx
Am I the first to comment? That's new one! as your blog readers are usually so active... Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS! It's a very nice book with brilliant pictures, so it deserved to win, but now we will want photos of Jonathan in his big knickers... I'm sure someone took a few during the ceremony :)
Posted by: Kristina | November 30, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Oh my! I'm delighted you've won this award. Your talents amaze me, and I'm so happy to find that your obvious skills do not go unrecognized. I'm sending you a round of applause, along with a great big hug from me!
Posted by: Jan | November 30, 2011 at 07:18 PM
Ooooh Vanessa I am so very thrilled and happy for you! I can quite see why the book won. When you told us about it it the other blog post I thought the pictures were just adorable and it did make me laugh. Very very much deserved. Well done! Many congratulations. I think it is fair to say that everything you do, you add a certain flair and panache to. As you also show in your paper mache your characterisation is brilliant.
Great news about A Secret worth Sharing too. You must feel really happy that your lovely work is being appreciated so much. You know, one of the nicest things my daughter and I did when she was little was share books together. We spent hours cuddled up reading. They are great memories. Our books that we shared were great treasures and she still has them all. It is a fabulous gift to be able to illustrate books for children and really it is the enjoyment of picture books which makes children realise what fun books are and go on to enjoy reading too.
It's brilliant that your pictures are loved by children, that is a real gift. A good story with someone who knows how to interpret it with their pictures is a real joy.
Absolutely brilliant news, I'm so very pleased!
Posted by: Siobhan | November 30, 2011 at 07:37 PM
Congratulations!!!! How absolutely wonderful, filled me with a sense of lovliness, I'm so so delighted for you both, but especially for you Vanessa. I'm off to order both books for Annaliese, I really can't wait to share the books with her, especially as she'll have that connection with you and your utterly beautiful art work. Stay on cloud 9 for as long as you can, and savour that lovely moment. Love Sharon
Posted by: Sharon | November 30, 2011 at 09:23 PM
Hi Vanessa. After buying some of your lovely Christmas cards and a brooch recently I wanted more so bought the Pig's Knickers for my daughter for Christmas. She is a pig obsessive (she is 3 and a half) and will love it. I'm so happy that you are getting the recognition you that deserve. I can't wait to read the Pig's Knickers! Bx
Posted by: Becky | November 30, 2011 at 09:27 PM
Wow! That's fantastic news! Congratulations on receiving such a high honor!!
Posted by: Bonnie | November 30, 2011 at 09:27 PM
That is lovely news to hear. Well done indeed.
Posted by: Lucille | November 30, 2011 at 09:37 PM
Congratulations Vanessa. What wonderful illustrations.
Posted by: Gina | November 30, 2011 at 09:37 PM
The book looks gorgeous. It's the kind of book my (now 9 year old) son would have loved when he was younger. I might just have to buy it for myself!
Posted by: Jacqueline | November 30, 2011 at 09:49 PM
Vanessa, you clever cookie, you must be as happy as a pig in .... knickers, of course!!!! Hearty congratulations to you on your fantastic achievement. Well done!
Kate x
Posted by: harmony and rosie | November 30, 2011 at 09:53 PM
Bravo!x
Posted by: Kate | November 30, 2011 at 09:54 PM
What WONDERFUL news! Congratulations! You know, I must tell you a funny story. About a month before I discovered your blog (thanks to my mother's suggestion) the kiddos and I checked out Diamond in the Snow. We absolutely loved it! and I remember thinking how lovely the illustrations were. Speed ahead a month and I visited your blog to find out that it was YOU that did the illustrations. Well, I immediately felt a grand connection to you and have been a silent visitor ever since.
Your award is well deserved. Congratulations!
Posted by: Bethany Kartchner | November 30, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Congratulations Vanessa - so nice for you to have a well deserved accolade :)
Posted by: paintdropskeepfalling.wordpress.com | November 30, 2011 at 10:31 PM
What wonderful news!
Katie x
Posted by: Vintage Squirrel | November 30, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Congratulations to you. Such fabulous art work.
Posted by: Kentish Keg-Meg | November 30, 2011 at 10:34 PM
I bought this for my Grandson, he's just getting into books in a big way.
He loves it.
Posted by: Susan | November 30, 2011 at 10:52 PM
Wonderful news!
I actually came here to tell you a story about your illustrations.
I picked up a book yesterday called "Dear Father Christmas" by Allan Durant. When I introduced it to my grade 3 class today, I read the author and illustrator names and then had an "aha" moment. I blurted out "I know this illustrator!" then I had to backtrack and explain to the kids.
Anyways, it was a delightful surprise in my day. AND the kids absolutely loved the book and the pictures :)
Posted by: Melissa | November 30, 2011 at 11:39 PM
congratulations! not at all surprising that you have won this prize.
your piggy is polkadots is irresistible! hope you're celebrating in a v. nice way.
Posted by: mlle paradis | December 01, 2011 at 01:21 AM
fantastic Vanessa! I love that you and Jonathan have collaborated on so many projects, that is such a special professional relationship, and one that seems to really work! :OD SO proud for you and thrilled to hear of your news XXXXX
Posted by: Crochet with Raymond | December 01, 2011 at 03:40 AM
*C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S*!* Vanessa.. you are a star!! You must be so thrilled!
((hugs)), Teresa :-) from Oregon USA
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | December 01, 2011 at 05:12 AM
Wow Vanessa! Congratulations!!!!!
Posted by: sam | December 01, 2011 at 05:30 AM
What an honor! Congratulations! Well done you!
Posted by: Jeanne | December 01, 2011 at 05:48 AM
Congratulations, I love your blog and always look forward to new posts. Didn't realise you illustrated Bringing down the moon,thats a lovely book.
xxxx
Posted by: Susan Wright | December 01, 2011 at 07:37 AM
Oh well done Vanessa, such a wonderful thing to happen, and I can really see why, your illustrations are fab. I am going to buy a book for my granddaughter for Christmas, but which one???!!!!
xx Sandi
Posted by: Sandi Lee | December 01, 2011 at 07:41 AM
Fabulous news! Well done you.
:)
Posted by: cath w | December 01, 2011 at 07:54 AM
Wow, Vanessa, that is indeed FANTASTIC news. Well done, congratulations! I remember you posting about the Pig's Knickers and loved those spotty knickers then. I bet you are walking on air. The image of Jonathan wearing spotty knickers to receive his award is amusing. How exciting that you have another book being shown on CBeebies soon.
Posted by: Lynne | December 01, 2011 at 07:56 AM
My compliments, too!!! Wonderful news!!
love, alessandra
Posted by: Alessandra | December 01, 2011 at 08:47 AM
Congratulations! Vanessa on your well deserved win. I love your blog especially your papier mache animals.
Posted by: Catriona | December 01, 2011 at 09:07 AM
Vanessa, I am so very proud of you and I share your joy and satisfaction from across the Channel.
I am so very sorry to be a little late joining this marvellous party - I have been off line for a few days - but I hope you can hear blasting trumpets and clashing cymbals up in Northumberland?
Warmest wishes to a very talented artist.
ps I hope you too will be wearing your knickeres over your clothes. Maybe you could knit a pair to celebrate?
Posted by: Stephanie | December 01, 2011 at 09:53 AM
Congratulations Vanessa, brilliant news!!
Your illustrations are wonderful and to be chosen by the children themselves is indeed an honour. :)
Vivienne x
Posted by: greenrabbitdesigns | December 01, 2011 at 09:55 AM
Congratulations and well done to the two of you!! That looks like a gorgeous book, I think I might pick it up for my little niece for Christmas. I am glad you get recognised for your special talent Vanessa, you deserve it!! Cheers Julie:)
Posted by: Julie@ Little Woollie | December 01, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Congratulations! :-D
Posted by: Rachel | December 01, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Congratulations !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When you did your post about the book, I liked the drawings so much and wished my children were still little, so I could read it to them (all be it translated into Dutch :o)!!)
I think it's well deserved !!!
Posted by: Jacomijn | December 01, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Congratulations - I have a small tear in my eye at your lovely news.
Posted by: Liz A. | December 01, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Oh my Vanessa, what wonderful, WONDERFUL, news. You must be on the cloud ninest of cloud nines. Hugest congratulations to both you and Jonathan. I am now wearing a big grin on your behalf :D
Posted by: Annie | December 01, 2011 at 12:27 PM
Congratulations Vanessa!!
I'm going to buy it for myself on the title alone!!
Posted by: Gill | December 01, 2011 at 02:52 PM
I'm so VERY happy for you! Your art is amazing and this award couldn't have come to more deserving people. The story is adorable but in my (probably predjudiced) opinion - its the pictures that make the book. WELL DONE!
Posted by: Liz in Missouri (with Lucy) | December 01, 2011 at 03:14 PM
Congratulations Vanessa! What fabulous news. I LOVE the knickers!
Katie x
Posted by: Katie | December 01, 2011 at 03:34 PM
Congrats! Well deserved, I love that book! I work in a bookshop in Holland and I can tell you that the mole books are some of the most popular picture books we sell! I spotted the pig-book on display in our children's section a few months ago, it gave me a right giggling fit. So congrats!
Posted by: Stefanie | December 01, 2011 at 05:25 PM
Congratulations!! It's a superb book with the most delightful and wonderful illustrations - you deserve the prize!! Congratulations on the CBeebies spot - I'll set the timer!!
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | December 01, 2011 at 08:57 PM
Wow, it must be so wonderful to not only illustrate a book, but to win such an award. How fun!
Posted by: Holly McLean | December 01, 2011 at 10:11 PM
What a wonderful award - it must mean so much that the children were the judges too! Congratulations xxx
Posted by: Sarah - Crafts From The Cwtch | December 01, 2011 at 10:55 PM
oh Vanessa, this is such wonderful and exciting news!! i must say i would have dearly loved have seen Johnathan accept the award in a pair of polka dot knickers! what a giggle :D and is it wrong to imaging boris Johnson wearing them? because i absolutely can! haha your pictures really do have some of his eccentric charm ;) it has quite made my day reading such a happy and thrilling post and i offer you and Johnathan my warmest and heartiest congratulations on your well deserved success :)
i already have one of the books and have just purchased the other. i can't wait to read it with my grandson, he'll be so delighted because he loves the other books we have of yours, you are quite our favourite illustrator ❤
Posted by: 森 | December 01, 2011 at 11:20 PM
Hooray for Vanessa and Jonothan! Fantastic news and a great achievement...I can just hear the kids cheering your win and picture the spotty knickers that were worn. I will have to look out for that one it looks great, and the new mole one too :-)
Posted by: Baa-me Kniits | December 02, 2011 at 02:05 AM
Congratulations! That is great news. I will go out and buy this book for my little girl as soon as I can. She loves books and I'm always happy to but them for her. Well done!
Posted by: Elisabeth | December 02, 2011 at 08:13 AM
That's very much deserved good news for a terrific book Vanessa - well done to you both. I'm looking forward to seeing what you are going to sknitch in celebration.
Posted by: Caroline | December 02, 2011 at 10:28 AM
Many many congratulations, Vanessa. I LOVE that book, and so do the grandsons! Thomas was shortlisted last year and he also said the best thing was that the children had chosen the books that they liked best, and the wonderful vibe of having the auditorium filled with children.
love Penny x
Posted by: Planet Penny | December 02, 2011 at 11:12 AM
Hi Vanessa,
CONGRATULATIONS!!!Well done to all of you!
I`m going to order that book it looks fab, i`m not too old am i, 58!! :-(
Oh well i like it!
Love Carole from Rossendale xxx
Posted by: Carole | December 02, 2011 at 11:43 AM
Congratulations Vanessa!
Posted by: Mieke | December 02, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Congratulations Vanessa!! Very well deserved. I'm delighted for you!
Posted by: Tessa | December 02, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Many, many congratulations, your awards are extremely well deserved.
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 02, 2011 at 04:38 PM
Congratualtions Vanessa and Jonathan! Well deserved!!
Dawn x
Posted by: Dawn Nelson | December 02, 2011 at 08:39 PM
Congratulations!!
Posted by: Brooke | December 03, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Well done that girl!!
The Pig's Knickers will be coming my way very soon!
Many congratulations indeed.
Sue
xx
Posted by: sew | December 03, 2011 at 08:53 AM
Congratulations! Well deserved! x
Posted by: Terrie | December 03, 2011 at 12:46 PM
It does not surprise me, your illustrations are amazing. We all love the mole books when our children were younger and I have them on a shelf in my bedroon now, I can't bear to put them away!
Posted by: Alison | December 03, 2011 at 01:51 PM
Congratulations Vanessa!!! Your books are so wonderful and I love your happy style!
xxx Teje
Posted by: Teje & Nero | December 03, 2011 at 06:23 PM
That's great news! I love your work & enjoy your blog & I'm delurking to congratulate you on the wonderful awards.
Posted by: Natalie | December 03, 2011 at 11:56 PM
Congratulations! Your illustrations in the book are fun and fantastic and so deserving of your nice award! So glad you share your talent with us!
Posted by: Bess | December 04, 2011 at 12:49 AM
How lovely to see your beautiful chook dancing with its balloon on Loani's Queen of the Tea Cosies/ Grand Burl Baa blog, then click across to see your whimsical pig in bloomers illustrations. Congratulations, and I'm so pleased that I followed the links halfway around the world hopping from the Central Tablelands of NSW, to QLD's Noosa, to here.
Steph, aka The Mad Magpie in the Nest
Posted by: Magpie's Nest | December 04, 2011 at 02:50 AM
So happy for you, Vanessa!
love, Barbara :) x and x from Snowy too
Posted by: Barbara | December 04, 2011 at 08:41 AM
Congratulations to you both!
Posted by: suse | December 04, 2011 at 10:47 AM
hi vanessa, did you know amazon (u.s.) is sold out of this book?! they said a new shipment is on the way.
so exciting. i have to be patient...
:)
Posted by: lori | December 06, 2011 at 06:36 AM
Oh, I've been away for a few days and I've only just read your post - congratulations, I'm really happy for you!
Posted by: Mojca | December 06, 2011 at 03:01 PM
Congratulations on this big award! You certainly deserve it. You are an amazing artist with a variety of talents. I don't know how you decide what to do each day. You do so many things brilliantly. Just looking at the pictures on your blog brightens up my day.
Posted by: debbieamy | December 06, 2011 at 03:05 PM
Congratulations Vanessa, beautiful illustrations, no wonder the book won.
Carol xx
Posted by: Carol | December 07, 2011 at 03:39 PM