Halibut Jackson: 1

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an impressive debut. His tale has classic narrative elements that support a firm visual authority. The lyrical ease of Lucas’s line recalls the aesthetics of an earlier era and greats like Ludwig Bemelmans and Jean de Brunhoff.’ New York Times Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments LoveReading4Kids exists because books change lives, and buying books through LoveReading4Kids means you get to change the lives of future generations, with 25% of the cover price donated to schools in need. Join our community to get personalised book suggestions, extracts straight to your inbox, 10% off RRPs, and to change children’s lives.

This book shows a young boy who is very shy but has a hidden gift. Throughout the book, Halibut comes out of his shell and ends up becoming very popular with his gift. Themes like this one make me happy! Imagine how easy it would've been to be ourselves (and happy with it) at an early age in life. If only there were more people/books telling you there's nothing wrong in being shy or not wanting to be noticed.His books often draw on myths and fairytales, like Grendel - with its roots firmly in the legend of King Midas. Halibut styles his clothing so he will blend in with his surroundings, kind of like a chameleon does. He does not want people to notice him but is happiest when he can go on about his business anonymously. One day he receives a party invitation in the mail from the Queen inviting him to her big birthday bash at the palace. Halibut is very flattered by the invite but unsure if he should take it in. How in the world can he blend in to such opulence? He is moved so much that he has to search deep inside himself to see if he really could attend and overcome his shyness or should he pass because he would be too shy to step out and party with royalty. He did take that bold step after dreaming of creating a rich, silver and gold suit that he made into a reality. The suit is magnificent and blends perfectly with the luxuriousness of the palace setting, or is that the correct setting he should be focusing on? What happens to him at that party changes his life forever. Not only does he attend the party of the Queen but he becomes the star of the party, overshadowing even her Majesty, herself. He comes away from the celebration with a great feeling of self-confidence and with many new found friends. They inspire him to explore and exhibit the amazing talent that he possesses within himself. With much success in in his life now his shyness fades into oblivion. Born in Middlesborough to a teacher and a steelworker, David grew up as one of six identically dressed brothers - same jumpers, jeans and haircuts.

I like that good things happen to Halibut because he is brave and creative, that people respond to his art and his risk-taking, and that he becomes connected and successful in his community. David started drawing and writing his own stories as a child, but failed art O-level and left school at 16. Each opening in this gorgeous book by David Lucas is a visual delight. There is so much for readers to gaze at. Lucas achieves his amazing illustrations using a pen for crisp outlines and deep watercolour tones. His images are whimsical, witty and very original, and they engage the reader.Hello Yellow - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health and Support With Anxiety and Wellbeing - This is a very charming story about a very shy character who designs outfits which help him stay unnoticeable. One day he miscalculated and dressed in a jewellery type dress to blend into the Queen's palace but this time was a garden party. The fear creeped up on his spine. Everyone noticed his exceptional clothes made by him. Mr Halibut's world changed in a second, he became everyone's dressmaker, now he has friends. He is still shy but it does not matter anymore. I believe the world is alive with magic - and it's that feeling that really inspires my work. My drawing is picture-writing - I never draw from life - I make patterns, as if I were knitting with ink. Writing, for me, is pattern-making too - putting words together as if they were simple shapes, making story-patterns that are a mixture of autobiography and myth and fairytale. I spend the mornings writing, looking out onto the park, listening to the birds singing and the canal boats chugging past. I paint and draw in my studio near London Fields. As well as making picture books I'm also working on an illustrated fantasy novel."