Arena Illustration

03/09/2026

COVER REVEAL!! Check out this beaut - illustrated by Christopher Gibbs for Kat Ellis' THE STORYTELLER THIEF, publishing on 11th Feb 2027 by Harper Fire Books.

Witches are everywhere. And they’re not what you think. An unputdownable YA fantasy with a stunning, richly-imagined world, razor sharp writing, epic magic, and smouldering romance.

Pre-order your copy NOW!

27/08/2026

26/08/2026

Take a sneaky peek inside Little Acorn. Adam Stower has put together this lovely little video introducing Little Acorn, out now with HarperCollins Children's Books UK - watch him talk through the story and what inspired it. 😍

26/08/2026

Today's the day! We're celebrating the publication of 'Little Acorn - A Long Way Down' by Adam Stower - a brand new picture book from the award-winning author/illustrator behind the beloved Murray and Bun series.

Way up in the treetops sleeps a happy little acorn... until one day he tumbles all the way down to the forest floor with a THUMP! New friends Dormouse, Bird and Squirrel try to coax him into dancing, singing and playing - but all Little Acorn wants is to get back home. And that's easier said than done, especially with a hungry piglet on the loose!

A funny, tender story about courage, change and stepping outside your comfort zone - out now with HarperCollins Children's Books UK.

Read more on our blog: https://shorturl.at/WnEc2

20/08/2026

Great to see Joe Lillington's illustrations in Aquila Children's Magazine in their Ancient Civilisations issue. 😍

📖This summer, we’re probing the ancient world and learning about the early civilisations that shaped us, while doing a spot of myth-busting along the way. Get your copy of our Ancient Civilisations issue to separate the fact from the fiction!



➡️Check out AQUILA.co.uk!



✍🏻 Iqbal Hussain

🎨 Joe Lillington

20/08/2026

✨ Poetry can inspire, entertain and encourage children to see the world in new ways.

Our Children's Poetry Book of the Year award celebrates books that spark imagination, arouse emotions and explore ideas through the power of poetry.

Congratulations again to all of our shortlisted authors, illustrators and publishers. 💙

See the full shortlist here: https://tinyurl.com/Poetryshortlist

20/08/2026

🌟 From magical adventures to unforgettable friendships, great fiction opens up new worlds for young readers.

The Children's Book of the Year: Younger Fiction shortlist celebrates books that showcase exceptional storytelling for readers aged five to nine, with engaging characters and page-turning plots.

Proudly supported by LoveReading4Kids.

Congratulations to all of our shortlisted authors, illustrators and publishers! 🎉

View the full shortlist: https://www.theweekjuniorbookawards.co.uk/26/younger-fiction26?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=null

Usborne Publishing Magic Cat Publishing Bloomsbury Publishing UK Farshore Books Storymix

20/08/2026

Backpacks and lunchboxes at the ready! 🎒 It's back to school with Kristyna Litten's newest lullaby board book, 'I'll Love You Till the Sloths Start School' - the latest addition to the bestselling 'I'll Love You Till the Cows Come Home' series written by Kathryn Cristaldi, published with HarperCollins US and HarperCollins Children's Books UK.

Are the sloths late for lessons, or arriving fashionably on time for their own nocturnal timetable? Expect gentle humour, big-hearted reassurance, and Kristyna's trademark expressive illustrations bringing every creature to life.

Read more on our blog: https://shorturl.at/hgJgc

14/08/2026

Adventure lies beyond the cat flap again! The fabulous duo, Murray and Bun are back in "Murray the Explorer", the fifth outing in Adam Stower's brilliantly funny series - and this time our reluctant hero gets turned into an actual explorer. Peace and quiet officially cancelled.

Out with HarperCollins Children's Books UK on 27th August.

Head to our latest blog for the full story: https://shorturl.at/fqMFO

Pre-order your copy here: https://shorturl.at/pNxtR

13/08/2026

Drawing workshop with Adam Stower - at The Cartoon Museum.

Join bestselling author and illustrator Adam Stower as he brings to life his incredible new books: MURRAY THE EXPLORER, the fifth in the hilarious, beloved MURRY AND BUN series, and LITTLE ACORN, a gorgeous new picture book about friendship This engaging and interactive session will feature readings from the new books and unmissable insights into Adam’s creative process when it comes to both picture books and highly illustrated, comic fiction. Adam will also help budding artists unlock their illustration potential with some exciting, easy-to-follow draw-alongs! This event is perfect for all young budding illustrators.

27th of August, 14:00-15:30, the workshop portion of this event will last for 60 minutes, with the last 30 minutes being an opportunity to ask questions and have books signed by Adam.
Places on all workshops are limited, so advance booking is essential

Get your tickets here: https://www.cartoonmuseum.org/whats-on-events

Share your drawings with us by tagging us on Arena Illustration's facebook and instagram:

✨ Join the brilliant author and illustrator .stower at the Cartoon Museum for a fantastic Drawing workshop with everyone’s favourites, Murray and Bun and Little Acorn!

Get your tickets now - Link in bio✨