Arena Illustration

28/05/2026

The perfect book for half-term that will keep your little detectives busy... 😍

Ivy and Bearlock Holmes 2: The Mystery of the Dinosaur Fossil is out this week!

🔎 15 interactive puzzles
🦴 A mystery inspired by real-world fossils
✏️ Written and illustrated by

28/05/2026

We're thrilled to announce that Arena agent Caroline Thomson will be mentoring as part of this year’s The Association of Illustrators Mentorship Scheme 🎉⁠

The programme supports under represented illustrators by pairing mentees with experienced illustrators and agents to help develop personal and professional illustration goals over a 6-month period.⁠

The scheme is free and open to all illustrators (whether members of the AOI or not) who are under represented in our industry and seeking support, guidance, and community.

Applications are open until Wednesday 17th June 2026. For more information and to apply, head over to The Association of Illustrators: https://theaoi.com/news/aoi-mentorship-callout-for-applications-2026⁠

Illustration by Dan Woodger
⁠

27/05/2026

🎉🎉It’s here!!!!🎉🎉

Can YOU guess the titular animal from my very soon-to-be announced children’s book?!!!

Is it another polar bear? A penguin? An eagle? A dolphin? Or something completely different?

Pop your guess in the comments. Go all in with an emoji for extra fun!

The winner will receive a signed copy of any of my books - you choose which one! Excluding this one as it’s not out yet!

If more than one person guesses the correct animal, then I’ll pick one winner at random. 🥰

✅ Pls put your guess in the comments.
✅ Brownie points for tagging friends.
✅ Even more brownie points for sharing this to stories or your grid or whatever you like!
✅Competition closes midnight Tuesday 2nd June. Any guesses after this will not be considered.
✅Open to overseas. I love my international readers!
✅ Good luck!! 🤞🏻

One fact for you - I have been on a research trip in the past year & it was pretty epic! However I did not share this online as it would have given the game away. 😂😂

As for the book itself, as ever illustrated by the extraordinarily talented Levi Pinfold & the cover already looks STUNNING.

Happy guessing everyone. I love hearing your animals! This is always one of my fave parts of the year!!!

Big love. ❤️

PS - if you are part of my “Bear Club” newsletter then I am doing the same competition but giving away a full set of my books to one lucky winner.

27/05/2026

NEW BLOG POST ALERT: There's a particular kind of magic in a book cover that makes you hold your breath and Frances Castle's wraparound illustration for 'Where the Tide Lines Lead' is exactly that.

Sophie Cameron's YA mystery, published by Little Tiger Books, plunges readers into the sun-drenched yet shadow-filled waters off the Spanish coast, where teenagers are vanishing without a trace and the sea holds secrets of its own.

Read more: https://shorturl.at/AtUlE

21/05/2026

The case is open. 🔍🦕

Ivy and Bearlock Holmes: The Mystery of the Dinosaur Fossil by Kristyna Litten is OUT TODAY! Published by Magic Cat Publishing.

A rare fossil has vanished from Jurassic Ridge and only one bear detective (and his very capable granddaughter) can crack it. Ivy and Bearlock are back with another adventure!

With 15 puzzles woven throughout and real facts about dinosaurs, fossils and conservation, this is the children's book that has it ALL.

Perfect for ages 5–8 and anyone who loves a good mystery. 🐻🔎

Read more in our latest news 👉 https://shorturl.at/ydCuA

Get your copy: https://shorturl.at/Lp69O

20/05/2026

Step into a world where imagination leads, music stirs curiosity and a simple stick can become anything at all. Inspired by Stanley’s Stick, written by John Hegley, illustrated by our very own Layton, and published by Hodder Children's Books, this moment celebrates National Share-a-Story-Month with a joyful blend of rhythm, narrative and creativity for young children whilst Neal creates a collaged picture before your eyes!

This event is a Go All In Together! moment, part of the National Year of Reading 2026 - watch it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/yC76vPYMC5M?si=ic8_Wmb1TdMHDx9j

Hachette Children's

Step into a world where imagination leads, music stirs curiosity and a simple stick can become anything at all. Inspired by Stanley’s Stick, written by John ...

19/05/2026

19/05/2026