Jacqui is Here!

I am deeply honoured to have illustrator extraordinaire, Jacqui Grantford, visiting me here in the toy room. Welcome, Jacqui. Hold on a second and I’ll make room for you here on the shelf.

There we go, now careful not to tread on the other toys’ heads as you climb up. Comfy? Right, let’s get on with it.

So, Jacqui is here as part of her blog tour, celebrating the release of her latest picture book, Squeezy Cuddle Dangly Legs, written by Peter Whitfield and published by New Frontier publishing. Of course, Jacqui is better known as my official portrait painter, having been the illustrator who worked on my life story.

1. So, Jacqui, congratulations on the new book. Was it as fun to work on as my life story?

It was super fun. It’s a different book to your life story. No singing and dancing, but lots of bedtime fun. It would be a good book for you and Primula to read to any of the smaller toys in the toy room.
And there are some grumpy faces like yours used to be, Pemberthy. The little girl often looks grumpy about having to go to bed.

2. Of course, when you worked on my life story, you had two very compliant models – myself and the lovely Primula Doll - as well as my other toy room friends. Who were your models this time around and were they as easy to work with (and as good looking)?

They weren’t nearly so furry as you, Pemberthy. Sophia and Grace were the models and Sophia owns New Frontier Publishing. They were lovely to work with and very good at acting. Grace wanted to know if she could have your autograph at some stage. She’s a big fan.

3. I notice there’s a very familiar looking book cover in one of the scenes of Squeezy Cuddle Dangly Legs. Can you tell me a bit about how you came to include it?

The book cover is the one and only fabulous and famous Pemberthy Bear! I had to choose a book to illustrate, so I put in one of my favourites. And all the kids I show are so excited when they see you. They think you’re very handsome and gorgeous.

4. As you know, I like to read to the younger toys on a regular basis, most of whom are too young to read as well as I can. What age group would you recommend Squeezy Cuddle Dangly Legs for? Have you read to any children yourself – and what has been their reaction?

I’d recommend the book for 2 to 6 year olds. I read it to some prep children and they absolutely adored it. All kids can relate to butterfly kisses and ‘this little piggy’. The younger toys will love it and it should help them to get to sleep.

5. So, what’s next for Jacqui Grantford? Any more picture books in the pipeline?

I’m developing a couple that I’ve written, but I’m hopelessly superstitious and can’t say what yet. You’ll love them though, Pemberthy, and I’ll be sure to show you first so you can read them in the toy room.



Thanks so much for dropping by, Jacqui. Now, let’s go have a song and dance, while you’re here!

You can follow Jacqui on her virtual book tour by visiting these venues:
Day 1 - Saturday 10 November -- Bren MacDibble's Beast of Moogill
Day 2 - Sunday 11 November - Sally Murphy's "Scribblings"
Day 3 - Monday 12 November - Robyn Opie's "Writing Children's Books"
Day 4 - Tuesday 13 November - Pemberthy Bear's "Pemberthy's Ponderings"
Day 5 - Wednesday 14 November - Claire Saxby's "Let's Have Words"
Day 6 - Thursday 15 November - Tina Marie Clark's "What is Happening in my Office?"
Day 7 - Fri 16 Nov - Sally Odger's Spinning Pearls

You can purchase the book online, direct from the publisher.
And, you can visit Jacqui online at:
http://www.jacquigrantford.com/