Emma Chichester Clark
Emma Chichester Clark was born on Hyde Park Corner, London, but grew up in the countryside in Ireland in an old white farmhouse surrounded by fields. She began to make books with sewn-up spines when she was about five.
At school, aged about 16, Emma discovered a love of illustration. She went to Bristol Polytechnic to do a Foundation course. She went on to study at the Chelsea School of Art and the Royal College, where she was taught by Quentin Blake. Her first book, Listen to This!, won the 1988 Mother Goose Award for best newcomer to children's book illustration.
Emma has gone on to illustrate books by Roald Dahl, Peter Dickinson, Kevin Crossley-Holland and Michael Morpurgo. She has also written and illustrated many of her own books, including the immensely popular blue Kangaroo series. The first book, I Love You Blue Kangaroo, won awards in Italy and the USA, as well as being shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal.
Books
Alice Through the Looking-Glass
Author: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Interest age: 5-7
Reading age: 7+
Alice walks through the mirror above the fireplace and into the topsy-turvy Looking-Glass Kingdom in this glorious retelling of Lewis Carroll's classic story.
Baby on Board
Author: Allan Ahlberg
Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 2-5
A trip to the beach with his sisters and friends develops into an epic adventure for a baby and his three toys. Written by a master storyteller, the drama builds with each turn of the page. Charming watercolours, reminiscent of a bygone era, bring the characters to life.
Bears Don't Read
Author: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: Harper Collins
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 6+
Bears Don't Read is a wonderfully engaging picture book about the joy of reading and how much fun it can be to help others.
Come to School Too, Blue Kangaroo
Author: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 5+
Lily thinks Blue Kangaroo might be nervous about starting school – but in fact he can’t wait to have fun and make some new friends.
Constance in Peril
Author: Ben Manley Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: Two Hoots
Interest age: 4-5
Ben Manley and Emma Chichester Clark’s absolutely delightful story about a much-loved toy will strike a chord of recognition in all children who may have a "Constance" doll of their own. Funny, charming and offbeat.
Eliza and the Moonchild
Author: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+
Moonchild gazes wistfully at the multi-coloured Earth from the monochrome moon. Then one night, he zooms Earth-wards.
Lulu and the Best Cake Ever
Author: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 6+
Poodle Lulu makes up her mind she is going to bake the Best Cake Ever and win the school cake-making competition. But in spite of her great ideas, things don't go to plan.
Melrose and Croc Beside the Sea
Author: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 6+
Little Green Croc is sulking and won't speak to his friend, Melrose the dog. Melrose decides to cheer up his pal. This is a delightful, heartwarming story about friendship.
The Misadventures of Frederick
Author: Ben Manley Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: Two Hoots
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 7+
Emily is playing in the forest when she sees a boy watching her from a grand house. She invites him to play, but his mother refuses - will Emily be able to convince him to face his fears and come outside? A sophisticated, skilful picture book.
The Pied Piper of Hamelin
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 6+
A spell-binding modern retelling of a classic children's tale by master storyteller Michael Morpurgo, with glorious illustrations by Emma Chichester Clark
The Rescue of Bunny Wunny
Author: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 4-5
Bunny Wunny belongs to Imelda. He has been her favourite toy ever since she was a baby. However, it’s not always easy being the favourite toy of such a bad-tempered girl. A wickedly funny story that highlights the importance of manners and respecting others.
Three Little Monkeys
Author: Emma Chichester Clark Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
Three Little Monkeys is the tale of Hilda Snibbs's attempts to keep a trio of messy monkeys under control - and the disasters that occur when she pops out for the afternoon. The story is a romp and promises lots of laughs.