James Mayhew
James Mayhew studied illustration at Maidstone College of Art. In 1994 he won one of the New York Times's Ten Best Illustrated Books awards for his work on The Boy and the Cloth of Dreams (Walker). Recently he has been writing stories especially for illustrators. James lives in Letchworth, Hertfordshire
Books
Boy
Author: James Mayhew Illustrator: James Mayhew
Publisher: Orchard Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 5+
Boy, a cave-boy, thinks the cave where he lives with his mother and father is too cold and dark. He tries a variety of other places to sleep, but all prove to be too dangerous.
Bubble and Squeak
Author: James Mayhew
Illustrator: Clara Vulliamy
Publisher: Orchard Books
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+
Two major figures in the children’s literature world come together on this loveable book.
Can You See a Little Bear?
Author: James Mayhew Illustrator: Jackie Morris
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 1+
Reading age: 5+
Little Bear journeys through an astonishing collection of magical settings, and meets many exotic animals as he drifts off to sleep. The text is a series of rhyming statements and questions which draw the child's attention into the pictures, and encourage them to search for the creatures and objects mentioned, and also to discover the wealth of other images …
Ella Bella Ballerina and The Sleeping Beauty
Author: James Mayhew
Publisher: Orchard Books
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 7+
Eager to discover whether the prince rescues the slumbering princess, Ella Bella waits for the other children to leave and then opens Madame Rosa’s enchanted musical box.
Katie and the British Artists
Author: James Mayhew
Publisher: Orchard Books
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 8+
This latest in a successful series of picture books, giving youngsters an accessible and entertaining introduction to fine art, has appeal as a story in its own right.
Katie and the Spanish Princess
Author: James Mayhew
Publisher: Hachette
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 6+
Katie meets the Infanta Margarita from a Velázquez painting and together they and a thieving magpie from a Goya travel in and out of paintings.
Katie's Picture Show
Author: James Mayhew
Publisher: Orchard
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 6+
Beautifully illustrated and full of joy and humour, this is the perfect introduction to art for younger children.
Nen and the Lonely Fisherman
Author: Ian Eagleton Illustrator: James Mayhew
Publisher: Owlet Press
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+
Merman Nen loves to explore the ocean but his heart feels empty. One night, a lonely fishman called Ernest hears his song and the pair strike up an affectionate relationship. A tender tale of love and acceptance, with lyrical text and atmospheric illustrations.
When Dragons are Dreaming
Author: James Mayhew Illustrator: Lindsey Gardiner
Publisher: Orchard Books
Interest age: 3-5
Reading age: 6+
It’s night time and dragons should be dreaming but, in the bright light of a full moon, one little dragon is awake and watching fairies dancing and playing in the trees.