Graham Carter’s stunning new cover illustration for the Egmont Modern Classic, National Velvet by Enid Bagnold, is published this week. The most famous and loved racing story of all time, this is a classic tale of dreams, ambition and one girl’s belief in a horse. First published in 1935, National Velvet is the story of a 14-year-old girl named Velvet Brown who is mad about horses. When she wins a piebald horse in a raffle, she knows he’s something special. His heart is as big as the five-foot fences he jumps, and he’ll do anything for Velvet. Soon, she and her friend Mi have their sights set on the biggest race in England. But can a girl win the Grand National steeplechase?
Graham incorporated the silhouette of a horse with the thrill of the steeplechase, all set within a quintessential English countryside scene. He also had to include a circular device for the title to be in keeping with Egmont’s previous modern classics. The result is a beautiful cover which refreshes this classic tale and is sure to appeal to a modern readership.
