Boing! a Bouncy Book of Bugs, written by bestselling poet James Carter and illustrated by Neal Layton is published by Otter-Barry Books this month. Their shared passion for the natural world is evident in this collaboration celebrating bugs and minibeasts – from grasshoppers, ladybirds and dung beetles to moths, flies, wasps – and even bedbugs. Including the extraordinary tardigrades who can live in outer space!
With 24 poems, including shape poems, riddles, rhyming poems and free verse, plus amazing and informative facts on every page, the world of insects is brought buzzing to life, matched by Neal Layton’s bug-tiful colour illustrations.
Here are a few highlights.
View more of Neal's wonderful interior illustrations from BOING! HERE. This is the third poetry book by James that Neal has illustrated for Otter-Barry Books - check out their other books A Ticket to Kalamazoo and Weird, Wild and Wonderful.
Neal's spontaneous engaging illustrations have adorned the pages of many publications from author illustrated non-fiction titles and picture books to collaborations with authors such as Michael Rosen and Cressida Cowell. Based on the south coast with his family much of his work is inspired by his passion for the environment, conservation and inclusivity. Working in pen and ink, collage and digitally his work has become a familiar and fondly loved by a generation of young readers. Neal has worked for clients including Hodder Children’s Books, Walker Books and Bloomsbury amongst many others.
You can find Neal on Instagram or view his delightful online portfolio over on our website. For more information regarding collaborating with Neal please email info@arenaillustration.com
Boing! a Bouncy Book of Bugs publishes on the 9th Jan with Otter Barry Books, you can order a copy here.
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