Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books GRAND FINAL Children's Book Cover Illustration Winner 2023/24

The latest installment of our captivating children's book cover competition has concluded, marking another outstanding year for children's book cover illustration.  We extend our deepest gratitude to all the voters, supporters, talented illustrators, dedicated authors, and forward-thinking publishers who rallied behind our annual competition. Despite the challenges in garnering attention on social media, we've navigated through five brilliant rounds, buoyed by your adventurous and discerning votes. 

This journey has allowed us to highlight and showcase 36 exceptional book covers, although the sheer abundance of talent and remarkable illustrators meant that many more could have been featured. Regrettably, not all receive the recognition they truly deserve, but we aspire on our website to illuminate their creative brilliance and efforts. 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who championed and voted for these covers throughout the rounds - your support has truly done them justice.  It brings me immense joy to reveal that the winning book cover was illustrated by Hannah McCaffery for Bex Hogan's "Bronte Tempestra and the Lightning Steeds," set to be published by Piccadilly Press on February 1, 2024. Another worthy winner to go into the Hall of FAME. 

Claire Fayers - Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

We are so super excited to tell you about this book. I was hooked and reeled in by the title never mind the book cover illustration (above) which looks absolutely amazing. My expectations were high and I was really looking forward to starting the journey. I had read many of the author's previous books which I enjoyed but this book is absolutely earth-shatteringly brilliant. I loved every page of this fishy-bonkers, zany out-of-this universe adventure. It has to be one of the best books I've read this year. It has the most imaginative plot that fitted me like a fantasy glove. 

The more you read the bigger your smile. The characters are written with real depth as they move straight to your heart. They are an eclectic bunch of the weird and wonderful as they uniquely pull you through the narrative. You'll weave in and out of disaster and danger with high-octane, octopod action. The main characters are Fern Shakespeare and her talking plant, Morse. There's also Tapper Watson, an Erisean boy, who loves adventure stories and has 67 cousins. 

The adventure begins when the two galaxies (Fern and Tapper's) collide on an unscheduled visit to Earth. All aboard the submarine and the River Lethe where you'll catch up with a pair of trigger-happy lobster monsters carrying laser guns that turn everyone to stone. You'll then be introduced to a pair of smugglers that just can't help finding themselves in the thick of it. Finally, all the characters search for the mysterious Nemo Machine with the inventor (Fern's dad) whose favourite food is curry!

This book is fantastic - it is really refreshing with some excellent plot ideas that will keep you engrossed and captivated. The story is packed full of unique worlds and some clever, well-worked-out ideas. It's humourous in parts but also warm and tender in others. It delivers an ecological and social message that does not come at the expense of the story.  I was really sad to turn to the final page, however, these characters will stay with me (in my fantasy head and heart) for some time. I'm really hoping and wanting more books in this series soon. PLEASE! 

Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine will be published with suckers and tentacles on the 7th September 2023 by Firefly Press. Book Cover illustration by Becka Moor. Make sure you put it on your pre-order list order now. You will not be disappointed. 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Book Cover Competition Final Winner 2022/23

Another exciting children's book cover competition has drawn to a close; this was the fourteenth competition in fifteen years. We would like to thank every voter and supporter, illustrator, author, and publisher who got behind our little competition. We have had a challenging time shouting about this one and making it visible. However, we've had five fabulous rounds where you voted with a good sense of adventure. We're delighted to have showcased 34 brilliant book covers. We could have chosen many more as there is such a wealth of talent and such amazing illustrators around. Unfortunately, they do not always get the credit they really deserve but we hope this platform helps to highlight such creative talent and work. A big thank you to everyone who supported and voted for them through the rounds - you have done them proud. 

Last night, the final came to a fantastic conclusion with another excellent winner ... I'm delighted to announce that the winning book cover was illustrated by Becka Moor for the second book by Jo Clarke - Libby and the Highland Heist (The Travelling School Mysteries Book 2) which will be published by Firefly Press on the 19th January 2023. 

You can check out more of her brilliant work on her website HERE. We welcome her to the hall of fame featuring all the other past winners across the years (see below). Many congratulations, Becka!

2009/10 - Jon Mayhew 'Mortlock' Illustrated by Christian Lorenz Scheurer

2010/11 - Darren Shan 'Birth of a Killer' Illustrated by David Wyatt

2011/12 - Curtis Jobling 'Werewolf: Shadow of the Hawk' Illustrated by Andrew Farley

2012/13 - Thomas Taylor 'Haunters' Illustrated by Steve Wells 

2013/14 - Niel Bushnell 'Timesmith' Illustrated by James Fraser 

2014/15 - M. G. Harris/Gerry Anderson's 'Gemini Force One' Black Horizon Illustrated by Blacksheep

2015/16 -  M. G. Leonard 'Beetle Boy' Illustrated by Julia Sarda 

2016/17 - Roderick Gordon 'Summerhouse Land' - Illustrated by Stanley Donwood

2017/18 - (No Book Cover Wars) 

2018/19 - Vashti Hardy 'Brightstorm: A Sky-Ship Adventure' Illustrated by George Ermos 

2019/20 - Joan Haig - 'Tiger Skin Rug' - Illustrated by Annie Glennie

2020/21 - Nizrana Farook -' The Boy Who Met a Whale' - Illustrated by David Dean

2021/22 - Michael Mann - 'Ghostcloud '- Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Jo Clarke - Libby and the Parisian Puzzle (The Travelling School Mysteries 1) - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Author: Jo Clarke

Book Title: Libby and the Parisian Puzzle

Series: The Travel School Mysteries (Bk1)

Illustrated: Becka Moor

Publisher: Firefly Press (3 Mar. 2022)

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎978-1913102708 - Paperback 

Key Words: Mystery, Crime, Paris, Young Adults

The world of fun and mystery starts here with one of my favourite books of March 2022. Just imagine you could go to a school that changed its geographical location every month. Well, if you attended Mousedale's Travelling School this would be your reality. New York (overlooking the Statue of Liberty) followed by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. What an educational adventure and it is where we find Libby following in her adventurous footsteps. 

This is a classic detective mystery with a case to solve and a great location to go with it. It's a plot that starts with a mystery but it soon becomes a complicated puzzle to be solved by our unwilling protagonist and her newfound friend. The plot is well-written with some fantastic images that come to life in a whirlwind of action and some great references to the city of Paris. You'll certainly enjoy the illustration delights by Becka Moor that bring the story alive.

I very much enjoyed the slice of quirkiness from the character's perspective. Whilst I was hoping for a few more red herrings, the story nevertheless really sets up the series nicely for a few more adventures to create a fantastic series. 

This is a really great family fun adventure for everybody to read. It's a fast-paced narrative including a jewel robbery, hot chocolate drinking, and a fantastic friendship all set within the amazing backdrop of Paris. Get ready for a journey so grab a copy of the book, sit back and enjoy the ride - see you on the other side. 

Claire Fayers - Mirror Magic - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Book Review

The town of Wyse, set precisely on the border of England and Wales, is remarkable for one thing: it is the only remaining human town where magic works. 

When twelve-year-old Ava and her brother return to their birthplace of Wyse, they discover that their once-magical town has been losing its charms under the control of Lord Skinner. Uncovering a working magic mirror, Ava opens an unauthorized link to the twinned town of Unwyse, where she meets Howell, one of the unlucky Fair Folk who is being pursued by the terrifying Mr Bones. 

Discovering that they are the joint guardians of a grumpy old book that can tell the future, the new friends are unexpectedly launched headlong into an adventure to uncover the mysterious link between Mr Bones and Lord Skinner, and to find out what's happening to the waning magic that connects their two worlds.

Follow the magical footpath to Claire Fayer's brilliant new book called Mirror Magic. The book will be published on the 14th June 2018 by Macmillan Children's Books in the UK.  It's a fantastic middle-grade read that will pull you in by the book cover alone. This has been illustrated brilliantly by Becka Moor and will enchant the socks off you by leading you into the world of Wyse. 

At the start of each chapter, you will get what I call 'little mutterings' from the grumpy old book. I'm only a book so who do you think I am? Well, I think you are sarcastic and very amusing - you certainly made me laugh a lot. You will really look forward to every new chapter with gusto as it links the main narrative of the story very cleverly. 

The story follows Ava and her brother to the town of Wyse with an invitation of employment by Lord Ephraim Skinner. This is the only town with the connection to the magical "Unworld" and the land of the Fair Folk. It's a brilliant adventure that will entertain you from the very first page to the last. Wildly imaginative, but with a sinister dark plot brimming full of mayhem and Victorian charm. It's a twisted tale of shenanigans, with some vivid scenes of peril, all enhanced by some fairy magic that will keep the readers strapped into their fairy gowns. 

The story has a great eclectic mix of characters; some dark and evil that you want to curse at whilst others are more lovable. In fact, you would probably want to invite them to a fairy tea party full of Brunel's Bakery treats - all 100% real with no added enchantments. You know what you're eating at Brunel's (address supplied on request). 

This is an exciting story that you will have a great time reading, regardless of age or gender. However, tread carefully and don't mess with mirrors.... All Enchantments guaranteed to last for a minimum of 10 days, or your money back. A recommended read from the one who knows. 

Becka Moor - Children's Book Illustrator - Q&A Interview - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Welcome readers.... 
What a wonderful way to start the new year. I have a fantastic interview with children's book illustrator Becka Moor - I have a lot of respect for our unsung hero of the children's illustration world. It's always amazing when an illustrator finds time out of their busy schedule to answer some questions regarding their profession, so thank you very muchly. This is a particularly good post as the questions bring out the personality of the illustrator and give's us a brilliant insight into her typical working week.

If you would like to know more about Becka Moor and see some of her recent work then please check out her website: beckamoor.com   or catch up with her on twitter: @BeckaMoor 

How did you become an illustrator? 
I was taking a course in Graphic Design and found myself doodling characters on scraps of paper and in sketchbooks any chance I got. I realised that I wanted to give these characters a story, a setting, a format for them to explore. I wasn’t very good but I was passionate about it and decided to go to University and study ‘Illustration for Children’s Publishing.’ I signed with an agent just before I graduated which was very exciting, and the rest as' they say, is history! 

Do you think an illustrator needs a style? 

It depends on what sort of illustration career you want, I think. If you want to have an impact on the market in your own way then your style is your biggest asset. Better to have one style that is unique and that you’ve honed and nurtured and are known for, especially if you’re an illustrator working in publishing. It’s a very tough industry to get into with a lot of competition, so you want to stand out. But it’s each to their own!


What is your favourite medium to draw/paint with? 

I work purely digitally on a Wacom Cintiq which helps to bridge that gap between traditional and digital artwork. I try to retain a sense of traditional media as much as possible by using textured brushes and am working on adapting my style to reflect that even more as I go. I do still love sitting with my coloured pencils and doodling in a sketchbook, though. 



Describe your typical working week? 

I’m an early riser so I get up around 6.30-7am, go for a walk, attempt to make myself look presentable, have breakfast, hop in my car and drive to work. I decided in late 2016 that I’d had enough of working from home on my own so now rent a desk in a co-working office full of other creatives. Once I get to work, I undertake the most important task of the day which is to make a brew. 

I aim to be sat at my desk by 9am at the latest, switch on my computer, check emails, have a natter and then get stuck into work. I typically spend a couple of hours on one project and then maybe switch to something else to break things up. I take lunch at 12ish depending on how busy I am. I sometimes go for another walk just to clear away the cobwebs and escape my desk for half an hour. We have a little ‘break out’ area in the corner of the office where we hangout and eat. 

I usually sit there looking at my own homemade lunch whilst yearning after somebody else’s who bought something tasty from the shop. The afternoon is spent cracking on with more work until I get to the point where I need a break/change of scenery. Sometimes I just need a time out and to carry on again once I get home where I can mutter to myself and pace without judgement. I try my best to keep ‘office hours’ but inspiration comes and goes as it pleases. Rinse and repeat Monday to Friday. 


Could you tell us a bit about any of your upcoming projects? 

Of course! I have just finished a picture book called ‘Sir Boris and the Tall Tales Princess’ written by Marc Starbuck and publishing with Egmont very soon. It’s all about a brave knight and a badly-behaved princess who causes a lot of mayhem and mischief that our poor hero has to deal with! 

I am currently working on a handful of fiction projects, the last in the ‘Violet’ series which is very bitter-sweet, also the last in the ‘Goodly and Grave’ series and getting ready to start the fourth ‘St Grizzles’ book. I’ve also just started work on a new picture book and have a non-fiction brief popping into my inbox any day, so I’m fairly busy! 


What helps you be more creative? 

Reading as much as possible, going for a walk, working with other creative folk, listening to loud music, looking at how other people create. Being curled up on the sofa with a cup of coffee and a sketchbook. Having re-runs of cheesy tv series on in the background. Watching cartoons. 



What kind of illustration projects are you most interested in? 

Anything that I can relate to and feel passionate about. I really love detail and researching different time periods, so I always get a little flutter when something comes up where I get the chance to do that. If I don’t like it and don’t feel I can do it justice, I will pass on it. I’m more known for my fiction work and that is my comfort zone, however, it’s always a lot of fun when a picture book brief hits the desk as I see it as both a challenge and as an opportunity to think differently which can be exciting.

What would you consider to be a good design or illustration? Could you give us an example? 

This is such a tough question! There are so many examples of great design out there, but I thought I’d stick to what I know – book covers. I love, love, love this cover for ‘Wildwood’ written by Colin Meloy and illustrated by Carson Ellis. The balance is perfect. The typography is gorgeous. The details are just stunning. I can’t say enough great things about it. I remember seeing it on a shelf when it first published and I took it straight to the till and bought it. I didn’t know what it was about at that point, but the cover and the design sold it to me. 


What is a favourite piece of work that you have produced? 

This is mega boring but I don’t have a favourite. I feel like my style is currently going through a transitional period as I’m growing as a person and as an artist and realising the direction that I’d like to head next. Plus, I’ve never been able to make a direct decision in my life. Why start now? ;) 

Who are your favourite illustrators and why? 

Sara Fanelli. She’s quirky, bold, fun and has been a huge inspiration to me. Chris Riddell is a firm favourite. I first read one of his books (Muddle Earth) when I was a child and decided then that I wanted to do what he did. I just didn’t know it was a possibility! Shane Prigmore. His character designs are amazing. The late, great Jill Barklem has been a huge inspiration as well. Her attention to detail is outstanding and many hours have been spent getting lost in her beautiful illustrations.

School Wars Blog Tour - St Grizzle's vs Beaky Malone + Karen McCombie and Becka Moor

St Grizzle's School For Girls, Goats and Random Boys Blog Tour

I am delighted to welcome you to the penultimate Stripes School Wars Blog Tour. As part of Team Grizzle, I have a tempting post from the illustrator, Becka Moor about producing the final character illustrtaions for the book.

To find out more about the illustrator and the author look at their website and follow them on #StGrizzles. You can join in with the rest of the #SchoolWars blog tour for more fantastic guest posts.

How you developed your character illustrations

I was first given some character descriptions from Karen, the author. I did a few sample doodles of a couple of the characters and tweaked them until they were just right and everyone was happy with them. I then drew a whole cast line up of the main characters next to each other to see how they might work together. St Grizzles is a really fun concept and story so I just tried my best to make the characters as exciting and interesting as possible.

 

Becka has very kindly sent a range of bookcover concepts in the lead up to the final draft and edition that was published.

Many thanks to Becka Moor for sending the above illustrations and information about her work for this book. 

Becka Moor is an Illustrator & Storyteller from Manchester. 

She studied Illustration for Children's Publishing at Glyndwr university, graduating in 2012. She has since gone on to work on a lot of really fun projects including her first fiction book, Violet and the Pearl of the Orient (Harriet Whitehorn, Simon & Schuster) which was shortlisted for the Waterstones book awards in 2015.

Other projects include The Royal Babysitters (Clementine Beauvais, Bloomsbury) which was shortisted in 2014 for the first Sainsburys book awards, The Wigglesbottom Primary series (Pamela Butchart, Nosy Crow) and her first UK picture book as illustrator, The Three Ninja Pigs (David Bedford, Simon & Schuster.)