Another Review for Railway Land Dogs' Club

"This beautifully illustrated story will bring huge delight to all children, dog lovers and those who know how much of the natural world can be found in an urban environment. Lewes and it surroundings form a lovingly appreciated background to the joyful escapades of the endearing Ivy and her many canine friends."
Antony Penrose, Farmer, author and photo-curator.

A first review of "Railway Land Dogs' Club" by Christopher Dorling

The Railway Land Dogs' Club
Ivy's Lost Ball

....an appreciation....

I am first struck by the utterly charming illustrations; so many quirky details true to the location, recognisable by those in the know, intriguing to others. And the dogs; as doggie as one could wish with their 'waggy tails and fluffy bottoms'. There are no doubt small human counterparts in every primary school class. Here is a sympathetic world where children will connect and cotton on.
Perhaps the real achievement of this first Dogs' Club story lies in the creation of a complete fantasy, a fantasy that is also totally believable. It is almost too good to be true, but it is true which may be it's secret.
I like to imagine a future volume with the dogs now older and beginning to behave more like grown-ups. Children will understand, and love and laugh at that too.
Finally (and with apologies to Jamie Oliver); Dogtastic....get stuck in!'

Christopher Dorling
Founder, Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Update on the Charity Christmas Card

I am still going!!
more characters keep popping in to the scene. Can you spot the difference?
Really really nearly there now, then it's off to get printed. But will the Cards For Good Causes get an empty shop to sell it in Lewes, this year?

Snowtime at the Pells

First layer of paint..easy to paint a snowy background! A winter sunset sky reflects in the shadows in the snow. I have splattered the trees with masking fluid which shows up blue at the moment.
I will paint the trees next, and then hopefully they will look snowy when I remove the mask.

Time for this year's Card for a Good Cause

The plan is for ice skating at the Pells Pool in Lewes

all drawn out in pencil, might add more people but time for pen

here is a close up, Rodin is making a new Ice sculpture

Well, it is that time of year again. The Eastbourne Bandstand picture with faces to recognise was popular as a Christmas Card, so it was suggested that I could try to do something for Lewes this year.
The Pells Pool is the setting, with a couple of other Lewes landmarks popping up, and lots of ice skaters.
All drawn out in pencil now, time for the pen.
So many little people, I am not sure if anyone will be able to recognise them once they are scaled down on to an A6 card, but hopefully they will. Maybe we should sell magnifying glasses along side the cards!

The Railway Land Dogs' Club

Come rain or shine, the Railway Land Dogs' Club book will be out in paperback later this month. Written by Julian Warrender, her second book following Granny Marmalade and Uncle Tractor, and illustrated by me.
Hopefully Lewes locals and lovers of the Railway Land Nature Reserve will recognise the settings, and possibly some of the dogs!

Dial House - Waterstones Lewes, all finished

I finished this lovely building today, complete with Quaker girls two by two, John Godlee and Wynne Baxter...Oh and the Wham Bam Bhajia van too!