Zen and Bodhi's Snowy Day - Available to Pre-order

Screenshot of the front cover

Thought I would share my exciting news that "Zen and Bodhi's Snowy Day" will be published on 18th November.  It will be my first book as Sarah Jane Hinder :-)  I feel very fortunate to have worked with the talented author Gina Bates Brown and Wisdom Publications.

Gina is also a yoga teacher and meditation coach and I knew we made a great pairing as I too have a passion for yoga and practice meditation although my mind still tends to wander... a lot! My mind is full of creative ideas and any moment of stillness and quiet encourages my thought  process.

Here is the Amazon.com description for Zen and Bodhi's Snowy day:

"Cuddle up with this playful, warm tale of discovery and winter wonder that will introduce mindfulness and delight your children.

Zen and Bodhi are two koala bears on a snowy day, out to learn about the world. Where does snow come from? Where does wind go?

Lively verses are full of mischievous fun as Zen and Bodhi explore their world; rhythm and rhyme introduce the concept of impermanence to the very young in this magical, cozy bedtime story. The two koalas sniff, taste, hear, feel, and see, exploring their senses and the world around them. Gorgeous illustrations capture the wide-eyed awe of children in snowfall in vibrant color."

Page Layout (without text)

I loved creating the little koala characters and always feel that snow and snowflakes look quite magical in illustrations.  I hope Zen and Bodhi are enjoyed by the children reading this book as much as I enjoyed creating them!

Crossing fingers there will be chance to work on another Zen and Bodhi story in the near future :-)

Seven Stories

I have been wanting to visit the Seven Stories - national centre for children's books in Newcastle for ages and I was lucky to be taken to see it on my last visit to see my cousins, Jane and James.

It was everything and more.  The exhibitions were like stepping into your favourite children's books and made me feel like a kid again. I even had a go a being Alice, Little Red Riding Hood and Mr Fox! It was so inspiring to see authors and illustrator's work up close and personal and I loved seeing all the sketchbooks and work in progress.

Oliver Jeffers

Oliver Jeffers

 It was great to see all the children reading the books and becoming interactive with the characters, dressing up and discovering new worlds of fancy.  One minute you are going through a rabbit hole and the next you are transformed into a borrower sitting on a giant cotton reel.

Shaun Tan - The Lost Thing

Dummy Book - Quentin Blake

Quentin Blake

   

Axel Scheffler

The Borrowers

Love mustard!!!

Quentin Blake

Lauren Child

So many dummy books!

As always I had to go into the attached bookstore and was so happy and excited to see the book I illustrated The Three little Pigs for Ladybird Books.  I have never seen it in any bookstore before so it made my day!

My book in the Seven Stories Bookstore

       Seven Stories is so inspirational for both adults and children and I would highly recommend it!!!

Yum Yum!  I LOVE BOOKS!

A Thought for Thursday

A Thought for Thursdays

A Thought for Thursdays

My First Book Sighting!

Me in Seven Stories, Newcastle

I was over the moon to see my book, The Three Little Pigs in the Seven Stories book store.  One of my dreams was to see one of my books in a shop but until now my work is predominantly based overseas. I have had people sending me photos of their finds but up until now I have only been able to find the other books in the Ladybird series.

Check out some more of my book sightings around the world!  Send me a photo and I will add you too :-)

Isabel at Waterstone's book store in Darlington

Elizabeth and George from Dubai

Luis in Gateshead

Ellie from Manchester

A Thought for Thursdays