"My world on stage was not too different from the world of Ella Bella ballerina... These books certainly take children into a magical realm. And who knows, like me, they might stay in there for years.”

Doreen Wells, Prima Ballerina - The Royal Ballet

Friday, 17 February 2012

Farewell Snowflakes


Well it's been a tough few weeks. A late fall of snow provided some real life inspiration for the Waltz of Snowflakes in Ella Bella's latest adventure. This image is the Waltz of the Snowflakes at a very early stage. It looks a lot more fun than the freezing slushy stuff I've been battling with outside!

And unfortunately it coincided with a series of school workshops which were either poorly attended (children would rather play in the snow!), or I myself was unable to get there. To cap it all, my early mornings, late nights and freezing cold studio resulted in a bout of the 'Flu, so the final stages of the book were shrouded in a whirl of fevers and exhaustion. But the book is FINISHED and has gone to Orchard books to be prepared for publication.

It's too early to say how it will all look. Until the three layers for each image is assembled, who knows? But I am a little bit excited...

5 comments:

  1. That is wonderful--- get some well earned rest!!

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  2. It's really enchanting as is! I work at a school library and am constantly asked by wide-eyed little girls if there are any ballet books. Unfortunately, our budget is non-existent, so we really don't have much to choose from. But I just discovered your Ella Bella books and have decided to buy some to donate to the library! I can't wait for the Nutcracker book to come out!

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  3. My daughter, Ella, loves all the Katie books and Ella Bella books. In fact, her ballet teacher calls her Ella Bella. We are so excited about the upcoming Nutcracker story! It's our favorite ballet!
    Thank you for all the beautiful stories you continue to write! We enjoy them so very much.

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