The Little Football Fan

02/07/2025

The Little Football Fan wishes all participants of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 an outstanding tournament filled with passion, skill, and unforgettable moments. May the competition showcase the very best of women’s football, uniting fans and players alike in the spirit of sportsmanship, competitiveness, and fair play. Here's to inspiring performances, mutual respect on and off the pitch, and a celebration of the game that transcends borders. Best of luck to every team—let the tournament begin!

15/08/2024

Just found this again, after all these years.
Rupert Bear and Me - a broadcast by the great Mark Radcliffe on the BBC in 2011. Mark, a avid Rupert fan, interviewed me in Manchester at the BBC, and I was in illustrious company!
Such a privilege to meet Mark and such a privilege to be still
writing and illustrating for the Rupert Bear Annual all these years later!

'From his humble beginnings in a strip cartoon back in 1920, Rupert Bear has been captivating children - and adults - for the best part of a century. Rupert Bear is one of the longest-running children's comic characters in the world and has touched the lives of millions and drawn them into his enchanting world. Lifelong Rupert fan, Mark Radcliffe reflects on his life growing up with the little white bear and explores what makes Rupert and his adventures in Nutwood so appealing. He delves into his own Rupert annual collection and talks to fellow fans including the actor Terence Stamp, former-Python Terry Jones and comedy actor John Thomson about what they find so enticing about the world of the curious white bear. With contributions from current Rupert annual illustrator Stuart Trotter, biographer Caroline Bott and children's literature expert Julia Eccleshare, Mark takes a look at Rupert's origins, the artistry and creativity of long-time illustrator Alfred Bestall and the significance of Rupert's home - the wonderful world of Nutwood. With a yellow and black checked scarf tied firmly round his neck, Mark dives into the magical world of Nutwood and considers Rupert's place in popular culture, his rock 'n' roll credentials, his longevity and success.'

https://tinyurl.com/yt3zb3pw

19/07/2024

18/07/2024

Words Lisa Slater / Pictures Stuart Trotter
“If I am a bird,” thought penguin, “then I should be able to fly!”
The water, where all his chums were, looked far too cold!
“That’s where I should be, up in the air!”
However, being a penguin, it’s not that easy!
A heartwarming book about grit and determination, perfect for sharing with young and old.
Available Print-on-Demand from the Rockpool Albury Bookshelf:
https://tinyurl.com/4rdn7c7f

17/07/2024

The Miners Art Gallery showcases over 420 works of art all created by local artists. It’s a powerful depiction of the harsh lives of working in the coal mines. Derek Slater, the pitman painter who's work features in The Coal Mine book, also sees his paintings regularly featured in the museum.
Thrilled to announce the Coal Mine book is now on sale in the museum shop.
https://tinyurl.com/bdh29c2v

16/07/2024

Rockpool Children’s Books the only North East England picture book publisher between the Tees and the Firth of Forth.
Est. 2007. Great stories, great pictures, great books!
http://www.rockpool.alburybooks.com

16/07/2024

Riding on an elephant can be great fun, you never know
what you might see! Bright colourful pictures
with simple rhyming text, perfect for sharing with
the very young.
Available on the Rockpool Albury Bookshelf:
https://tinyurl.com/27t62a5y

15/07/2024

Words Sue Newgas / Pictures – Sam Walshaw
It’s Treacle’s birthday and Velda has magicked him
a scrumptious surprise picnic. But dark rainclouds are
coming in fast. Can Velda’s magic save the day?
Needless to say things are never that simple.
The second book in the Velda series, 'Velda's Surprise Picnic', is from the pen of author, Sue Newgas with illustration’s and wonderful characterisation by Sam Walshaw.
https://www.samwalshawillustration.co.uk/
A fabulous new collaboration bringing yet more delightful
picture books to the Rockpool Albury Bookshelf, available here:
https://tinyurl.com/mvjxae8d

15/07/2024

Scaredy Cat is afraid of everything—from monsters and sharks in the pool to even combing his hair! But there's one thing that always makes his fears melt away... what could it be?
This wonderful picture book tackles worries and fears in a funny and brightly illustrated way. A charming story told in rhyme.
Words and pictures: Stuart Trotter
Available Print-on-Demand from the Rockpool Albury Bookshelf:
https://tinyurl.com/2mc5bzp6

12/07/2024

‘The Coal Mine’- a celebration of deep coal mining, illustrated with paintings by local pitman painter Derek Slater; written, designed and published by local publisher Rockpool Children’s Books, and available in the Durham Cathedral Shop.

Also available Print-on-Demand from the Rockpool Albury Bookshelf:
https://tinyurl.com/27skb4th

10/07/2024

The Little Football Fan Books - The little football fan loves his football and his team, but most of all he loves going to the match with his dad. Sadly, with his dad working away he hasn’t been able to do this, but then, one day at the park...
Then, in 'The LFF Colouring & Activity Story Book' you can make this book your own by colouring the book in your favourite team colours...Man U, Barcelona, Accrington Stanley...
There are also pages of fun activities to!
'The Big Away Game' is just that, the LFF's team in the final! Surprise tickets, an aeroplane...the trip of his young life!
Mark Williams wrote The Little Football Fan to encourage young boys to read through a shared passion for football.
Stuart Trotter - Design and illustration.
Available Print-on-Demand from Rockpool Albury Books:
The Little Football
https://tinyurl.com/4haaxe47
The LFF Colouring & Activity Story Book
https://tinyurl.com/yck5rxzv
The Big Away Game
https://tinyurl.com/bdzcjzts