This and That

A mix of things today that caught my attention at some of the lovely shops I look at online...

Monsieur IV Sticker ; Poisson Bulle

 Find it at Noeuf.

Madame in the Rain; Poisson Bulle

Find it at Noeuf.

Monsieur III Sticker; Poisson Bulle

Find it at Noeuf.

Monsieur IV, Madame in the Rain, and Monsieur III are the creations of talented Madrid based graphic artist Blanca Gomez. Here is another fantastic idea for wall stickers:

Suitcases Wall Stickers. Find them at Ferm Living. 

Ferm Living have just released a new range of wall stickers too. Check out the new designs here.

Aren't these cushions adorable!

Mr Fox Cushion; Find it at Lapin and Me

Red Riding Hood Cushion; Find it at Lapin and Me

And some fabulous retro-style puzzles illustrated by Nathalie Lete:

Part of a set of 3 retro puzzles by Vilac. Artist is Nathalie Lete.
Find it at Nobodinoz.

Part of a set of 3 retro puzzles by Vilac. Artist is Nathalie Lete.

Find it at Nobodinoz.

I thought this a rather unique gift idea... 

First Aid Tin; Coming soon to Lapin and Me

More unique design from Nathalie Lete...

Dinner Set by Nathalie Lete. Find it at Lapin and Me.

Love these satchels illustrated by the fabulous Alain Gree. (Translations via Google)

 

Portfolio Path to Adventure; Illustrated by Alain Gree. 

Available at Nobodinoz.

Portfolio Capucine and Friends; Illustrated by Alain Gree.
Available at Nobodinoz

Printed Image Portfolio; Illustrated by Alain Gree. 

Available at Nobodinoz.

And a great selection of children's prints at Cabbages and Kings Art:

The Animal Alphabet Series Print;
Find it on Etsy at Cabbages and Kings Art

Animals and 123's Print;
Find it on Etsy at Cabbages and Kings Art

Animals and ABC's Girl's Print; Animals and 123's Girl's Print;

Find them on Etsy at Cabbages and Kings Art.

The Treasure Thief

The Treasure Thief by Béatrice Rodriguez

Size:  150 x 260mm landscape ISBN  978-1-877467-84-4 hardback. Published by Gecko Press 2 September 2011.

It is always a happy day to receive a book from Gecko Press in the post, but this is one I have looked forward to all year. Featuring the same characters as much-loved  The Chicken Thief  it is another wordless adventure through all kinds of captivating landscapes, night and day.

Like The Chicken Thief  it makes good use of light and shadow to create mood and to really capture the drama of the events taking place, and of drama there is plenty. A homeward-bound sea voyage finds Rooster, Hare, and Bear washed up on a deserted  island where Rooster discovers a mysterious white orb. Instantly absorbed by his new-found treasure, Rooster becomes possessed by the orb. In his determination to get it all the way home he becomes oblivious to his faithful companions and to the perils of the journey.

Following Rooster, Hare and Bear battle their way through threatening caves, toxic toadstools, piranha infested waters, and are hounded by bats. They make it home to see Rooster trip on a stray rock, sending his precious orb crashing to the ground. What Rooster finds inside the orb is something more precious than he ever could have imagined.

The narrative ends with a most satisfying conclusion and a serene and comforting scene that reassures the reader that the treasure was a treasure indeed.  

Like all Gecko Press publications the print quality and binding is outstanding; the unusual format makes it even more special. This is one for all ages, from pre-schoolers to adults. There is much to discuss when sharing with children, and plenty of subtleties to make re-reading a pleasure. It's delightful!

Pick up a copy of The Treasure Thief or The Chicken Thief at the Gecko Press website. Read Kitty as a Picture's review of Béatrice Rodriguez's The Chicken Thief here.

  

About  Béatrice Rodriguez

Béatrice Rodriguez studied at the Arts Décoratifs de Strasbourg. She has since pursued a successful career as a freelance illustrator. She lives in France. Her book The Chicken Thief was chosen as one of the '50 Best Children's Books of 2009' by The Listener.

Many thanks to Gecko Press for allowing Kitty as a Picture Kids' Design Blog to publish these images.