Well done to brilliant editor Anya Dimlow, who only launched the magazine in 2014 - under 2 years ago - after a successful crowdfunder scheme! Eco Kids Planet is a lively, smart, fun, well-designed and fact-filled monthly magazine - and it keeps gong from strength to strength. I'm extremely proud to be on the writing team. (I love this job - just hope the kids are learning as much about our beautiful planet as I am!)
Click below to play and enjoy while scrolling down this post...
illustration by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Brilliant, gentle, wonderful actor and human being, Alan Rickman
After the loss of two such shining stars of the music and acting world, here's a teeny bit of cheer back on planet earth...
The latest Okido magazine is out today, and by some strange synchronicity or coincidence, and most certainly a degree of poignancy, is all about Planets and Stars.
This issue has been dedicated to the original Starman himself, David Bowie, and to British astronaut Tim Peake, who as I type, is literally floating about in space, mending stuff and doing cool experiments.
"Ground control to Major Tim..."
#TimPeake #astronaut #Space
My poem in this issue is called: The Boy and his Teddy Bear and owes more than a nod to Edward Lear...
Just to send you off on an upbeat note, I'll remember Alan Rickman for many roles: he was wickedly attractive in Les Liasons Dangereuses (mesmerising on a white-draped stage), steadfast and gentle in Sense and Sensibility and how I cried when he died as Severus Snape, a tragic hero at the heart of the films. But I was a real, blubbering wreck after Truly, Madly, Deeply (despised poor Michael Maloney who was SO wet in comparison). However, one of his most wonderful performances was in 'cult' gem Galaxy Quest. Watch the whole thing if you've never seen it, but here's a taster in the meantime...
A friend came across this the other day. I'd written it for her "After a telephone conversation the night before..." I'd completely forgotten about it so it was like reading it for the first time - and then sort of remembering writing it.
My first picture book - called A Possum's Tail - is a collaboration with brilliant illustrator Alex Barrow and came out 6th February 2014. A second book called London Calls!is a whistle-stop tour of London, led by a Pearly grandma and her granddaughter. London Calls! came out on 4th September 2014 and is my second book with Alex Barrow. A Possum's Tail was nominated for the 2015 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal.
As well as writing children's books, for children's television and two award-winning children's magazines, I do both private and commercial art commissions, a selection of which you can see here.
The children's shoes are part of an ongoing series of "first shoes", including several cards commissioned by the Almanac Gallery.
Hand-drawn, bespoke invitations, announcements, portraits and menus, such as the examples here are also available upon request..
Any enquiries please email: gabbydawnay@gmail.com
OKIDO MAGAZINE AND TV
I've been a regular contributor to children's art and science magazine OKIDO since 2007. HAPPY10thBIRTHDAY (WOW) beautiful Okido!
An Okido animated kids tv show, based on characters from the magazine is currently in production with Doodle/Squintopera http://www.doodle-productions.com. The original adaptation of the show (co-created/adapted by myself, producer Ceri Barnes and Doodle Productions) was acquired by CBeebies. 52 x 11 minute episodes will be coming to a screen near you soon in 2015.......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................
MESSY GOES TO OKIDOSeries ONE & TWO is now available to stream on Netflix & most episodes are available to watch on YouTube.Series THREE is currently in production.
CBeebies
OKIDO
Cartoon Forum 2011 Okido booklet
Okido Cartoon Forum 2011
Happy Birthday OKIDO!
Okido was 5 years old this issue...the wonderful art and science magazine for kids I've been lucky enough to have worked on for the past - 8 - years now
