Halibut Jackson: 1

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David's other books include Lost in the Toy Museum with Walker and , I Was Made for You with Andersen.

David started drawing and writing his own stories as a child, but failed art O-level and left school at 16. Hello Yellow - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health and Support With Anxiety and Wellbeing - Born in Middlesborough to a teacher and a steelworker, David grew up as one of six identically dressed brothers - same jumpers, jeans and haircuts.

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Since then David has had many of his stories published here, in the US, and in twelve languages around the world.

The illustrations are so fun and have a timeless classic feel to them. Most of the scenes have Halibut camouflaged so it's fun to ask little one where he is. The scenes are also quite busy so there's lots for your child (and you!) to look at. After reading a few times I realised Halibut has a framed picture in his house of himself where he's so shy, he's covering his own face.Halibut styles his clothing so he will blend in with his surroundings, kind of like a chameleon does. He does not want people to notice him but is happiest when he can go on about his business anonymously. One day he receives a party invitation in the mail from the Queen inviting him to her big birthday bash at the palace. Halibut is very flattered by the invite but unsure if he should take it in. How in the world can he blend in to such opulence? He is moved so much that he has to search deep inside himself to see if he really could attend and overcome his shyness or should he pass because he would be too shy to step out and party with royalty. He did take that bold step after dreaming of creating a rich, silver and gold suit that he made into a reality. The suit is magnificent and blends perfectly with the luxuriousness of the palace setting, or is that the correct setting he should be focusing on? What happens to him at that party changes his life forever. Not only does he attend the party of the Queen but he becomes the star of the party, overshadowing even her Majesty, herself. He comes away from the celebration with a great feeling of self-confidence and with many new found friends. They inspire him to explore and exhibit the amazing talent that he possesses within himself. With much success in in his life now his shyness fades into oblivion. I believe the world is alive with magic - and it's that feeling that really inspires my work. My drawing is picture-writing - I never draw from life - I make patterns, as if I were knitting with ink. Writing, for me, is pattern-making too - putting words together as if they were simple shapes, making story-patterns that are a mixture of autobiography and myth and fairytale. I spend the mornings writing, looking out onto the park, listening to the birds singing and the canal boats chugging past. I paint and draw in my studio near London Fields. As well as making picture books I'm also working on an illustrated fantasy novel."

His books often draw on myths and fairytales, like Grendel - with its roots firmly in the legend of King Midas.When he is invited to a party at the king and queen's palace, he creates an appropriate palace-looking suit, only to be caught out when it transpires that the do is in fact a garden party, and instead of blending in, he completely stands out. Each opening in this gorgeous book by David Lucas is a visual delight. There is so much for readers to gaze at. Lucas achieves his amazing illustrations using a pen for crisp outlines and deep watercolour tones. His images are whimsical, witty and very original, and they engage the reader. Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments