Sunday 27 December 2009

The Christmas Angels

Oliver's Granny and Grandpa bought him this beautiful book for Christmas. It captures the magic of Christmas with its row of cutout angel heads across the top of each page. I am a great believer that books should be enjoyed and interacted with from a very early age, but I have to say it was a case of look but don't touch with this book to try and preserve the angel's heads for next Christmas at least. It was first published in 1933 and I am sure it will be loved by children for years to come.


Saturday 12 December 2009

Oli in oils

In a break from illustrating the animals for the alphabet print, my father painted a portrait of Oliver as surprise. It is so special to us as it has captured him so well. It takes pride of place in his new playroom and makes us smile everyday.

Friday 11 December 2009

Tis the season to get sewing

My skills at sewing leave at lot to be desired and so when I decided to make Oliver a Christmas stocking I knew I needed help. My lovely friend Imogen was kindly on hand with her skills and sewing machine.



Saturday 21 November 2009

It's been a busy year

While we are getting things up and running I thought I would share some of the events of the last year. It has been a busy year for all within the business. But, firstly I should introduce everyone properly... The Little Blue Zebra family consists of myself, Lucy, my husband Adam, my father John (the fab illustrator) and my mother Catherine and not forgetting my sister Joanna who will be joining the business soon. My father has been illustrating children's books for over 30 years and my sister and I loved growing up surrounded by his amazing pictures. This year I had my first child, a lovely little boy, Oliver. I had no problem decorating his nursery as I was able to climb into my parents loft to get some of my father's illustrations to hang on the wall. But I thought it was such a shame that others couldn't do the same... (although not very practical- everyone climbing into my parents loft!)
Oliver loves looking at the wide mouth frog that hangs in his room and although children have been enjoying my father's books for years, he has never produced work to be hung and enjoyed everyday. This is how Little Blue Zebra was born.

Friday 20 November 2009

Just getting started

Today marks the start of a new venture. Please follow Little Blue Zebra and his friends on their new journey. Here are a few of his friends...

Saturday 31 October 2009

Happy Halloween

We spent this years Halloween in Nottingham with a group of uni friends. The highlight was the pumpkin carving which was done to entertain the children, but really it amused the adults the most!

Saturday 12 September 2009

Retro camping

For our summer holiday this year the plan was to borrow my parents camper and go to France for a week or two. After getting Oliver's passport sorted it transpired that the car seat didn't fit so that plan had to change. I had my heart set on going on a ferry and that is how we decided on the Isle of Wight. Ok, the ferry journey was only 40 mins but it felt like we were abroad as we were so lucky with the weather. I was also really keen to camp although the thought of being in a tent with a 6 month old wasn't so appealing. I found a great company where you could hire old airstream caravans. Ours was infact a 1951 Spartanette. It meant we had the experience of camping - waking up in a farmer's field, but with the added bonus of an oven, shower and most importantly space. We visited some great spots on the Isle and hope to go back one day - I quite fancy staying in the shack next time as the views look amazing.





Monday 31 August 2009

Local & Live


I know the British can talk a lot about the weather, but sometimes there is nothing better than a sunbathed August bank holiday. This year we went to a free local music festival on the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells. It takes place every year and aims to raise awareness of the songwriting talent in the local area.

Friday 21 August 2009

Room envy

Here are some lovely examples of children's nurseries - I especially like the seating area with bookcase behind - it looks like a cosy place to curl up and share a book.

Saturday 15 August 2009

Chickenstock

Some friends of ours held their annual version of Woodstock in their field this summer. It was a great day - they even had a baby tent with lots of toys, painting equipment and sandpit. Oliver enjoyed his first festival and was even on hand to help man the entrance!