For anyone who was a little bit afraid of the dark, and went outside to look at the moon anyway.A dedication, as every good book has
Hattie OyelaranPicture book author and illustrator
Hattie Oyelaran writes and paints picture books about brave little worries, backyard expeditions and the kind of magic that hides under the stairs.
Painted in Portland · @hattie.draws
iThe author
The author
Chapter one
The person holding the brush
Hello, I'm Hattie Oyelaran. I make picture books the slow way: pencil first, then layer after layer of watercolour, then a lot of reading aloud to anyone who will sit still.
My stories are about small people facing big feelings, a new school, a lost toy, the dark at the top of the stairs, and finding out they are braver than they thought. Every book is tested on real children before it is finished. They are strict editors.
- Books
- 4 picture books (sample figures)
- Readers
- Ages 3 to 8, and the grown ups reading to them
- Paints with
- Watercolour, pencil, one very old brush
- Based in
- Portland
The books
Chapter two
Books to read under the covers
Every title below is a sample for this template. Swap in your own covers and blurbs.
The Lantern Fox
A fox who is scared of the dark borrows every lantern in the village, and learns the stars were there all along.
Newest book
The books
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Whale Over the Hills
One morning a whale floats over the town, and only Juno thinks to ask where it is going.
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Mo and the Missing Moon
A bedtime search party, one torch, and a moon that was only hiding behind a cloud.
-
A Very Small Storm
A book about big feelings in small bodies, and what to do when yours starts to rain.
Find them at your local bookshop or library. Signed copies come along to every school visit.
5School visits
Chapter three
A whole school, one story, live drawing
Assemblies, classroom workshops and library evenings for ages 3 to 11. Children watch a character appear on the page, then help decide what happens next.
- Pick a date. Send the form and I reply with open days.
- Get the prep pack. Posters, a reading guide and a pre-order note for families.
- The visit. A reading, live drawing on a big easel, and questions.
- Signed books go home. Every child leaves with a drawing to finish.
School visits
Book a visit
Fields marked with a star are needed. Nothing is sent from this demo.
Thank you, it's in the post
Your request would now be on its way. Expect a reply with open dates soon.
Reading guides
Chapter four
Free guides for reading aloud
Printable notes for teachers, librarians and parents: questions to ask, drawing games, and a quiet activity for the end of the day.
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The Lantern Fox guide
Talking about the dark, plus a lantern craft. Sample guide.
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Whale Over the Hills guide
Maps, journeys and a draw your own whale page. Sample guide.
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Big feelings activity pack
Weather cards for naming feelings, for ages 4 to 8. Sample guide.
Reading guides
Questions grown ups ask
Can I read your books on a video story time?
Usually yes for schools and libraries. Send a note with the date and I will check with the publisher.
Do you visit schools far away?
Yes. Travel is shared with nearby schools where possible, and online visits work well too.
Can children send letters or drawings?
Please do. Every drawing is read, and some end up pinned above the desk.
Do you review other people's manuscripts?
Sadly not, there is only one brush and not enough evenings.
Contact
Chapter five
Letters are always welcome
"Our reception class still talks about the whale drawing. Three weeks later they are still asking to hear the story again."Sample quote, a primary school librarian
"Calm, funny and very good at getting the shy ones to put their hands up."Sample quote, a year two teacher
- VisitsUse the booking page
- Email[email protected]
- StudioPortland
- Elsewhere@hattie.draws
The end
Or the beginning of something. Write about a visit, a festival, a commission or a letter from a young reader.
11Title page