Sophie and the New Baby - Hardcover

Laurence and Catherine Anholt live and work in a house and studios on top of a hill above the sea in Devon. They started making picture books in 1984 when their first daughter was born. Since then they have made more than 200 classic picture books, which are published all over the world in more than 30 languages. Their titles range from their Orchard picture book series which include Babies Love Books and Billy and the Big New School; to Laurence's self-illustrated Anholt's Artists series, an introduction to great artists for young children, which include Camille and the Sunflowers. Laurence also collaborates with his friend, the illustrator, Arthur Robins on the bestselling Seriously Silly Stories, which include the Nestle Smarties Gold Award winner Snow White and the Seven Aliens. The Anholts' books have won many awards and are frequently featured on television and radio. Babies, Babies, Babies is listed in The Sunday Times 100 Modern Classics. Laurence was included in the Independent on Sunday's Top 10 Children's Authors in the UK and was described as 'one of the most versatile authors writing for children today'. Laurence was brought up mainly in Holland where he developed a lasting passion for art. He then went on to study Fine Art for eight years, finishing with a Master's Degree from the Royal Academy of Art in London. The Anholts have been closely involved with a number of literacy schemes such as the UK Government funded Bookstart scheme, which encourages parents to share books with babies from the earliest possible age. Their work has taken them inside Buckingham Palace and Downing Street on many occasions. Recent projects include a full-scale stage musical in Korea. Laurence and Catherine have three grown up children: Claire works for the UN in New York, Tom Anholt is a painter living in Berlin and Maddy is an actor based in London. Laurence's favourite things include, 'my lovely family, travelling to wild places and anything to do with art'. The best way to relax? 'A long soak in a warm book.' Catherine and Laurence Anholt are a husband and wife team who have produced about 200 children's books, published in more than 30 languages around the world. Their books have won numerous awards, including the Nestle Smarties Gold Award on two occasions. Catherine comes from an Irish family and is one of eight brothers and sisters. Catherine and Laurence met while studying Fine Art at Falmouth School of Art. They went on to take Master's Degrees at the Royal College of Art and the Royal Academy respectively. Around half of the Anholts' titles are illustrated by Catherine, including the Chimp and Zee series and numerous picture books published by Orchard Books. The Anholts have been closely involved with a number of literacy charities and Catherine produced some of the original material for the highly successful government funded BookStart scheme, which encourages parents to share books with babies from the earliest possible age. Their work has taken them inside Downing Street and Buckingham Palace on several occasions. Catherine and Laurence live near the sea in Devon. They have three grown up children: Claire works for the UN in New York, Tom Anholt is a painter living in Berlin and Maddy is an actor based in London. Alongside her children's books, Catherine produces hundreds of painting and prints. You can see some of them at: www.catherineanholt.com

PreSchool-K-In spring, Sophie's father tells her that there will be a new baby in the family when winter comes. As she waits ("Sophie had never waited so long for anything"), the seasons pass until one snowy night her brother is born. She becomes frustrated with his inability to play with her, and resents the time her busy parents spend with him. Time continues to pass and she grows used to her sibling as he becomes more responsive. Come spring, she finds a doll she had lost in the snow and gives it to him. "'I've got you to play with now'-It was the start of a whole new year-for Sophie and the Winter Baby." The changing of the seasons gives great supporting structure and expanded definition to the story-two universal cycles intimately connected. There is a nice rhythm and focus as well, from joy to angst and back again. The bright, attractive, highly detailed illustrations help set a tone of love and acceptance. The pen-and-ink and watercolor drawings flow naturally with the tale using effective, expansive double-page spreads as well as small focused vignettes. Sophie's lonely country life appears isolated yet secure. It's no wonder she's ready for a sibling, someone with whom to share the delights of life.
Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI
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