Scallywag Press now five years old, is a small publisher whose books are worth seeking out. They specialise in publishing talented newcomers and re-issues of established creators and classics. Here are three of their recently published picture books to give you a taste of their catalogue.

Milo’s Hat Trick by Jon Agee

Milo’s Hat Trick definitely comes under the description “re-issues of established creators and classics.” Originally published in 2001 this quirky and amusing story accompanied by Jon Agee’s distinctive illustrative style is an absolute gem. Milo the Magnificent is a magician with a problem. He is not at all magnificent in any aspect of magic; his card trick is botched, his rope trick is tangled and ‘his hat trick is pathetic.‘ The theatre manager, Mr Popovich, has had enough and tells the unfortunate Milo that he must pull a rabbit out of a hat tomorrow night, ‘or else.’ So Milo sets out to catch a rabbit for his act and instead catches a bear and not just an ordinary bear but a bear with a hidden talent. Will the bear come to Milo’s rescue?

Over the ensuing pages the story can in no way be described as predictable and it is this that makes it work. Nearly every page turn reveals something to make the reader or listener giggle. Much of the story is told through the illustrations and this, I think, adds to the reader’s engagement. This would be a terrific book to read aloud to young children but the humour will appeal to older ones too. It is also fun for the adult involved. The style of the appealing illustrations is almost cartoon like and there is a slapstick feel to the story in some ways. However, it is also cleverly paced and the slightly deadpan delivery made me smile. Milo’s Hat Trick is delightfully eccentric and enjoyable and was published in October.

Bunny’s Most Fabulous Holiday Ever by Brian Fitzgerald

Brian Fitzgerald illustrated The Bear Who Had Nothing To Wear by Jeanne Willis, also published by Scallywag and his jolly, colourful illustrations helped bring Bear to life. Bunny’s Most Fabulous Holiday Ever is his first solo picture book and his cheerful illustrative style is paired with a kind and positive text about friendship.

Bunny has carefully planned her annual holiday. Each year she takes her caravan to a peaceful spot, away from others where she can relax on her own. Unfortunately this year she wakes up on her first morning to discover that a monster has set up camp next door to her. Bunny is aghast! She watches in horror as he plays, surfs, meditates and barbecues. When a storm arrives she is at first happy when the monster’s tent blows away and he is left sorrowfully sitting under his umbrella. But then Bunny has second thoughts and starts to feel a little sorry for the poor monster. She tentatively approaches him and gradually realises that holidays, and life, can be a lot happier when you share them with someone.

This a delightful story and the illustrations cleverly support and portray the text. Initially grey and sombre, colour is introduced as the growing friendship between the two develops. I particularly like the use of vignettes and panels to move the narrative along and the expressions on the two friends’ faces are a delight. Bunny’s Most Fabulous Holiday Ever! is a rather fabulous picture book and would be lovely to share with young children. Although it would probably prompt conversation and comment the story alone may give youngsters pause for thought. This is a cheerful, upbeat picture book with kindness at its core.

Hannah and the Violin by Satoshi Kitamura

In 1983, Satoshi Kitamura received the Mother Goose Award for the Most Exciting Newcomer to British Illustration for Angry Arthur and since then his distinctive illustrative style has become familiar to adults and children alike. He has created more than 20 of his own books and has collaborated with respected authors including Hiawyn Oram, Jon Agard, and Colin McNaughton. Scallywag Press has republished Kitamura’s early titles such as Lily Takes a Walk and now Hannah and the Violin, originally published in Japan in 2008, will be made available in the UK in February by this publisher.

While Hannah is playing alone in her garden she spots a leaf which she thinks looks a little like a violin. Picking it up she decides to see if she can play it and soon all manner of things are playing and dancing to the music alongside her. The birds are singing, the insects are dancing and ‘an orchestra of clouds arrived and joined in.’ When Hannah is eventually called in for dinner she plays for her parents too, alongside a little band made up of her toys. This is a wonderful celebration of music, imagination and creativity with the colourful double page spreads a delight to explore for children. Hannah and the Violin has endless possibilities in the classroom, encouraging an interest in music, the various instruments and the ‘music’ available to us in our environment. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of imaginative play. A wonderful picture book for children in Early Years settings upwards.

I should like to thank Sarah Pakenham at Scallywag Press and Laura Smythe for my review copies of these three books.