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FINDING HOME amazing places animals live

Bloomsbury, June 2024
Written by Mike Unwin and illustrated by Jenni Desmond

 

In a den, deep beneath the Arctic snow, a polar bear is safe and warm with her cubs; high in the tree canopy of an Asian rainforest an orangutan has woven a snug and secure nest from branches and leaves. At the top of a tall tree in Florida, there’s another nest but this one belongs to a family of bald eagles and is as big as a small car! 
 

In South Africa, the aardvark digs out tunnels up to 13 metres long where it can hide during the day but emerge as the sun goes down to feed on ants and termites using its long, sticky tongue. And under the ocean, the orange clownfish uses a secret superpower that allows it to make a home among the poisonous tentacles of deadly sea anemones. 

With a double-page spread devoted to each of 20 animals, readers of all ages will be fascinated by the strange and wonderful places animals call home.  

The sequel from Mike Unwin and Jenni Desmond, the internationally bestselling duo behind Migration.


A glorious book with stunning illustrations
Book Trust

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PUFFIN

Walker Books, September 2022
Written by Martin Jenkins and illustrated by Jenni Desmond

 
Everyone recognizes the puffin with its black-and-white feathers and brightly coloured bill. But how does the puffin live? What happens down in its burrow? And how on earth does it carry all those fish in its bill? Discover the amazing world of the puffin in an exciting collaboration between the award-winning pair of author Martin Jenkins and illustrator Jenni Desmond. This new title in the celebrated Nature Storybook series is packed with interesting facts to inspire a love of the natural world. 

The perfect balance between entertaining and educating
Just Imagine

The beautiful... illustrations are a breath of fresh air, the shades of blue bringing seaside freshness to the page. The conversational tone of the text makes this fun and accessible, providing abundant information without being overwhelming
Booklist


A fond first intro 
Kirkus

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ONE WORLD : 24 hours on planet earth


Walker Books, April 2022
Written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Jenni Desmond

 

Nicola Davies and Jenni Desmond's first collaboration: a spectacular tour of Planet Earth and a powerful rallying cry.  Where on Earth are you, right now? It’s late where I am and almost everyone’s asleep, but I’m awake, looking out into the night. Wondering… As the clock strikes midnight, a little girl and her sister visit animals of every shape and size, all around the world – discovering that, in some places, creatures have just started their day, where in others they’re already busy hunting for food. Turning the popular concept of time-zones on its head and combining it with a powerful climate message and delightful illustrations, this book is narrative non-fiction at its most spellbinding.

 

Shortlisted: James Cropper Wainwright Prize 2022

This is a fascinating and profound book about climate change for young readers 

Booktrust: Favourites for July

This narrative non-fiction picture book is a soaring love-letter to our planet, showcasing both its beauty and fragility in a gentle and truthful way

Editor's Choice: The Bookseller

This uplifting piece of narrative non-fiction brings fresh air to a crowded field

The Telegraph: Best books for easter

Desmond’s magical illustrations are cheerful and bright, and Davies takes care to explain how all is not yet lost for these creatures, that we can still save them.

New York Times

Podcast In The Reading Corner: Nicola and Jenni talk to Nikki Gamble https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/nicola-davies-and-jenni-desmond/id1302917119?i=1000558192995

Translations: Chinese, Danish, Dutch, French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Turkish, USA

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FOURTEEN WOLVES : a rewilding story

USA edition: THE WOLVES OF YELLOWSTONE


Bloomsbury, April 2021
Written by Catherine Barr and illustrated by Jenni Desmond
Available as an audiobook, read by Philippa Forrester


When wolves disappeared from Yellowstone Park in the 1930s, the ecosystem started to collapse...until in 1995, wolves returned to the park and everything began to change for the better. This is the story of their homecoming.  This inspiring true story shows that every species plays an important part in protecting our planet.

★ "Desmond’s soft but poignant illustrations set a strong tone, with soulful portraits of individual wolves, vast landscapes of mountains and meadows, and scenes of wolves ranging through the habitat."

STARRED REVIEW, Booklist

★ "Her brushstrokes evoke a sense of movement, and her hues visually relate the temperatures of the changing seasons"

STARRED REVIEW, Shelf Awareness

The book is ­brilliantly illustrated 

School Library Journal USA

This is a stunningly beautiful and informative book (Autumn TSL editors pick)

School Library Association UK

Winner: Quiz Writers Choice Award 2024

Nominated: CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2022
Shortlisted: UKLA (Uk Literary Association) 2022

Shortlisted - Royal Society Young People's Book Prize 2022 

Shortlisted: Andersen Prize - Best Disclosure Book 2022 (Italy) 

Shortlisted: Le Prix du Livre Environnement 2022 (France)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6EfPsupb-s&t=756s
A video chat with Jane Porter talking about how Fourteen Wolves was illustrated.

 

https://royalsociety.org/-/media/grants-schemes-awards/young-peoples-book-prize/2022/young-peoples-book-prize-2022-school-resources-updated.pdf?la=en-GB&hash=1486851B567EF4F4C45E5D010F0C533B

Teacher activity kit (Royal Society Young people's book prize)

Translations: Chinese x2, Danish, Dutch, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Slovak, USA

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SNOW BIRDS
Abrams USA, November 2020
Written by Kirsten Hall and illustrated by Jenni Desmond

Discover birds who survive winter against all odds in this poetic, gorgeously illustrated picture book Snowflakes whirling, snow-flocks swirling, streaks of white twirl through the night . . .You’ve heard of birds who migrate to warmer climates in the wintertime—but what about those who persevere through snowy weather and freezing temperatures? With elegant verse and striking illustrations, Snow Birds salutes the brave and resourceful birds who adapt to survive the coldest months.

Winner: NCTE poetry award
Junior Library Guild Selection 2021

'This book feels special from the moment you pick it up' 

BBC Wildlife Best Wildlife and Nature Books for Children

"Desmond’s double-page spreads show the birds beautifully (&) Hall’s skilful poetry reads aloud well, making this a solid candidate for small-group storytime"
Kirkus Reviews

"Gentle enough for bedtime wind-down, this title invites repeat reading and perhaps a virtual trip online to listen to bird calls."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A soulful, vivid look at the hidden world of winter birds."
New York City Audobon

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JOY

Walker Books, UK, June 2019

Written by Yasmeen Ismail and illustrated by Jenni Desmond

A delightfully upbeat read-aloud picture book, perfect to share with very young children.

“Bounce bounce, ding-a-ling, ring ring, let’s sing! I feel joy!” From an award-winning author and illustrator pairing comes an irresistibly energetic read-aloud picture book. Join the bouncy little kitten as she plays with her favourite toy and – uh oh – falls down with a trip-trip-slip. But with a little hug, a kiss and a squeeze, she’s going to be just fine. A truly joyful celebration of the love between parent and child.

★ "A satisfying, full-fledged story that deftly accommodates the short attention spans and kinetic needs of young listeners."

STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews

'It is a pleasure to read a book which captures a purely happy, upbeat mood.'

Booktrust

“Fun, free and filled with love, this is the perfect book to share with your favourite little people.”

Fallen Star Stories

Translations: French, German

The Elephant
Enchanted Lion, USA, November 2018
Written and illustrated by Jenni Desmond

In this, Jenni Desmond’s third nonfiction children’s book about one of the large, endangered animals of Earth, we join a young boy as he learns about the elephant in Africa and Asia.


A Publisher's Weekly Best Book of 2018
A The Children’s Book Review Best Non-Fiction Picture Book of 2018
A 2018 EUREKA! Honor Award Winner
A CCBC October 2018 Hot Off the Press selection


​★ Desmond's illustrations are show-stoppers ... A memorable introduction to a living wonder."
STARRED REVIEW, Booklist

★ "There are quite a few children's books about these magnificent, endangered mammals, and this one is among the best" -
STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews

★ "An affectionate and informative celebration of two magnificent species."
STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly

★"The mixed-media illustrations are both informative and beautifully executed"
STARRED REVIEW, The Horn Book

"illustrations that are scientifically accurate, strikingly detailed, and beautifully rendered...unreservedly recommended..."
The Midwest Book Review

Translations: Catalan, Complex & Simplified Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Japanese, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Taiwanese, Turkish, Korean

 

Migration

Bloomsbury, UK, May 2018

Written by Mike Unwin and illustrated by Jenni Desmond

Animals of all shapes and sizes make epic journeys across our planet, through harsh weather, avoiding hungry predators, in their efforts to survive. Travel around the globe with some of the world's most incredible animals and discover their unique migration stories.

Follow the amazing migrations of these 20 creatures: Arctic tern, barn swallow, bar-headed goose, ruby-throated hummingbird, osprey, wandering albatross, whooping crane, emperor penguin, African elephant, blue wildebeest, caribou, straw-coloured fruit bat, humpback whale, green turtle, Southern pilchard, salmon, great white shark, monarch butterfly, globe skimmer dragonfly, Christmas Island red crab'

Nominated: CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2019

Shortlisted: German Literature Prize 2019

Selected: The Original Art exhibition 2019 by The Society of Illustrators, NY, USA

Best Books of 2019 (Publishers Weekly USA)

Best Books of 2018 (The Guardian UK)

Outstanding Science Trade Books 2020

dazzling images that make turning every page of this book a delight...shimmer on the page, capturing the fragility and abundance of the natural world.

STARRED REVIEW, Publisher's Weekly

'Mike Unwin and illustrator Jenni Desmond...know just how to make children’s precious imaginations soar.'

Best Children's Books of 2018 (The Guardian)

Translations: Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Korean, Polish, Spanish, Russian, Turkish, USA, Vietamese,

I Have A Little Seedling

Simon & Schuster USA/Little Simon, April 2018

Written by Cari Meister and illustrated by Jenni Desmond

'In this sweet board book, a little seedling needs some rain, bright sunshine, and gentle hands to care for it, so that one day, it can spread its roots and grow into a mighty tree--just like the child that grows up beside it. A lovely book for parents to share about growing roots and branching out.'

Blue Monster Wants It All 

Little Tiger Press, UK, January 2018

Written by Jeanne Willis and Illustrated by Jenni Desmond

Blue Monster loves brand new things. A fancy new hat . . . a shiny submarine . . . a fabulous funfair . . . and a paradise island, all of his own. But he’s still not happy! What will it take for Blue Monster to realise there are some things that money can’t buy?  An original, humorous and unforgettable fable from the creators of the award-winning The First Slodge, perfect for introducing little ones to the idea of materialism and helping them realise the importance of family.

Watch on CBeebies  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ryLr58GFXI

'A wild and witty adventure with exuberantly naive pictures'

The Sunday Times

‘A brilliantly written and beautifully illustrated picture book which will make children and grown-ups think’

David Walliams

'Children will pore over the detail, such as the monster-shaped skyscrapers and the amusingly exasperated rabbits who feature throughout, and the colourful exuberance on the final page will thrill them...a firm favourite' 

Booktrust

Some adults could learn a thing from this heartfelt kids’ book

The Sun

Translations: Finnish, German, Portuguese, USA

On The Night Of The Shooting Star

Candlewick Press USA/ Walker UK Autumn 2017

Written by Amy Hest and Illustrated by Jenni Desmond

Bunny looks at Dog,  Dog looks at Bunny.  They had seen a shooting star.  But now it is gone.  A lyrical, touching, and timely picture book about finding the courage to say "I could be your friend".

CCBC selection 2018

'While many stories about making friends begin with a lonely characters yearning for companionship, this picture book introduces two who are content to be alone, but find that friendship brings them great happiness. A wonderful read-aloud choice.'

Booklist (starred review)

'Desmond's mixed-media illustrations juxtapose simply rendered animals, charming household details, and lovely full-bleed expanses of starry sky and moonlit lake. A gentle, empathetic tribute to the value of reaching out to welcome a new friend.'

Kirkus

'Enchantingly fresh, this lighthearted tale of friendship deserves a place in every picture book collection.'

School Library Journal

Translations:  Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Taiwanese

The Polar Bear

Enchanted Lion Books USA November 2016

Written and Illustrated by Jenni Desmond

A factually accurate as well as a poetic exploration of polar bear bodies, habits, and habitats.  A sequel to The Blue Whale (2015)

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book Award 2016

Best Non-Fiction (Nature) of 2016 (Huffington Post)

Best Science Books and Best Children's Books of 2016 (Brainpickings)

Best Science Books of 2016 (PRI Science Friday)

Junior Library Guild Selection 2017

Selected for The Original Art exhibition 2017 by The Society of Illustrators, New York, USA

'An Enchanting and informative title...a must have for elementary non-fiction collections everywhere'

(School Library Journal starred review)

'Ever changing moods and spectacular scenes of Arctic life'

(New York Times)

'Fresh perspectives...gorgeous double page spreads... Desmond adds some wit and whimsy to her fact-based presentation'

(Washington Post- Best Children's Books)

'This book sets a high bar for modern picture book non-fiction.'

(Huffington Post)

Translations: Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Swedish, Taiwanese, Turkish

Albert's Tree

Walker Books UK April 2016

Written and Illustrated by Jenni Desmond

 

Waa! Waa! Waa! Albert's favourite tree won't stop crying. What can be the matter? How can the bear cheer up his old friend? A funny and charming picture book about making friends in the most unexpected places from the award-winning Jenni Desmond.

 

Best Children's Books Spring 2016 (Huffington Post)


'...few are as cleverly put together and as witty as Albert's little adventure'

Kirkus (starred review) 2018

'The gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations transport the reader to the heart of the forest...(a) heat-warming tale'

Booktrust 2016

'A gorgeous tale of friendship and sharing'

Huffington Post 2016

'A glorious thing to behold'

Books For Keeps 2016

'...You'll feel like cheering out loud.  Albert, you join the honour roll of the greatest storybook bears of all time. What an utterly superb book of the week.'

Read it Daddy 2016

 

'The inky brown bear, looks good enough to hug and you can almost feel the rugged bark on the tree...A tender tale'

Picturebooks Blogger 2016

 

Translations: Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, USA

 

 

The Blue Whale 

Enchanted Lion Books USA May 2015

Written and Illustrated by Jenni Desmond

 

A nonfiction picture book, The Blue Whale draws children into the life and world of this enormous whale by situating facts within a familiar context that is fun and engaging.

New York Public Library top 100 Books for Reading & Sharing

Winner - National Prize for Reading/ Premio Nati per Leggere '19 

Junior Library Guild Selection 2015

Huffington Post Honorable Mention 

Honor Book 2016 - Maryland Library Association

Shortlisted - Red Clover Award Vermont'17

Shortlisted - Sakura Medal Japan'17

'Filled with strikingly beautiful watercolor illustrations, the book shows what impossible fun it would be to hang out in such close proximity to the majestic blue whale.'

Washington Post -'The best children's books for June'

 

'Destined to leave readers’ jaws permanently dropped...

Desmond’s mixed-media images exude warmth and quiet humor... A thorough, rewarding tribute to a majestic animal.'

Publishers Weekly starred review 2015

 

'A series of delicately wrought, eventful pictures, many of which offer amusing visual comparisons to help children grasp the magnitude of the animal.'

Wall St Journal 2015

 

'Whale lovers will breach with happiness over this rich, artful mix of fact and frolic.'

Kirkus Reviews 2015

 

'Endlessly wonderful from cover to cover'

Brainpickings 2015

 

Translations: Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Dutch, French, German, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Taiwanese, Turkish

The First Slodge

Little Tiger Press, UK, April 2015

Written by Jeanne Willis and illustrated by

Jenni Desmond

 

Once upon a slime, there was a Slodge. The first Slodge in the universe. She saw the first moon and stars, the first fruits and flowers. "Mine, all mine!" she said. But what if there was not just one Slodge ...but two?

Winner of Junior Design Awards - Best Emerging Talent: Illustrator'15

 

Bronze Award - Prima Baby Awards'15

Shortlisted - English 4-11 Picture Book Awards'15

'A new text from Jeanne Willis is always a cause for celebration and this pairing with new illustration talent Jenni Desmond could introduce her writing to a style-savvy audience.'

Books For Keeps 2015 (5/5 stars)

 

An inviting setting for readers to explore themes of friendship, sharing, and stewardship.'

Publishers Weekly 2015

 

'Written like a spider's web - delicate and strong - The First Slodge contains equally impressive illustrations.'

Playing By the Book 2015

 

'The First Slodge is an original read with a superb sense of judgement and understanding, and I would gift this book to any child, young or old.'

Children's Books Ireland 2015

Translations: Greek, USA

The Zebra Who Ran Too Fast

Walker Books, UK, July 2014

Written and Illustrated by Jenni Desmond

 

Zebra, Elephant and Bird are three best friends together. Then one day, they all fall out because Zebra runs TOO fast and doesn't listen to his friends. Only then do they all discover the true meaning of friendship. 

 

'I think they really identified with the story and even the smallest (Ned) seemed to enjoy the lovely artwork. The story is basically about friendship, doing your own thing and being a bit stubborn. Its one of those ones which you can read over and over again and never tire of.' 

Being a Mummy 2014

 

'The use of mixed media adds depth and energy to the pages, and then you have her beautifully designed characters, filled with subtle expression in their posture or the simple line of their eyes.'

Magpie That 2014

 

Watch on cbeebies with Floella Benjamin https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/bedtime-stories

Translations: Chinese x2, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil)

 

Red Cat Blue Cat (Debut book)

Blue Apple Books USA 2012

Written and illustrated by Jenni Desmond

 

Fur flies and feline friendships form as two cats of different colors find that, with a little effort, they can be themselves and make a perfect blend.

 

Winner - Cambridgeshire 'Read it Again' Picture Book Award 2013.  

`Winner - Prix Des Incorruptibles 2016 (French edition) 

El Pais top ten picture books of 2013 (Spanish edition) 

'a generous dose of humor, adept storytelling and spot-on detail.'

New York Times 2012

'With tongue-in-cheek humor, Desmond kneads at the complex emotions underlying friendships, without overemphasizing the message about appreciating oneself.'

Publishers Weekly 2012

 

'Red Cat, Blue Cat turns out not only to be beautiful but also witty, original, and jam-packed with joie de vivre; a gentle and humorous exploration of identity, envy and friendship.'

Playing By The Book 2012

Translations: French, Spanish, Catalan, Korean, Chinese

 

 

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