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
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, French, Greek, Italian, Turkish, USA
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
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.
Teacher activity kit (Royal Society Young people's book prize)
Translations: Chinese x2, Danish, Dutch, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Slovak, USA
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
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,
Enchanted Lion Books 2015
Enchanted Lion Books 2015
Enchanted Lion Books 2015
Enchanted Lion Books 2015
Little Tiger Press 2015
Little Tiger Press 2015
Little Tiger Press 2015
Little Tiger Press 2015
Blue Apple Books 2013
Blue Apple Books 2013
Blue Apple Books 2013
Blue Apple Books 2013
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.'
'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'
'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.'
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'
'A gorgeous tale of friendship and sharing'
'A glorious thing to behold'
'...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.'
'The inky brown bear, looks good enough to hug and you can almost feel the rugged bark on the tree...A tender tale'
Translations: Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, USA
The Tiger Protector
WWF Save The Tiger UK
Christmas 2016
Written by Jeanne Willis and illustrated by Jenni Desmond
A story about a wounded tiger who is taken in by a youngster. You can personalise the story to feature an adult and child of your choice, making each copy unique.
There are only around 3,900 tigers remaining in the wild. They've been killed and their habitats destroyed.
Become a Tiger Protector today for just £5 a month, and help WWF protect this majestic species and the amazing world we live in.
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.'
'Whale lovers will breach with happiness over this rich, artful mix of fact and frolic.'
'Endlessly wonderful from cover to cover'
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.'
'Written like a spider's web - delicate and strong - The First Slodge contains equally impressive illustrations.'
'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.'
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.'
'With tongue-in-cheek humor, Desmond kneads at the complex emotions underlying friendships, without overemphasizing the message about appreciating oneself.'
'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.'
Translations: French, Spanish, Catalan, Korean, Chinese
Eric The Boy Who Lost His Gravity
Blue Apple Books USA 2014
Written and Illustrated by Jenni Desmond
When little sister Alice messes up his train set, Eric gets angry. When she knocks over his tower? He gets angrier. But when she pulls down his tent, and he is sent to his room- which is NOT FAIR- Eric doesn't just lose his temper.
'To those of us who do not draw well, it is a constant wonder how much feeling an illustrator can convey with the slightest squiggle of a pencil or brush. In "Eric, the Boy Who Lost His Gravity", Jenni Desmond works this magic with a pencil...in this emotionally tumultuous picture book for 5- to 9-year-olds.'
'Desmond’s drawings of Eric’s and Alice’s mood changes have a comics sensibility to them, with anarchic, scrawled facial expressions. But she also combines collage and drawing to supply a comforting setting in which strong emotions can play out.'
Translation: Korean
Backstage Cat
Blue Apple Books USA 2013
Written by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Jenni Desmond
A runaway kitty named Simon introduces kids to what it takes to put on a show and have a moment in the spotlight. It's a kid-pleasing peek at a fascinating world the draws both stardom-seekers and those who prefer to remain behind the scenes.
'Harriet Ziefert's entertaining story gives Jenni Desmond plenty of scope for doing something she is an absolute expert at - conveying the sense of busy chaotic and frenetic action that takes place when cats start to misbehave. It's also an interesting insight into the inner workings of a theatre production as we get to find out that the star isn't the only person involved. An utterly beautiful book combining Ziefert's concise and expert observations with Desmond's utterly beautiful illustrative style...a winning combination of talent and a superb book.'
(Click image to view)
Mister Orange
Enchanted Lion Books USA 2013
Written by Truus Matti
Translated from Dutch by Laura Watkinson
Illustrated by Jenni Desmond
A 1940s NYC boy talks with Mondrian, known only as Mr. Orange, about the war, the future, creativity, and color.
Winner: Batchelder Award 2014
'Matti offers a compact middle-grade novel that is involving and informative. Written with clarity and simplicity, this accessible book features deftly drawn characters and a nuanced view of family life on the American home front, as well as insights into Mondrian's personality and paintings. An original.'
STARRED REVIEW, Booklist 2013
(click image to view)