Wondering what to buy a little one at Christmas? Well, look no further than the Irish children's book series that is melting hearts around the world.
The lovable character The Beast by Irish illustrator, artist and children's picture book author Chris Judge has just embarked upon his third adventure in 'The Snow Beast'. It follows the award-winning 'The Lonely Beast' from 2011 and 'The Brave Beast' from 2013, both of which have received rave reviews from children and parents all over the world, as well as children's book critics (who knew there was such a thing?)
Chris joined Anton on the show to talk about how the Beast went from being a personal project to being a bedside favourite bringing sleepy time fun for kids all over the world.
In 'The Snow Beast' the furry black mountain-dweller gets the blame when the tools needed to build the villagers’ annual snow festival disappear from the shed. Following incriminating footsteps, The Beast locates the another beast - The Snow Beast, a white version of himself, who explains that he needed them to repair his mobile home, which is situated in an iceberg. Can The Beast save the day for both villagers and the abominable snow beast?
(BEASTLY BEHAVIOUR: The adventures of the beast on Andersen Press)
Kids love the detail in the Beast books – the ‘extras’ in the background, the routes the Beast takes on his adventures, the obstacles in his way, the movement of characters, the vivid colour and, of course the fact they are funny, engaging stories with real heart.
To coincide with the new Beast book, there are ltd. edition art prints and 3D Beast figurines, available at Love and Robots, Dame Lane, Dublin 2. The Beast books are available nationwide from all good book stores and online ones too.
Chris is also the co-author and illustrator of the award-winning Danger is Everywhere series of books with comedian David O'Doherty. David had a special message for Chris - have a listen to the start of the podcast!
Chris studied graphic design at Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Dublin and he explained to Anton how the internet has revolutionized the world of illustration and children;s books.
His Beast apps - Lonely Beast ABC and Lonely Beast 123 - are essentials for kids of all ages. Highly rated, they featured in a global Apple iPad ad, picked from millions of apps for ads.
A man of many talents, with plenty of projects on the go (see his website) Chris also revealed details of his entertaining on-going fruit and veg project whereby the fruit and vegetables at home are his canvas. He adds legs, draws mouths etc with hilarious results.
Of course, with such creative talent in the studio, we had to get him to draw something for us...
