So that was 2014.
One of my little jobs for the lull between Christmas and new year was to organise our iPhoto library (I know, pretty rock'n'roll, huh?). It was while I was doing that I realised just how much has happened over the last twelve months. Among other things my brother and my cousin got married (no, not to each other), Ally quit her job and started an exciting new phase in her career, my sister found out she was expecting a little boy (the first male Biddulph baby for a LONG time - due for release mid-January), Ella did brilliantly in her AS levels and, of course, Blown Away was published.
2015 is already shaping up to be even busier. The Blown Away US edition is out on January 20. I’m HUGELY excited about this, particularly after it received a prestigious Kirkus ‘starred review’ (click here to read). Here’s the first teaser for the book and here’s a countdown to release. Oh, and this is what the jacket looks like…
The US publication is closely followed by that of the UK paperback which sports a very cool new cover design (see below). It’s out on January 30 so keep ’em peeled…
Spring sees the book’s release across Europe. It will be called Weggepustet in Germany, Vol au Vent in France, Volando Voy in Spain, Quin Vent in Catalonia, Φύσηξε αεράκι in Greece, Weggewaaid in Holland and Oops! Si Vola in Italy. It’s also due for release in China at some point soon - can’t wait to see that cover.
The most exciting thing for me, however, is that I have the whole of January in the studio artworking my second picture book. I can’t tell you too much about it at the moment ’cos it’s all very secret squirrel, but what I can say is that it’s not another Penguin Blue adventure. I’ve written a brand new story with brand new characters. I really hope you like it/them. I must say that I’m pretty pleased with the way it’s gone so far, and my daughters and wife think it’s ok too - but then they would say that wouldn’t they. Who knows, maybe I’ll post a few little visual teasers at some point later this month and then you can let me know what you think.
Anyway, huge thanks to everyone who’s been following my blog, my Facebook page, my tweets and my instas, and also to everybody who has written to me or sent me Penguin Blue drawings. I really, really appreciate it.
À bientôt and a happy new year to you all x
