After almost three years of working with the wonderful Ana Vivas and Niki Bern of Snappy Ant the I Love My Dad App is here! I am thrilled with the result. I know the 'App' word is a bit controversial in the world of stories and books, but as much as I am passionate about picture books beautifully printed on paper, I think it is exciting to see stories translated in new media with care and attention to detail. Seeing little Ollie riding his bike, swinging on a roundabout and being piggybacked is a delight. There is a lot more involved than I anticipated, with the music, the voice and other sound effects let alone how the characters move and interact with one another. It has been a steep learning curve but worth it for the result. I hope you think so too!

Here is a selection of the postcards from Mr Jinx and his big day out.

Heading out!

Enjoying some sunshine at Curtain Square

Num num!

And back home again hanging out with Freddy.

Our dear Olive is turning 12. When Olive was a tiny thing she was given a duck called Mr Jinx, and they have been almost inseparable ever since. For her birthday Mr Jinx has sent some postcards revealing some of his secret adventures. . .

Checking the coast is clear!

More pictures coming soon. . .

With Cicadas singing outside and Christmas tree lights glowing, I am reflecting on the year that has been. In the stillness and heat that Summer has brought this evening, it is almost hard to imagine how busy it has been. The year began with moving house, and creating a garden in the backyard that makes the house feel like home. We now have a wonderful vegetable garden, fruit trees and fishpond with lilypads! 2012 was the year of creating a video about being an illustrator, creating my first book trailer, playing on Instagram, tweeting now and then, collecting pictures on Pinterest, venturing quietly into the world of facebook, the release of Peggy, the release of Today We Have No Plans and almost completing a new book to be released in September next year (another lovely project with Jane Godwin!). For the last few months wherever I go I have left small trails of paper.

Finishing books at Christmas time can be a bit stressful with trying to keep up with making gingerbread, ballet concerts, end of year parties, sewing Christmas stockings for nephew and celebrating the season with friends and family. The tricky part is I don't want to give any of it up! I think all the hard work has been worth it though, am very happy with the way the book is shaping up so far - still have a way to go but hopefully will make the deadline! Below is some of the time spent working on the skin colouring of the little characters.

Like the three bears on holiday (wooden dolls from BLANK), it is time for holly, mince tarts and taking some time to patter about with no shoes or lists.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!

x anna

Introducing Bat Boy! A friendly little character who features in a new Australian online bookshop. During the year I created a range of illustrations for The Kid's Bookshop, one of my favourites was this one. For a short time only, when you buy some books you receive one of these special bags below. I am taking mine Christmas shopping! I love seeing my illustrations translated on to different applications, bags, stickers, digital - all sooooo exciting.

I hope your Christmas preparations are going well. We have made our pudding, decorated the Christmas tree and in between painting illustrations for a book that needs to be finished very soon I am running around the shops and hunting online for pressies.