Award-winning illustrator Yasmeen Ismail is next Artist in Residence at Seven Stories.

Fresh, creative and highly-acclaimed author-illustrator Yasmeen Ismail has been awarded a string of accolades since her debut children’s book Time for Bed Fred was published by Bloomsbury in 2013.  Seven Stories invites families and aspiring illustrators the exclusive opportunity to work alongside the talented artist this January as Yasmeen becomes Seven Stories’ next Artist in Residence.

Seven Stories is delighted to welcome award-winning illustrator Yasmeen Ismail as she transforms the Creation Station into a jungle.  Visitors are invited to beat through the hanging vines to join Yasmeen in celebration of her latest book Let’s Go Find a Tiger (Macmillan, 2015) and Specs for Rex (Bloomsbury, 2014) which has been nominated for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal.  Yasmeen’s residency will offer visitors the chance to see the creativity that goes into the making of children’s books and is a fascinating opportunity to interact with an artist at work.  The whole family will be able to ask Yasmeen questions, as well as take part in creative activities and help create the artist’s installation.  On Saturday 10 January, visitors can create their own specs like Rex, dress up as jungle animals and go in search of a tiger.  Throughout the day families will also be able to boogie to some Jungle Jazz with Yas. 

Yasmeen says "Seven Stories is a magical place. I was so surprised to find this whole building dedicated to children and children's literature. I only wish I had somewhere like this to go to when I was a child. The team work so hard and with such passion to promote exciting and new ideas to the kids that visit. And it's their passion and willingness that makes this such an enthusiastic space to be in. You can't help feel overwhelmed with joy!"

Yasmeen Ismail published her debut children’s book Time for Bed Fred in 2013.  The story of a mischievous, shaggy dog went on to receive multiple awards including Best Illustrated Book, New York Times, 2014 and was shortlisted for the prestigious CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, 2014.  Awarded as the winner of V&A Best Illustrated Book Award 2014, Yasmeen continues to flourish as one of the most-loved children’s book creators of the moment.  The Irish-born author, illustrator and animator studied at art school in Dublin and prior to her successful children’s book career, ran an animation production company.  Yasmeen’s vibrant, exciting and creative illustration style as well as vivacious spirit is evident in her stories and promises to leave visitors and enthusiasts itching to create their own picture book. 

The residency culminates with a masterclass for aspiring illustrators.  This is an exclusive opportunity to spend the day with Yasmeen as she shares hints and tips about her work, how to develop your own skills to bring children’s books to life and innovative ways to use inks and watercolours. 

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Media Contact:

Hannah Lambert, Programming and Marketing Assistant

Seven Stories, National Centre for Children’s Books

30 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 2PQ

E: hannah.lambert@sevenstories.org.uk  

For book reviews contact:

The Bright Agency, Studio 102, 250 York Road, Battersea, London, SW11 3SJ

+44 (0) 207 326 9140

Notes to Editor

1. Seven Stories is the National Centre for Children’s Books based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Its aim is to save, celebrate and share artwork and manuscripts, from first scribbles to finished books, and make them accessible to everyone through an innovative programme of exhibitions and events.  www.sevenstories.org.uk
2. Yasmeen Ismail has donated some of her original drawings and material for two titles - Time for Bed Fred and If I Had a Cat - to the Seven Stories Collection.  Items from her collection are included in an innovative online research resource which has been developed by the organisation.
3. Illustration Masterclass with Yasmeen Ismail, Sunday 11 January 2015, 9.30am – 3pm.  Yasmeen Ismail is an award-winning illustrator and animator who loves inks, paints and watercolours. Yasmeen’s fun and bright illustrations can be found in her beautiful picture books Time for Bed Fred, Inside, Outside, Upside Down and her latest creation Specs for Rex as well as animation, advertising and more.  This is an exclusive opportunity for aspiring illustrators to find out more about how Yasmeen works and how to develop your own skills to bring children’s books to life. Learn how to use inks and watercolours and find out more about Yasmeen’s varied and interesting career. Booking essential. £35 per person, no additional admission required. Includes lunch. Suitable for ages 15 and over. www.sevenstories.org.uk/whats-on/events/121304/illustration-master-class-with-yasmeen-ismail
4. http://www.yasmeenismail.co.uk/ Irish-born, London-based Yasmeen Ismail is an award-winning author, illustrator and animator. Yasmeen studied at art school in her hometown, Dublin and graduated in 2002. After Yasmeen moved to London she lent her talents to many different projects ranging from advertising to children's publishing.