The delightful Fairy House

Ashampstead artist's publishes children's picture book

JUST in time for Christmas, Ashampstead author and illustrator Sally Barton has published a children’s picture book, Fairy House (Hogs Back Books). Sally has worked as an illustrator, visualiser and storyboard artist for more than 20 years, embracing digital media about six years ago and enjoys exploring its potential alongside her use of traditional media – pencil and watercolour in particular. Fairy House is told entirely through illustrations – along the lines of The Snowman. She says: “It was inspired by the countryside around Ashampstead where I live and includes images based on lanes and woodland in the area. Didcot power station also makes an appearance – but well in the distance.”

Have you ever heard a rustle in a bush? Perhaps you were too busy to stop and peer inside? But if you did, you might have
discovered a secret fairy house a hidden world that comes alive while you sleep. This wordless story about fairies is told entirely through Sally Barton’s beautiful illustrations and makes readers think about their position in the world. Ignored by passers by, the reader is drawn through a hole in the hedge and into an enchanted world within. And whether you believe in fairies or not, there s a hidden, magical world of animals, birds, and nature that does exist.

The book will appeal to two to five-year-olds and is available online and in bookshops now.