James Foley

Merry Christmas, from James and Norm … (and Odin)

I often joke with school kids that Odin looks like a pirate Santa. (You may already know that similarities between depictions of Odin and Santa are not coincidental). Anyway, that running joke led to the drawing above. There could be a story in it; who knows?

On behalf of Fremantle Press, Norman and myself, I want to say thank you for your amazing support since the release of The Last Viking. Can you believe that was 2 and a half years ago?? And it’s now only 10 months until The Last Viking Returns!?

Right now I’m working on final illustrations, but I’ll have more time for behind-the-scenes posts in 2014. Stay tuned. And Merry Christmas!

James

The Last Viking Returns

It’s coming. October 2014.

For progress updates, subscribe to the blog (on the right)…

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Picture A Story exhibition

The State Library of WA has a new exhibition beginning November 2nd called Picture A Story, comprising works from their Australian children’s book illustration collection.

You’ll see artwork by Shaun Tan, Ron Brooks, Graeme Base, Alison Lester, Frane Lessac, Leigh Hobbs, Matt Ottley, Sean E Avery and me!

There’ll be originals, sketches and sculptures I made for The Last Viking… including this little reference maquette for Josh.

And as you probably noticed at the top of the post, Wolverine is the official mascot of the exhibition!

More info at the State Library website.

Picture A Story exhibition

The State Library of WA has a new exhibition beginning November 2nd called Picture A Story, comprising works from their Australian children’s book illustration collection.

You’ll see artwork by Shaun Tan, Ron Brooks, Graeme Base, Alison Lester, Frane Lessac, Leigh Hobbs, Matt Ottley, Sean E Avery and me!

There’ll be originals, sketches and sculptures I made for The Last Viking… including this little reference maquette for Josh.

And as you probably noticed at the top of the post, Wolverine is the official mascot of the exhibition!

More info at the State Library website.

Vikings invade Darling Harbour

The Jorgen Jorgensen pulls in Darling Harbour — The *Jorgen Jorgenson* docks at Darling Harbour

Last week, the Australian National Maritime Museum was invaded by Vikings!

The staff were happily enjoying the launch of their new exhibition Vikings – Beyond the Legend when a horde of real Norsemen arrived at the docks at Darling Harbour, Sydney.

They came in peace though. Only one Anglo-Saxon warrior died.

The Amity Kids Adventures: A gorilla and a gumnut

It’s been a long time between posts! Thanks for waiting. I’ve been working on three chapter books, e-books actually, called the Amity Kids Adventures. Book 1 is called Magpie Mischief, Book 2 is called Disturbing the Peace, and Book 3 is called Kidnapped! They’re written by Jon Doust and Ken Spillman and illustrated by me.

Continue reading “The Amity Kids Adventures: A gorilla and a gumnut”

Sneak Peek

Hello readers! We’ve been away for a bit. But Norm and I have been working on something new. Hopefully I’ll have a cover image to reveal in the next month.

In the meantime, here’s a section from one of my colour roughs. It should give you a little idea of what’s to come.

TLV2-sneak-peek-1

Onward to glory,

James

‘In The Lion’ noted in 2013 CBCA Awards

My picture book ‘In The Lion‘ was named a Notable Book in the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Picture Book of the Year category. Thanks to all the judges, and congrats to all my colleagues who had books noted and shortlisted.

International honour for In The Lion

Great news- my book In The Lion was selected for the International Youth Library’s 2013 White Ravens list!

White Ravens Selection 2013

250 books were selected from around the world. Congratulations to the other Australian and New Zealand creators featured on the list.

Viking longship-builders in Murwillumbah

These incredible longships were handcrafted by Year 4 viklings at St Joseph’s Primary School in Murwillumbah.

Their teacher Deborah Walker has put in a huge effort. Thanks for bringing the book to life and encouraging the next generation of marauders!

Thanks also to the school’s library coordinator Melissa Fraser for sending the photos.

Melissa tells us the school is busting to read the sequel to The Last Viking. We’re working as quick as we can Melissa- I’ll get on to the artwork in the middle of next year, fingers crossed.