This anniversary edition celebrates 35 years of the original Winnie and Wilbur adventure.
Since creating her characters Winnie and Wilbur in 1987, Valerie Thomas has taken them on all kinds of adventures: on a broomstick and a flying carpet, with a baby dragon and a big bad robot, in a haunted house and aboard a pirate ship, under the sea and even into outer space! Valerie, who lives in Australia, doesn’t own a broomstick herself, but she has travelled to most parts of the world. Born in Zimbabwe, Korky Paul is a superstar illustrator. His drawings appear in more than fifty Winnie and Wilbur books, as well as many other titles. Known only to himself as ‘the world’s greatest portrait artist’, Korky regularly visits schools and appears at festivals to promote his passion for drawing. He lives in Oxford with his wife where he regularly cooks on the ‘braai’.
Winnie shares her big black house with Wilbur her big black cat. So sometimes she accidentally trips over him. Ouch! After some spells that make Wilbur look very silly, Winnie finds just the right magic to make sure she can always see him. It’s a colourful Winnie and Wilbur adventure! Korky Paul’s intricate artwork is full of madcap humour and crazy details to pore over.
Whether your children have read Winnie the Witch books before or this book would be their first, Winnie and Wilbur is perfect to read with young children, especially at this time of the year. This anniversary edition is a real keepsake and its hardback cover means it will stay in good condition. A magical read just in time for Hallowe’en!
Since Winnie and Wilbur first appeared in 1987, they have been delighting children and adults in homes and schools all over the world and more than 9 million books have been sold. Celebrating the wonderful relationship that exists between Winnie and Wilbur, this anniversary edition includes forewords by the author and illustrator, a gallery of Winnie and Wilbur’s most magical memories, and sketches from Korky Paul’s studio.
Thanks to Emily at Midas PR for having me as part of the tour and for the fantastic Winnie and Wilbur pack of goodies which came along with the book. My daughter works in a primary school so I’m going to pass on the stickers, bunting and selfie frame for her to take into the school. I think we’ll hang onto the book though! Winnie and Wilbur, the 35th Anniversary edition is published by Oxford Children’s Books, part of Oxford University Press and available now from all good bookshops.
About the Book
This 35th anniversary hardback edition of the first Winnie and Wilbur story is such a lovely book. As well as the story, it has a foreword from the author Valerie Thomas and the illustrator Korky Paul. There are pictures from many of Winnie and Wilbur’s adventures and they have had plenty of adventures, with over 40 books to choose from. There’s also a chance to find out how the Winnie and Wilbur stories become a book, from the author creating the story to the illustrator bringing it to life on the page.
I couldn’t possibly talk about the book without mentioning Korky Paul’s brilliant illustrations. They are so colourful and fun. There are so many little details and funny things for children to spot, particularly around Winnie’s house.
About the Author and Illustrator
I have to admit that my daughters are now well beyond the target age for this book now that they are in their twenties! However, I remember how much they enjoyed Winnie the Witch books when they were little – some are still on the treasured books shelf. So I couldn’t resist the invitation to take part in the 35th anniversary celebrations.
If you go the Oxford Owl website, you will find storyteller videos and lots of Winnie and Wilbur related activities. Perfect to keep little Winnie and Wilbur fans entertained – Winnie and Wilbur activities
Even though this was the first Winnie the Witch story, it’s not one I had actually read before and I really enjoyed it. Children will love the problems that Wilbur causes Winnie and how she tries to resolve them. The fact that things don’t always go to plan is sure to result in giggles. There are several bits where young children will be able to join in, which always makes them feel part of the story and enjoy it more. There’s a point where they will be feeling sorry for poor Wilbur too.
My Thoughts
