BOOK LIST

I spent several years at the beginning of my career producing illustrations for educational publishers; effectively, I drew the little pictures you get in school textbooks. Maths, english, geography, french, german, history... you name it, I probably did an illustration in a book about it somewhere. ELT books, too.

I have also worked, and still do work, for the publishers of the children’s comic, “THE BEANO”. In the UK it is an institution. Until recently I drew their main character, DENNIS THE MENACE ( but this is not to be confused with the American character of the same name. They are almost exact contemporaries, as a matter of fact). These days I find I’m too busy with other work to keep up three pages of comic strip a week, but I still do their annual covers and the odd strip now and again. Nothing I do earns me as much ‘kid cred’ as working for The Beano. Nothing!

Sad, isn’t it?

Here's a list of books that I've illustrated, including some of the press the books have received. This list is not exhaustive (it does not, for example, include any of the educational books I mentioned in the first paragraph) - but it is reasonably comprehensive and just about up to date.

Clicking on the highlighted titles will take you to a few sample illustrations

PICTURE BOOKS

 LEONIE AND THE LION by Angus Macaulay

published in 1988 by Oxford University Press

GIVE A DOG A NAME by Barrie Wade

published in 1992 by Scholastic

NO PROBLEM by Eileen Browne

published in 1993 by Walker Books (UK) and Candlewick Press (USA)

‘... the book’s appeal is in the visual humour expressed in the energetic pen and watercolor illustrations’ School Library Journal

‘Parkins’ animals express a real sense of movement and individual character’ JT

‘The hilarity of Eileen Browne’s No Problem is made even sillier by David Parkins inventive illustrations’ The Village Bookstore

‘David Parkins’ illustrations are in the British tradition of Cruikshank and Searle: ink lines that create the most complex of machines, not to mention the wonderful animals bursting with personality.’ Library Talk

‘ Paired with the highly detailed pictures of David Parkins, this story wings its way into the dreams of childhood.’ The Jackson Sun

‘...very much Ronald-Searley, I think David Parkins’ drawings are absolutely brilliant...’ transcript from BBC Radio 4’s ‘Treasure Islands’

TICK TOCK by Eileen Browne

published in 1994 by Walker Books (UK) and Candlewick Press (USA)

‘David Parkins spirited line-and-wash drawings brilliantly capture the cumulative chaos’ The Guardian

‘David Parkins has produced almost classic ink and watercolour picture making, with deftness of line in creating character and conveying action. There’s a British properness that suggests Shepard and Tenniel with a touch of Ronald Searle.’ Library Talk

‘Being simultaneously elaborate and fastidious, Parkins’ style is remeniscent of turn-of-the-century art’ Wilson Library Bulletin

‘Detailed, zany illustratons perfectly capture the mood of the book and the characters are well realised...’ MA

‘Parkins conjures up a crowd of intriquing details with agile, busy pen lines resembling Ronald Searle’s.’ Kirkus Reviews

‘Eileen Browne’s clever tale is greatly enhanced by Parkins’s charming ink and watercolour drawings.’ The Five Owls

BLOOMING CATS by David R Morgan

published in 1993 by Scholastic

Winner of the Nottinghamshire Libraries ‘Acorn’ Award

‘There is a zestful bite to the scatty drawings.’

‘David Parkins’ amusing illustrations bring out all the animals’ characteristics with great skill.’  Hazel Townsend

PROWLPUSS by Gina Wilson:

published 1994 by Walker Books (UK) and Candlewick Press (USA)

Shortlisted for the Smarties Book Prize and the Kurt Maschler Award

Commended in the National Art Library Illustration Awards

‘The strong rhythmic text is brilliantly matched by David Parkins’ stunning illustrations ... an outstanding picture book - Prowlpuss is a star!’ Joanna Carey, The Guardian

‘A formidable partnership. The pictures are powerful and atmospheric.’ Junior Bookshelf

‘David Parkins’ illustrations are some of the best and most original I’ve seen for years’ Books for your Children

‘Deliciously dark, dangerous illustrations by David Parkins’ Candia McWilliams,The Guardian

‘David Parkins’ luminous pictures of a battered one eyed, one eared survivor, glowing against a dark background of back alleys, add a wonderfully expressionist dimension to the rhythm packed text.’ The Times Educational Supplement

‘..it’s the stunning illustrations that make the book. They are wonderfully                          atmospheric...’ Child Education

‘David Parkins’ illustrations are both murky and luminescent.’ The New Yorker

FLY TRAPS by Martin Jenkins

published in 1996 by Walker Books (UK) and Candlewick Press (USA)

‘Fly Traps stands on its own. A delightful, easy to look at, easy to read introduction to the world of carnivorous plants’ American Bookseller ‘Pick of the Lists’

AUNT NANCY AND OLD MAN TROUBLE by Phyllis Root

published in 1998 by Walker Books (UK) and Candlewick Press (USA)

Commended in the National Art Library Illustration Awards

‘The pictures are full of energy and verve... this is one of the best picture books to  come my way in a long time’ Susan Hill, The Daily Telegraph

‘David Parkins’ brilliant illustrations for Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble are scarily enjoyable’ Jenny Woolf, Hampstead and Highgate Express

‘...and David Parkins’ pictures make Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble a delight  for children of all ages.’ The Oxford Times

‘...illustrated in extraordinary style - sort of American Pie meets Surrealism - by               David Parkins, who has an unbelievable versatility. Expect to seee this one               making all the shortlists in the book awards for five to eight year olds.’ Dinah            Hall, The Sunday Telegraph

‘Parkins’ sinister depiction of Old Man Troube... gives the story a bit of dastardly suspense.’ Publishers Weekly

‘Rotlich und blau schimmern die grossflachigen Bilder von David Parkins, die                 perspektive aus Caligaris Kabinett sorgt fur den wohldosierten Schuss  Unheimlichkeit. Augenzwinkernd, fast ubermutig spielen die Bilder mit der  bedrohlichen Gestalt. Den Schwarzen Mann gibt Parkins als ehrenwerten Edelrauberund Tante Anna gute, schlauc Seele vom Lande.’ Die Zeit  (I’m afraid my German is not good enough to translate. sorry!)

AUNT NANCY AND COUSIN LAZYBONES by Phyllis Root

published in 1998 by Walker Books (UK) and Casndlewick Press (USA)

GOD’S STORY by Jan Mark

published in1997 by Walker Books (UK) and Candlewick Press (USA)

‘GOD’S STORY is nothing if not vital. The English novelist Jan Mark’s starkly evocative prose is a pleasure to read, David Parkins’s equally stark and evocative pictures a pleasure to look at.’ The New York Times

WEBSTER J DUCK by Martin Waddell

published in 2001 by Walker Books (UK) and Candlewick Press (USA)

GILGAMESH by Geraldine McCaughrean

published in 2002 by Oxford University Press

‘David Parkins’ illustrations, with their raw, primeval quality... may be small, but they carry an epic impact’ The Times Educational Supplement

‘...retold in fine style and boldly illustrated.’ Carousel (The Guide to Children’s Books)

JEEPERS CREEPERS by Laura Leuck

published in 2003 by Chronicle Books (USA)

SHHHHH! EVERYBODY’S SLEEPING by Julie Markes

published in 2005 by HarperCollins (USA)

CLIP CLOP by Eleanor Koldovsky

pubished in 2005 by Tundra Books (Canada)

‘David Parkins’ delightful illustrations are precise in detail but also embody a larger storytelling quality which brings to life the time and the place.’ Canadian Children’s Book News

‘There’s a feast for the eyes in each highly detailed and lively watercolour frame...” The Globe and Mail

‘The finely executed art reflects the nostalgic time and embraces the gentleness of the text.’ Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

EGYPT DIARY by Richard Platt

published in 2005 by Walker Books (UK) and Candlewick Press (USA)

‘The very readable text is illustrated by the very beautiful colour illustrations of David Parkins, which not only bring these ancient Egyptian scenes to life, but are packed with detail - at times in a most amusing way’  School Librarian

‘The combination of David Parkins’ detailed, sumptuous illustrations and Richard Platt’s very readable story would be a boon to any child carrying out a project on Egypt - as well as those of nine-plus who will simply enjoy it.’ Newbury Weekly News

THE ADVENTURES OF OLD BO BEAR by Alice Schertle

published in 2006 by Chronicle Books (USA)

‘The vibrant artwork is bold, detailed and mirthfull. Particularly fine is the                       sparkling spread of the pirate battle with festooned sails, scowling pirates and               a turquoise sea with Bo and the boy swinging from ropes.’ Kirkus Reviews

“...Parkins’ energetic, light filled art comically portrays the escapades of the wide-eyed,  wild-haired boy and his endearingly expressive bear.’ Publishers  Weekly

BOOKS IN FRENCH

LE PETIT OGRE VEUT ALLER A L’ECOLE by Marie-Agnes Gaudrat

published in  2000 by Bayard Jeunesse (Paris)

ATTENDS MADELEINE! by Marie-Agnes Gaudrat

published in 2001 by Bayard Jeunesse (Paris)

LE PLACARD AUX SORCIERES by Francoise Moreau-Dubois

published in 2001 by Bayard Jeunesse (Paris)

LA SORCIERE QUI RAPETISSAIT LES ENFANTS by Veronique Caylou

published in 2002 by Bayard Jeunesse (Paris)

LE MONSTRE AMOUREUX by Marie-Helene Delval

published in 2003 by Bayard Jeunesse (Paris)

LE PETIT OGRE VEUT VOIR LE MONDE by Marie-Agnes Gaudrat

published in 2005 by Bayard Jeunesse (Paris)

FICTION

THE MOON ON THE WATER by Nina Warner-Hook

published in 1979 by Methuen

NOTHING TO BE AFRAID OF by Jan Mark

published in 1980 by Kestrel Books

RAINBOW CAKE by Alan Spooner

published in 1981 by Kestrel Books

HANDLES by Jan Mark

published in 1983 by Kestrel Books

THE STONE QUARTET by Roger J Green

published from 1984 by Oxford University Press

THE FEAR OF SAMUEL WALTON

THE LENGTHENING SHADOW

THE DEVIL FINDS WORK

THEY WATCHED HIM DIE

TROUBLE HALF WAY by Jan Mark

published in 1985 by Kestrel Books

THE SOUND OF PROPELLERS by Clive King

published in 1986 by Viking Kestrel

A HOUSE INSIDE OUT by Penelope Lively

published in 1987 by Andre Deutsch

DODOS ARE FOREVER by Dick King-Smith

published in 1989 by Viking Kestrel

SCHOOL STORIES chosen by Jan Mark

published in 1989 by Kingfisher

STAN’S DRAGON by Maggie Pearson

published in 1991 by Hodder and Stoughton

FLYING PIG TO THE RESCUE by Judy Corbalis

published in 1991 by Hodder and Stoughton

THE WATER HORSE by Dick King-Smith

published in 1990 by Viking

PADDY’S POT OF GOLD by Dick King-Smith

published in 1990 by Viking

THE CUCKOO CHILD by Dick King -Smith

published in 1991 by Viking

PRETTY POLLY by Dick King-Smith

published in 1992 by Viking

OSKAR AND THE ICE PICK by Judy Corbalis

published in 1988 by Andre Deutsch (UK) and as ‘Ice Cream Heroes’ by Little Brown (USA)

THE SOPHIE BOOKS by Dick King-Smith

published from 1989 by Walker Books (UK) and Candlewick Press (USA)

SOPHIE’S SNAIL

SOPHIE’S TOM

SOPHIE HITS SIX

SOPHIE IN THE SADDLE

SOPHIE IS SEVEN

SOPHIE’S LUCKY

‘Parkins’ black and white illustrations are unerringly perfect in their depictions of Sophie and her animals.’ School Library Journal

‘Parkins’ intense cross hatched line drawings are classics.’ The Guardian

‘Parkins’ frequent drawings continue to be witty and precise.’ Kirkus Reviews

PUT A SOCK IN IT PERCY by Judy Corbalis

published in 1994 by Scholasti

RONNIE AND THE GIANT MILLIPEDE by Jenny Nimmo

published in 1995 by Walker Books (UK) and Candlewick Press (USA)

THE PERILS OF LORD REGGIE PARROT by Martin Waddell

published in 1997 by Walker Books

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

published in 1998 by Ladybird Books

CAPTAIN PEPPER'S PETS by Sally Grindley

published in 2002 by Kingfisher

THE WOLF’S FOOTPRINT by Susan Price

published in 2003  by Hodder

DOG DAYS by Geraldine McCaughrean

published in 2003 by Hodder

SCARY STORIES by Veronika Martinova-Charles

published in 2006 by Tundra Books (Canada)

DON’T GO IN THERE!

DON’T GO NEAR THE WATER!

DON’T OPEN THE DOOR!

DON’T WALK ALONE AT NIGHT!

DON’T GO INTO THE FOREST!

TRUE HORSE STORIES by Judy Andrekson

published by Tundra Books (Canada)

LITTLE SQUIRE The Jumping Pony (2007)

MISKEEN The Dancing Horse (2007)

J B ANDREW Mustang Magic (2008)

FOSTA Marathon Master (2008)

AUNT NANCY AND THE BOTHERSOME VISITORS by Phyllis Root 

published in 2007 by Candlewick

POETRY BOOKS AND ANTHOLOGIES

STANDING ON A STRAWBERRY by John Cunliffe

published in 1987 by Andre Deutsch

THE MINISTER’S CAT by John Cunliffe

published in 1989 by Andre Deutsch

TEACHERS’ PETS ed. Paul Cookson

published 19999 by Macmillan

WHO RULES THE SCHOOL ed. Paul Cookson

published in 1998 by Macmillan

RIDICULOUS RELATIVES ed. Paul Cookson

published 1999 by Macmillan

YOU ARE NOT ALONE ed. Paul Cookson

published 1999 by Macmillan

NEVER STARE AT A GRIZZLY BEAR ed. Nick Toczek

published in 1999 by Macmillan

SPILL THE BEANS by Paul Cookson and David Harmer

published in 2000 by Macmillan

JOIN IN OR ELSE ed. Nick Toczek

published in 2000 by Macmillan

SUPERHEROES ed. Paul Cookson

published in 2000 by Macmillan

THE EVIL DOCTOR MUCUS SPLEEN ed. Paul Cookson

published in 2001 by Macmillan

THE VERY BEST OF PAUL COOKSON

published in 2001 by Macmillan

MY MATE FANCIES YOU ed. Paul Cookson

published in 2001 by Random House

TURN THAT RACKET DOWN ed. Paul Cookson

published in 2001 by Random House

GRANDMA WAS EATEN BY A SHARK by Andrea Shavick

published in 2002 by Crocodile Books

HOW TO EMBARRASS GROWN UPS ed. Paul Cookson

published in 2003 by Macmillan

HOW TO EMBARRASS TEACHERS ed. Paul Cookson

published in 2006 by Macmillan

TRICK OR TREAT ed. Paul Cookson

published in 2006 by Macmillan

THE TRUTH ABOUT TEACHERS ed. Paul Cookson

Published 2007 by Macmillan

I'D RATHER BE A FOOTBALLER : Poems by Paul Cookson

Published in 2008 by Macmillan

COVERS ONLY

A series of fantasy tales by Eva Ibbotson

published 2002 by Macmillan

THE SECRET OF PLATFORM 13

THE HAUNTING OF HIRAM

DIAL-A-GHOST

THE GREAT GHOST RESCUE

NOT JUST A WITCH

WHICH WITCH?

MONSTER MISSION

The WOLF PACK series by Edo Van Belkom

published from 2004 by Tundra Books

WOLF PACK

LONE WOLF

CRY WOLF

ANTHOLOGIES

(Books in which I have one or more illustrations, but with other illustrators as well)

THE BLUE AND GREEN ARK by Brian Patten

published in1999 by Scholastic