BOOK LIST: Books illustrated by David Parkins

Clicking on most of the titles in this list will take you to a few sample illustrations from the book.

 

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
Shortlisted for 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! PLANTS THAT BITE BACK 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 f or 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)

‘Parkins's painterly watercolours possess a magic and originality that's hard to resist: his lakeside landscape shimmers with light, and he endows his pint-sized protagonist with emotional depth.’ Publishers Weekly

 

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)

‘...it's the art that allows the book to soar. There's a largess to the bright, dynamic paintings that's comforting.’ School Library Journal

‘... the artwork soars. Glowing with warm colours in subdued hues, the sturdy pictures stretch wide across double page spreads, offering surprisingly energitic, varied compositions, considering that nearly every scene features a sleeping person.’ Booklist

 

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

 

EGYPTIAN 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 mirthful. 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

 

ROMAN DIARY byRichard Platt
published in 2009 by Walker Books (UK)

‘Detailed and often amusing illustrations bring the Roman period vividly to life.’ The Glasgow Herald

 

I ALWAYS, ALWAYS GET MY WAY by Thad Krasnesky
published in 2009 by Flashlight Press (USA)

 

THAT CAT CAN'T STAY by Thad Krasnesky
published in 2010 by Flashlight Press (USA)

 

THE INSIDE TREE by Linda Smith
published in 2010 by HarperCollins (USA)

‘Smith's text is perfectly complemented by the illustrations. Without saying a word, the dog clearly wonders along with the readers what ill advised thing will Mr. Potter do next. Parkins uses a mix of realistic details, excellent facial expressions, and varying perspectives to bring the story to life.’ School Library Journal

 

I'M A TRUCK DRIVER by Jonathan London
published in 2010 by Henry Holt (USA)

‘Parkins' bright acrylics make this a necessary purchase.’ Kirkus Reviews

‘Parkins sets his action at night or against dark-hued cobalt skies, a striking dramatic element not usually found in this genre. In a stand out fire-truck scene, the vehicles headlights squint with a determination that echoes that of the boy and the cat in its cab.’ Publishers Weekly

 

THE HAUNTED HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT by Helaine Becker
published in 2010 by Scholastic (Canada)

 

IN THE BAG! MARGARET KNIGHT WRAPS IT UP by Monica Kulling
published in 2011 by Tundra Books (Canada)

Governor General's Literary Awards finalist

 

SPIC-AND-SPAN! LILLIAN GILBRETH'S WONDER KITCHEN by Monica Kulling
published in 2012 by Tundra Books (Canada)

 

GOING UP! ELISHA OTIS'S TRIP TO THE TOP by Monica Kulling
published in 2014 by Tundra Books (Canada)

 

TO THE RESCUE! GARRETT MORGAN UNDERGROUND by Monica Kulling
published in 2016 by Tundra Books (Canada)

 

 

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)

 

LE PETIT OGRE VEUT UN AMI by Marie-Agnes Gaudrat
published in 2017 by Bayard Éditions (France)

 

LE PETIT OGRE APPREND À SES PARENTS À MANGER PROPREMEMNT by Marie-Agnes Gaudrat
published in 2018 by Bayard Éditions (France)

 

LE PETIT OGRE APPREND À SES PARENS À SE LEVER COMME DES GRANDS by Marie-Agnes Gaudrat
published in 2018 by Bayard Éditions (France)

 

LE PETIT OGRE APPREND À SES PARENTS LES MOTS MAGIQUES by Marie-Agnes Gaudrat
published in 2018 by Bayard Éditions (France)

 

LE PETIT OGRE APPREND À SON PÈRE A COULEURS by Marie-Agnes Gaudrat
coming soon from Bayard Éditions (France)

 

 

FICTION

 

THE MOON ON THE WATER by Nina Warner Hooke
published in 1980 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

 

THE DARK BEHIND THE CURTAIN by Gilian Cross
published in 1982 by Oxford University Press

 

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 CAT'S WHISKER'S by Beryl Reid
published in 1986 by Ebury Press

 

A HOUSE INSIDE OUT by Penelope Lively
published in 1987 by Andre Deutsch

 

OSKAR AND THE ICE PICK by Judy Corbalis
published in 1988 by Andre Deutsch (UK) and as ‘Ice Cream Heroes’ by Little Brown (USA)

 

DODOS ARE FOREVER by Dick King-Smith
published in 1989 by Viking Kestrel

 

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

 

SCHOOL STORIES chosen by Jan Mark
published in 1989 by Kingfisher

 

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

 

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 CUCKOO CHILD by Dick King -Smith
published in 1991 by Viking

 

PRETTY POLLY by Dick King-Smith
published in 1992 by Viking

 

PUT A SOCK IN IT PERCY by Judy Corbalis
published in 1994 by Scholastic

 

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

 

THE WOLF’S FOOTPRINT by Susan Price
published in 2003 by Hodder

 

DOG DAYS by Geraldine McCaughrean
published in 2003 by Hodder

 

TRUE HORSE STORIES by Judy Andrekson
published 2007 - 2010 by Tundra Books (Canada)

LITTLE SQUIRE: The Jumping Pony
MISKEEN: The Dancing Horse
J.B.ANDREW: Mustang Magic
FOSTA: Marathon Master
BRIGADIER: Gentle Hero
GUNNER: Hurricane Horse

 

EASY-TO-READ SPOOKY TALES by Veronika Martinova-Charles
published in 2007 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!

 

EASY-TO-READ SPOOKY TALES 2 by Veronika Martinova-Charles
published in 2008 by Tundra Books (Canada)

DON’T ENTER THE HOUSE!
DON’T EAT THAT!
DON’T FORGET!
DON’T TALK TO STRANGERS!
DON’T TOUCH THAT!

 

BEN'S ROBOT by Robin Stevenson
published in 2010 by Orca Books (Canada)

 

EASY-TO-READ WONDER TALES by Veronika Martinova-Charles
published in 2010 by Tundra Books (Canada)

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE APPLE!
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE HUNTER!
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE PUMPKIN!
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE CRUMBS!
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE ROSE!

 

BEN THE INVENTOR by Robin Stevenson
published in 2011 by Orca Books (Canada)

 

THE SCOUTING ADVENTURE ANNUAL 2012 introduction by Bear Grylls
published in 2011 by Macmillan (UK)

 

ALEXANDER THE GREAT by Jamila Gavin
published in 2012 by Walker Books (UK) and Candlewick Press (USA)

 

PRINCE FOR A PRINCESS by Eric Walters
published in 2012 by Orca Books (Canada)

 

THE SCOUTING ADVENTURE ANNUAL 2013 introduction by Bear Grylls
published in 2012 by Macmillan (UK)

 

PIRATE ISLAND TREASURE by Robin Stevenson
published in 2013 by Orca Books (Canada)

 

EASY-TO-READ WONDER TALES 2 by Veronika Martinova-Charles
published in 2013 by Tundra Books (Canada)

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE DIAMONDS!
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE STRAW!
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE BALL!
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE BEANSTALK!
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE TINY GIRL!

 

THE SCOUTING ADVENTURE ANNUAL 2014 introduction by Bear Grylls
published in 2013 by Macmillan (UK)

 

WHEN THE WORST HAPPENS by Tanya Lloyd Kyi
published in 2014 by Annick Press (Canada)

 

SKY ABOVE by Eric Walters
published in 2014 by Orca Books (Canada)

 

WHERE'S BURGESS? by Laurie Elmquist
published in 2018 by Orca Books (Canada)

 

RUCKUS by Laurie Elmquist
published in 2020 by Orca Books (Canada)

 

THE CAT AND THE CAPTAIN by Ruth Taylor
published in 2020 by Little Steps (UK)

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

POEMS BY BRIAN MOSES by Brian Moses
published in 2014 by Macmillan