Week 21 - Sam McCullen

It's Week 21 of the Bear With Me Project and this week finds the book travelling to a creaky cottage in Camberley in Surrey. The owner of this creaky cottage is pastel maestro, Sam McCullen, an illustrator who isn't a stranger to drawing a bear or two.

Sam's first picturebook 'Billy Back-To-Front' was produced for his final Masters project at Cambridge School of Art and was published by Hodder Children's Books after he graduated. Since then, Sam has illustrated children's books by Julia Donaldson and Ian Whybrow, and he's worked on a series of books for a publisher in Korea. Alongside the books, Sam has illustrated for magazines, multimedia and advertising campaigns in the UK and China.

Sam was shortlisted for the Booktrust Big Picture Best New Illustrators Award and he was an illustration finalist in the London International Awards. Sam's work is currently included in 'The Illustrators', a touring exhibition of contemporary children’s book illustration, curated by Julia Donaldson. The exhibition is visiting art galleries, libraries and public spaces throughout the UK.

This Autumn, Sam's second picturebook 'Hairy Bear' will be published. You can see its trailer here and pre-order it here.

Hat's off to Sam for a brilliant spread. If you'd like to see more of Sam's work check out his fantastic website. You can also keep up to date with his comings and goings on his blog and twitter. Now back to London town to visit the animator turned illustrator, Benji Davies. See you again in 7 days!