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!

Week 15 - Mike Byrne

We've reached the half way point! It should be fair sailing from here so get comfy and meet our 15th illustrator Mike Byrne (also known as the cheeky Mikey B Doodles).

Mike grew up on the Wirral, near Liverpool, but moved to London to work as an Illustrator by day and a crayon wielding crime fighter by night.

Mike works across greetings cards, wrapping paper and an array of children's literature - his most recent being Jack's Mega Machines: The Dinosaur Digger and The Purim Superhero.

He lives in the countryside with his wife and two cats, where he spends his day doodling and making children's books fuelled only by P.G Tips & Hob Nobs.

You can follow Mike on twitter and keep up to date with his latest work on his Facebook page. The book is now venturing on to Brighton to join the most excellent Ben Mantle. See you in a week!