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Moira Butterfield, Author
Gwen Millward, Illustrator
Imprint: Welbeck Children's Books
Publication date: July 7, 2022
Category: Picture books
ISBN: 9781803380254
Today I’m a baby bear
I want to hug.
I wouldn’t mind a cuddly squeeze.
I’m baby bear, so yes, please!
Developing emotional and social intelligence is a huge part of young children’s development, and parents are often left grappling with how best to discuss feelings of shyness, social anxiety and physical boundaries with their children. In Sometimes I’m a Baby Bear, Sometimes I’m a Snail, author Moira Butterfield deftly broaches the many different feelings children face – from feeling cuddly like a baby bear or playful like a puppy, to wanting some peace and quiet alone, like a snail curled up in its shell. Through these charming animal comparisons, we see that all feelings are valid and are given tools for how to respect boundaries. Gwen Millward’s lively illustrations bring every emotion vividly to life. A final spread provides extra tools to parents and carers to help young children express their feelings in a calm and constructive way.
I have been writing for many years in a number of different genres, from books for babies up to books for 11 year-olds plus. I like to try new things and tackle new subjects, so I don’t limit myself to one type of book. One month I might be writing about history, and the next month I might be creating an imaginary story. Examples of my work have been selected for national Key Stage study in the UK, and in the USA I was commended by the Library of Congress for my work in non-fiction, which they felt encouraged reluctant readers. I work with visuals always in mind, and love the challenge of getting across information or an exciting story with good graphics to back it up. Lately I have been blogging about the craft of writing, and I’ve also appeared at National Book Festivals, which I think of as the most challenging thing of all to do! I get a lot of emails from children around the world, inspired by one of my books they have read, and that gives me great pleasure.
Gwen Millward was brought up and went to school in Wales, UK, after which she moved to Edinburgh to study art where she graduated with a First in illustration and was awarded the Helen A. Rose Bequest for art. Gwen’s first picture book, Guess What I Found In Dragon Wood (text by Tim Knapman), was published by Puffin, as was The Bog Baby by Jeanne Willis, and a collaboration with Jenny Nimmo, The Beasties, by Egmont. She has since published many more, including two about Bear and Bird which she has written herself. Most recently, Gwen has illustrated Stories from Bug Garden (Candlewick), happily and neatly combining her love of art and insects. She now lives in Bristol with her son.