‘Wee? It Wasn’t Me!’ (Nicola O’Byrne, Macmillan, 2022) wins The Lollies 2023 (Picture Book Category) Read more here.

‘Slime? It’s Not Mine!‘ (Nicola O’Byrne, Macmillan, 2022) wins the Write Blend Book Awards 2023

‘Slime? It’s Not Mine!’ (Nicola O’Byrne, Macmillan, 2022) wins Books For Topics’ Book of the Year (KS1 Best Curriculum Support) 2022

‘Poo! Is That You?’ (Nicola O’Byrne, Macmillan, 2021) wins The Northgate Book Award.

Launch of new initiative – ‘Books That Help’ as announced in The Bookseller

Children’s author Clare Helen Welsh has launched a picture books site aimed at stocking titles covering emotional situations, including family separations and illness. Books That Help was set up by the former primary school teacher to encourage emotional literacy in children, advocating the use of picture books to help families through hard times. The site will offer a range of titles focusing on issues including grief, anxiety, well-being and moving house. Read more here: https://www.thebookseller.com/news/author-welsh-launches-picture-book-site-for-emotional-wellbeing

Imogen Carter reviews ‘Sunshine At Bedtime’ for The Guardian: “

Those longer days can bring a new challenge for anyone with little children, though: how to get them to sleep when the pesky sun is still beaming through the windows? Just in time come two new picture books exploring bedtime. First up, Clare Helen Walsh’s mini science lesson wrapped up in a beautifully cosy tale which finds Miki and her mother flying off into space to find out why it’s still light, even though Miki has brushed her teeth and put on her PJs. While they zip past stars and planets, Sunshine at Bedtime (Storyhouse) scoots through the basics of how the Earth orbits the sun and how that causes seasons. Illustrator Sally Soweol Han characterises the sun with fluttery eyelashes and a huge smile, blushing each page with a soft glow.” Full article here:

Mini Travellers review ‘Sunshine At Bedtime:’ “Publishing in mid-April, this book has refreshed my memory about the earth’s orbit around the sun and educated my children hugely in the process!  The best thing though?  They don’t even realise that they are learning!  This book has also actually been a bit of a lifesaver for us because it explains why it’s lighter at bedtime now for those children (like mine!) who refuse to go to sleep during the lighter nights.”

The Guardian picks ‘Scissorella’ as a Best Book of 2021: “After months of sadness and uncertainty, there is pure enchantment to be found in the year’s best children’s books. For picture-book lovers, Scissorella: The Paper Princess by Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Laura Barrett (Andersen), is an extra-special story full of delicate filigree art. Mill worker Lotte, scorned by her siblings, cuts elegant puppets out of paper, trusting hard work over happy endings – until she’s invited to a ball, and meets a prince who loves puppets too. Read more here.

Rachael Davis reviews ‘Scissorella:’ “Scissorella is out of this world. Clare and Laura have created a one-of-a-kind picture book that wraps up all of the warmth of a traditional fairy tale with a true-life story and 21^st century relatability. It maintains all of the joy of Cinderella whilst giving the main character a strong, independent personality. Scissorella is a book you will want to read over and over again.” Read more here.

Tracy Curran reviews ‘Time to Move South for Winter’: “Belongs just as much on a classroom shelf as a bookshelf at home. Narrative non-fiction at its best!” Read more here.

A collection of reviews for ‘Time to Move South for Winter:’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFeWUqrUDVg

BBC Spotlight Interview: Books that help children with Difficult Illnesses:

Picture Book Snob reviews ‘Time to Move South for Winter:’ ‘There is nothing I can say about this book that will adequately describe how STUNNING it is and no photos could ever do it justice either. It’s definitely one of the most magnificent and impressive books I’ve ever held in my hands. You need to get a copy (as soon as possible!) and see it for yourself. Every time you think Time to Move South for Winter can’t get any more beautiful, you turn a page and are proven wrong.’ Read more here.

Reading Zone reviews ‘Time to Move South for Winter:’ ‘Time to Move South for Winter is stunning in every way. The words used to describe the landscapes and animals are highly descriptive. They make reading this book out loud an absolute pleasure. The illustrations are soft and gentle, reflecting the tern herself. Each page offers a beautiful landscape to enjoy alongside the detailed images of the creatures.’ Read more here.

Rachael Davies reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter:’ ‘I heard so many things about this book. They were all true!’ Read more here.

Paperback publication day for ‘The Perfect Shelter!’ Find out more about our here.

Cover reveal for ‘Time to Move South for Winter’ Find out more here.

‘Wee? It Wasn’t Me!’ reviewed by North Somerset Teacher’s Blog (FCBG): “This second adventure for Lenny is every bit as entertaining as the first- and there is so much to learn. Who knew there were so many ways to wee in the wild? As Lenny quizzes each creature, the reader learns about the important role this very basic function performs for each animal in addition to getting rid of waste products. Additional information, with photos of each creature, is included at the end of the book, showing the reader that, although it’s a funny story, it is also full of facts!” Read more here.

‘Wee? It Wasn’t Me!’ reviewed by Tracy Curran at Breadcrumb Forest: “This beautifully illustrated narrative non-fiction book is the perfect sequel to Poo! Is That You? It follows a very similar format to the first in the series, but is set in an exciting new location with a whole host of exciting new characters. Nicola O’Byrne’s illustrations of the Alaskan scenery are exquisite and every animal jumps off the page. (Let’s just hope their pee doesn’t.)” Read more here.

Publication day for ‘Wee? it Wasn’t Me!’ Find out more about our #LennyOnTour here.

‘The Perfect Shelter’ is shortlisted for the InstaKidsBookGrammies ! @LittleLiterarySociety @BookBairn

The Children’s Book Council (CBC) in the chooses ‘The Perfect Shelter’ as a top pick for August: “A story about sisters. A story about love. A story about how it feels when someone close to you is sick. When the author’s uncle was diagnosed with cancer, she wrote this text for her children, to help them name and explore the complicated feelings borne of heartbreaking situations.” Read more here.

Booktrust reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter:’ ‘Above all this is a book about the power of family love and the importance of imagination, play and hope.’ Read more.

A starred Kirkus review for ‘The Perfect Shelter:’ “The story captures the turmoil, uncertainty, sadness and anxiety of watching a loved one go through illness and it ends with a celebration of finding a new normal.”‬ Read more here.

Ella Walker reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter’ in the i Paper

Tracy Curran reviews ‘Poo! Is that You?’: “This doesn’t feel like a typical toilet humour story. It’s fun, delightful, informative and tasteful with the perfect combination of fact and fiction. It’s warmth and wit will bring a smile to young and old and make education wildly entertaining.” Read more here.

Opening The Summer Reading Challenge 2020 with Devon Libraries #SillySquad – Watch the video here

YLG South West chooses ‘The Perfect Shelter’ as a top CILIPCKG for 2021

Books for Topics picks ‘The Perfect Shelter’ as a top pick for June. Read more here.

Emily Bearn picks ‘How Selfish’ as a best book of 2020 in The Telegraph: “We all know that awkward moment when your toddler marches into the sandpit and seized someone else’s toys. But How Selfish trumpets the virtues of sharing within a skilfully immersive plot. Young readers will love the snappy dialogue and humorous drawings that drive home the story’s message.” Read more here.

Imogen Russel reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter’ in The Guardian: “There is heartbreak and resolution in The Perfect Shelter (Little Tiger) by Clare Helen Welsh and Åsa Gilland, in which two sisters create a blissful den in the woods. When one sister gets ill, the other feels sad, angry, sometimes overwhelmed – but eventually they make another perfect shelter somewhere new in this hope-filled book.” Read more here.

Tracy Curran reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter:‘ “Bursting with beauty, warmth and charm. Endeavouring to shed light on the darkest of times, it tackles the tricky and devastating subject of family illness by using a metaphor young children can relate to.” Read more here.

Pam Norfolk reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter:’ “Uplifting, honest, beautifully empathetic, and quietly powerful, The Perfect Shelter is ideal for any child struggling to understand why a loved one is ill.” Read more here.

Publication day for The Perfect Shelter: Find out more about our ‘Lockdown Launch Day’ here.

Story Snug reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter:’ “I hope that you and your families and friends are well and healthy but if you are in a situation where you need to support a young child who is dealing with the serious illness of a loved one, this is the perfect story. It’s a story of hope within challenging times.” Read more here.

Alison Leach at Books for Topics reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter:’ “The combination of the weather, the shelter and the little girl’s feelings merge brilliantly in this book, all reflecting the turbulent time that the characters were experiencing.” Read more here.

Picture Book Box reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter:‘ “A book that epitomises life and love. It has made me smile and cry simultaneously.” Read more here.

Rogan Books reviews ‘The Tide:’ “What an incredible book. Perfect for any families affected by dementia.” Read more here.

The Little Literary Society reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter:’ Read more here.

‘Heather James reviews ‘The Tide:’ “This is a very special picture book. My Grandad suffers with dementia and I know my children often find his behaviour confusing, so it is wonderful to be able to explain it to them in a way that is so clear and easy to understand.” Read more here.

Guest post for ‘My Shelves are Full’ – The Story Behind the Story (The Perfect Shelter): Read it here.

Maman Fouine reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter/ La Cabane de Bonheur’: Read it here.

Ivy’s Library reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter’: Read it here.

‘A Little but A lot’ reviews ‘The Tide’: “An incredibly poignant story that made be BAWL. The Tide is one of those picture books that I think will stick with me for a long time.” Read more here.

Cover reveal for ‘Poo! Is that you?‘: a hilarious non-fiction picture book featuring, Lenny, the ring-tailed lemur. Illustrated by Nicola O’Byrne and publishing with PanMacmillan on 3rd September 2020. Read more here.

‘My Shelves are Full’ reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter: “The sheer beauty of the words and illustrations makes this a powerful picture book.” Read more here.

FOLIO reviews ‘The Perfect Shelter: “The parallels with the situation we are living in at the moment make this book especially moving, and will also perhaps give it a wider readership. Whereas before such a story might have been found on then “When a book might help” shelf in school or library, it can instead be read as a mirror to our times, and as such it will provide much comfort. Really, though it is disguised as a book, The Perfect Shelter is a hug for us all.” Read more here.

Feedback from The Write Mentor On-line Picture Book Course, Jan-March 2020:

“What a wonderful course! I have enjoyed every second of the past 6 weeks and would thoroughly recommend to anyone serious about writing picture books. We covered a huge amount in such a short time and I feel well armed with information, tips, techniques to go forth and write a standout book! Clare is a brilliant leader and facilitated an invaluable Q&A with an industry agent – ensuring the course ended on a high. Thank you to Stuart, Clare and all at Write Mentor.

Toppsta reviews ‘How Selfish‘: “They’re back to share even more giggles in this sweet story about sharing, manners and friendship.” Read more here.

Story Snug reviews ‘How Selfish’: “This is a brilliant story to initiate conversation about sharing, solving problems and how to play nicely with friends.” Read more here.

My Book Corner reviews ‘How Selfish’: “Filled with chuckles and emotions that many little readers will identify with.” Read more here.

‘The Tide’ wins in an Honour Award for Illustration in KPMG’s Children’s Book Ireland!

Feedback from The Write Mentor Picture Book Day, Exeter:

“Thank you Clare Helen Welsh for a brilliant picture book workshop. It was great fun and gave me lots of new ideas, useful tips and renewed impetus to keep writing – just what I needed! It was also lovely to meet all the other writers there.”

“It was a brilliant day of workshops with wonderful, supportive people from the WriteMentor community. Confidence boosting, inspiring and a chance to meet like-minded, passionate people amongst experienced professionals.”

“The picture book workshop with Clare was fun, creative and interactive (but not in a scary way!), with lots of great tips and tricks to solve manuscript muddles. An inspiring day in a relaxed setting – I loved it!”

“I’m glad I joined the workshop – it was exactly what I needed to get back into writing again, after a period of low productivity. I got some useful tips, did some productive writing exercises, and feel more motivated again. It’s also just great to spend a day with people who are equally interested in picture books. Clare was great; she knows what she’s talking about, but also managed to create a very relaxed atmosphere.”

‘The Tide’ wins in the Picture Books Category of NSTBA: read more here.

Feedback from The Write Mentor On-line Picture Book Course, Oct- 2019:

“Absolutely loved Clare’s course and her meticulous notes, planning and fabulous feedback and support each week. I’ve learnt so much and gained a whole group of new writerly friends who I’m sure I will continue to work with in the future. Clare is a brilliant tutor and approachable and friendly with a wealth of knowledge that she was happy to share with us on the course :)”

“The Write Mentor PB course was excellent! Clare provided so many opportunities to help us learn and improve our writing with a well planned series of lessons. I can’t recommend this course enough to all budding PB authors!”

“Last month I thought I would never write another decent word again. Then I started this course and now I have not one but two ideas that I’m excited to develop and a whole new bunch of writer friends. It couldn’t have come at a better time.”

“The picture book course with Clare Helen Walsh was a delight from start to finish. Clare’s infectious enthusiasm, supreme organisation and thoughtful support were exemplary. The weekly topics were well planned and resourced and the tasks set were appropriately challenging but never onerous. Perhaps the best thing about the whole experience was the establishment of a community of writers across the country who offered wonderful encouragement, pots of good advice and the friendliest of spirits. Just fab.” “Before this course I was pants at plotting. I was just so happy to think of a coherent plot and write the whole story that I would go with my first idea. Clare’s plotting technique using a mentor text has made something click and my texts are much better than they were. I’m more confident and loving writing PB’s again.”

‘The Tide’ Goes Global: The Tide, illustrated by Ashling Lindsey and published by Little Tiger Press, will be translated into the following languages; French, German, Finnish, Greek, Italian and Chinese (complex) It is also available in the US.

Little Parachutes reviews ‘The Tide’: “This is a skilfully crafted and incredibly beautiful picture book which shows a perfect collaboration between author and illustrator. It is by no means easy to create a story about a subject like dementia which has an air of of joy, playfulness and hope, but Clare Helen Welsh and Ashling Lindsay have aced it. The love and understanding shared between the three family members radiates from the pages, reinforcing the story’s concluding message: the girl and her grandfather still love each other and will continue to do so, regardless of what lies ahead.” (Little Parachutes) 

Mary Roche, at Just Imagine, reviews ‘The Tide’: “This book will move you and delight you. It might even make you cry. The wonderful relationship between a little girl and her grandfather is at the heart of it. But there is a deeper and very poignant message here too, about the long goodbye that is caused by dementia. I recommend that schools make copies of this book available.” (Mary Roche, Just Imagine)

‘Library Girl and Book Boy’ review for ‘The Tide’: “The tide is a gentle metaphor for the ebbing and flowing of Grandad’s memories and although the terms ‘dementia’ and ‘Alzheimer’s’ are not specifically mentioned, this touching story would provide the perfect starting point for a conversation about these topics. Ashling’s warm, soothing illustrations brilliantly capture the magic of a day at the seaside”. (Library Girl and Book Boy)

Kate Poel’s review of ‘How Rude:’ “Everyone knows how to be polite, right? Well it turns out that isn’t the case! Full of warmth, humour and gentle learning- a real delight to read aloud.”

Scott Evans’ review of ‘The Tide’: “The Tide is up there as one of the most heartwarming books I’ve ever seen. If you’re looking for a book to explain families, growing older and living with dementia in the most child-friendly and resonating way, this is the book you need. Perfect for use throughout the primary school.”

Kirkus Reviews for ‘The Tide’: “The author’s use of the tide as a metaphor for the way Grandpa’s memories softly drift in and out works persuasively. The reassuring, satisfying ending allows that loving family closeness can still prevail, particularly in dementia’s earlier stages. Artwork is loose and appealing, and the colorful, refreshing seashore scenes are inviting.”

Review for ‘The Tide‘ (Youth Service Book Reviews) https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2019/02/15/the-tide-by-clare-helen-welsh-illustrated-by-ashling-lindsay/

BookMonster Ally reviews ‘How Rude!’ “How Rude is a lovely intro to good manners and how empathy can aid children’s learning! Gorgeously fun and important picture book.” Full review here.

LibraryMice interviews ‘How Rude!’ Illustrator, Olivier Tallec Read the full interview here.

MrEPrimary reviews ‘How Rude!’ “This story is brimming with empathy, and not only has the potential to make young readers cry with laughter but also has the power to change their ways and attitudes and help them to reflect on their behaviour to become better people.” Read the full review here.

ReadItDaddy reviews ‘How Rude!’ “Never underestimate the power of a little girl to put things right. Fab flowing text and awesome illustrations.” Read the full review here.

LibraryGirl and Book Boy reviews ‘How Rude!’ “How Rude’ is understated, yet truly hilarious. The illustrations are absolute genius with some brilliant facial expressions! A great book to explain the value of good manners and making amends with your friends.” Read the full review and Q&A here.

MyBookCorner reviews ‘How Rude!’ “How Rude! is rib-tickling fun. Highly recommended!” Read the full review here. You can also read my interview with MyBookCorner, here.

BookBairn reviews ‘How Rude!’ “This book is a conversation opener to gently introduce little readers to manners and behaviours through this hilarious double-act.” Read the full review here.

Praise indeed for King Carl from Madge Eekel Reviews: An excellent series of books that can support children learning to read in both an educational and home setting.’ Read the full review here.

A glowing review for King Carl and the Wish from Linda’s Book Bag: ‘Delightful, fun, vibrant, educational and entertaining.’ Read the full review here.

Second Edition:Thank you to all the lovely people who bought a copy of Aerodynamics of Biscuits. It’s off on a second print run!

*New book* ‘The Tide,’ publishing with Ashling Lindsay and Little Tiger, makes its debut appearance at Bologna Book Fair 2018! #TheTide

Bologna Book Fair 2018: Biscuit Blast Off’ travels to Bologna Book Fair, Italy, with Maverick Books alongside a whole host of fab early readers.

A visit to Leigham Primary School; Book Week A lovely write up from a Plymouth primary school:https://www.facebook.com/leighamprimary/Local author Clare Helen Welsh has been a real inspiration to us all today! Key Stage One had lots of fun designing characters based on her books and Key Stage Two found out about the journey that she had from her initial ideas to becoming a published author. We even had a go at testing how aerodynamic a range of biscuits are! :)”

School Visit Feedback “The workshop was amazing! The children were engaged from start to finish. Such a great way to get such young children to believe in themselves as writers! The children haven’t stopped talking about where they are going to travel in their rocket!”

“Super! The children enjoyed the activities and they fitted well with the introduction to story writing. Perfect for reception children. Their ideas can be further developed back  in the classroom. Hopefully some children will continue their thinking and writing.”

Words&Pictures Magazine: A mention in Words&Pictures magazine, celebrating 20 years of World Book Days. http://www.wordsandpics.org/2017/03/world-book-day-at-20.html?m=1

World Book Day: Some excellent feedback from this year’s school visits!Crystal Kite Nominee

Review from Read It Daddy: Have you ever considered the gently sloping curve of a custard cream? The wingspan of a bourbon? The jet power of a double-chocolate cookie? Then this book might tickle your fancy… “The Aerodynamics of Biscuits” by Clare Helen Welsh and Sophia Touliatou might win this year’s award for “Most Original Children’s Book Title” – I mean who could fail to be intrigued by a book with a name like that!

Digging into the biscuit tin, we find the story of a young boy who (rather naughtily) cannot resist raiding the cookie jar. Alas, the boy finds that a sneaky thief has made off with all the comestibles and there’s scarcely a crumb left! Soon the boy traces the miscreants, finding a gallant band of mice not scoffing their ill-gotten gains but doing something rather odd with them! Trying to construct biscuit-based spacecraft with them in order to fly to the moon for a cheese raid!

(See, we told you this book was hilariously original!)

The fearsome pirate mouse crew need help though. They’re absolutely terrible at building rockets but our heroic human pal knows a thing or two about the stress conditions of chocolate spread when used as wing binding material, or the impact resistivity of a chocolate cookie on rough landing on the lunar surface, so he accompanies the mice on their perilous cheese quest. But what happens when they get to the moon? Is it time for a cheese feast, or does tragedy lurk in the lunar shadows!

This book is utterly brilliant and inventive, with a wonderfully paced tale underpinned with mouthwatering biccie-flavoured illustrations. Be warned though, reading this story is likely to make your tummy rumble a lot and may prompt pre-bedtime raids to the biscuit jar!

Charlotte’s favourite bit: The naughty mouse Pirate Captain, scuppering his own crew! Oh noes!

Daddy’s favourite bit: Baked to perfection, this book is brilliant!

Review from Red Reading Hub: “When hunger pangs strike, Oliver (normally a good, kind sort of a boy) creeps downstairs to raid the biscuit barrel only to find it completely empty. But what are those shadowy things scuttling across the floor, ‘Hauling and heaving, towing and tugging.’ out through the door and into the garden? The marauding mice however, are not consuming their spoils, oh no, they’re in the process of constructing or attempting to, aerodynamic biscuit rockets in which to fly to the moon and there partake of some – well you know what the moon is said to be made of.

However their design skills leave a lot to be desired and it’s only when Oliver offers to help with the rocket building that things start to look more promising, and finally it’s blast off time.
Once at their cheesy destination, the mice can hardly wait to tuck in to the feast that awaits them when they discover that their leader, Captain Sneaky McSqueaky has gone missing: seems his appetite is for something other than cheese …
Are the mice to be marooned on the moon without a craft or can they find another way to return to earth? Perhaps, with Oliver’s help …

This unlikely story is great fun. The nature of the telling is such that it draws listeners in from the start, keeping them involved and interested throughout and offering possibilities for active joining in with the rocket building and cheese gathering as the story unfolds.
Equally, Sophia Touliatou’s quirky illustrations are packed with amusing details, creating a visual feast of small rodents engaging in all manner of tasks, tiny tools, and tasty treats – sweet and savoury, not to mention a whole host of speech bubbles, noises, labels and more for the eyes to digest.”

Review from Handy Mummy Tumblr: “From a teacher’s point of view I loved the book for the wonderful vocabulary. Perfect for introducing key stage 1 to adverbs and adjectives. The illustrations are lovely and the attention to detail is great. We loved looking at the different cheeses that made up the ship and the biscuits to make the rocket.It is a clever little story that we really enjoyed and we have continued to enjoy for the last three nights. Each time we read it we find something new to explore.A great new edition to our family bookshelf.”

Marldon C of E Primary School, Devon: Ks2 School Visit “All children were totally engaged and enthralled throughout the workshop. Clare was fantastic with the children, bringing plenty of props to excite and provoke creativity from the group. The children were well guided and fully involved throughout the session.” (Katie Church)

Quotes from the children:

“I enjoyed dressing up as a pirate mouse and getting creative.” (Amy)

“It gave me new ideas.” (Aimee)

“You have really encouraged me to write more stories.” (Max)

“You gave me more confidence in writing stories.” (Alyssa)

“I really liked getting into character by dressing up and using face paints.” (Charlotte)

“A magical experience for English writing.” (Lianda)

“AWESOME!” (Alice)