Jonathan Stroud and Roald Dahl

There was an interesting interview with Jonathan Stroud in The Guardian on Friday. Michelle Paulli talked to him about the publication of Ptolemy's Gate, the third and final part of the Bartimaeus Trilogy.

There is a treat for Roald Dahl (and Quentin Blake) fans this month with the publication of Roald Dahl: Songs and Verse. Edited by Quentin Blake, the book is divided into seven sections: There are Things to See and Do; Best Behaviour; Unlikely Creatures; Poisonous Possibilities; Look Who's Here; All Together Now; and a Few Surprises. Each section opens with three pages of illustration from Dahl's best-known illustrator, Quentin Blake; there then follow visual treats from some of the most exciting artists working in illustration today. Familiar tales such as 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' (from Revolting Rhymes) feature alongside lesser known or unpublished gems such as 'The Shark'. These verses are unparalleled in their verve, wit and appeal and these marvellous illustrations really do them justice, making this the perfect gift choice for Dahl fans and lovers of children's books and illustration everywhere. Featured illustrators (in alphabetical order) are: Russell Ayto, Peter Bailey, Quentin Blake, Geefwee Boedoe, Emma Chichester Clark, Lauren Child, Babette Cole, Alexis Deacon, Mini Grey, William Joyce, Satoshi Kitamura, John Lawrence, Neal Layton, David McKee, Helen Oxenbury, Chris Riddell, David Roberts, Tony Ross, Gerald Scarfe, Axel Scheffler, Joann Sfar, Posy Simmonds, Lane Smith, Joel Stewart, Bee Willey and Chris Wormell.

Blake explains in a foreword that "Most of the Dahl books in the shops have pictures which I drew specially for them; and many of them which I had discussed with Roald Dahl himself." But several Dahl books had previously been illustrated by other people. "It's interesting to compare different versions," says Blake. "So we thought - what about getting a whole assortment of talented artists to join in on the book?"

I'll be begging the library for both of these titles !