Written by Jim Eldridge, illustrated by me. Collins Big Cat. Britain, 1940, The Blitz. For 12-year-old Ellie and her brothers, it’s not just about surviving the bombing, it’s trying to solve the mystery of the enemy within. Who’s attacking local people, and why?
There are images that are simply untouchable.
When I find them I feel I have to take a step back, as an illustrator I just want to quote them with respect, I want them to be recognisable. For the night bombing of London, perhaps the most iconic image is that of St Paul's Cathedral in the smoke, with the outline of the city looking like a cardboard cutout. I simply redrew and painted it, changing or moving very few elements. It was perfect.
“I’m scared …” Sammy whimpered. “I’m going to die.”
Nazis smashed up their shop and took away Greta’s younger brother who was working there.
Ellie was desperate to tell her dad she didn’t want him to go