Following on from our hugely successful publication of Beyond the Page, we are thrilled to be publishing Words and Pictures in paperback for the first time. This is the fascinating insight into Quentin's work before Beyond the Page, from the start of his career until 2000. The words describe his approach to the challenges and opportunities of illustration; the pictures, chosen from fifty years of publication, show the progress from his first experience of Punch magazine to the publishing of his own-authored picture books such as Fantastic Daisy Artichoke. Some are familiar, such as those of Roald Dahl's Matilda, or the BFG, while others are from early in his career, and some — roughs, layouts and personal drawings — will be completely new to most readers. This unusual book is not only a chance to examine the artistic development of one of our most distinguished illustrators, but a guide to the world of illustration as well as all those interested in children's books, humour, or quite simply the pleasures of drawing.

Zagazoo is a baby like no other. In this quite exceptional picture book, young readers will be delighted by the hilarious and unexpected changes in his behaviour as Zagazoo grows up. Parents may detect some strange echoes of family life.

Angelica Sprocket lives next door. Her overcoat has pockets galore! And you'll never guess what's in them... Prepare to be surprised, thrilled and tickled pink by Angelica Sprocket's never-ending pockets, and the marvellous things she keeps in them.

Mr Magnolia has only one boot. He has an old trumpet that goes rooty-toot. And two lovely sisters who play on the flute. But Mr Magnolia has only one boot. In this wittily rhyming picture book, Mr Magnolia has a full and happy life except for one serious omission — a boot. But one day, he receives a mysterious parcel, and at last Mr Magnolia can splash in the puddles with everyone else!

And if Ferdinand decides to make a chocolate fudge banana cake What do we do? For goodness sake! We ALL JOIN IN! This book is a rumbustious, rollicking and above all noisy collection of seven exuberant poems, perfect for chanting aloud, that are brilliantly illustrated by the incomparable Quentin Blake. The collection includes All Join In, The Hooter Song, Nice Weather for Ducks and Sorting Out the Kitchen Pans. Who coud possibly resist?