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Maybe it’s the trained archaeologist and teacher in me, as much as the illustrator, but what excites me the most is when I uncover remarkable true stories from history, which have never been told.

Grounded in historical facts and based on extensive research, my feel-good picture books are character led, silly where necessary, and blend amazing true facts with lively visual and written storytelling to excite young readers and adults. 

Based on real-life events and people my picturebooks are narrated through entertaining storytelling and contemporary illustration, to ignite in children a curiosity about history, the world, people and kindness. 

If you would like to see fully mocked-up dummy books please email me at: emmabennettillustration@gmail.com

‘Truth is stranger than fiction’ Lord Byron (1823)

George's Underground Library

One of the first bombs dropped during World War II, smashed through the roof of a lending library in the East End of London. George Vale, branch librarian, had no choice but to close the library for the duration of the war. Interwoven with amazing facts, this picturebook discovers how the London Underground offered shelter during The Blitz, with communities forming mini cities below ground. Based on true events, this is a story of how an everyday librarian had a remarkable idea to make life better for thousands of people during World War II. 
The Hurricane Giraffes
In 1938, two orphaned giraffes sent from Africa to the USA, were caught in one of the worst hurricanes at sea the world has ever seen.  Greeting them in New York, zookeeper Charlie Smith has to work out how to transport two giraffes all the way across America to their new home in San Diego Zoo, over 3000 miles away.  Based on true events, this is a picturebook story of a remarkable human-animal friendship, of trust and of an extraordinary road-trip that captured a nation.
There's an Art Gallery on Your Street
Not all paintings come with a frame, or hang in a gallery, but as long as we have had walls, people have put art on them. Think of the Egyptians with their Hieroglyphics, or those cave dwellers decorating their prehistoric homes with wild animals and hand prints. Even in the streets and cities we live in we can find art, you just have to look closely for it. 
If you would like to see fully mocked-up dummy books please email me at: emmabennettillustration@gmail.com
Copyright Emma Bennett