Orson Wells in Oldham Library

I may not look much like Orson Wells (watch it...), but I certainly sounded like him today!

What do you think, by the way, of my latest demand: that all venues alter their decor in line with my outfit? If Jalo can do it...

I was concerned that my voice might die again (see Croaking to a Halt), and it did struggle rather during some of the songs (Stinky warthog's got a fly upon his nose...), but I made it through fine in the end.

It was a lovely day actually, in both senses of the word. The children's library was upstairs, with a massive picture window to my right, and a gorgeous view out to where the sun lit up the hills all day long. But I had a lovely day with the kids from 3 local schools too, and with the Oldham library staff.

We had some good questions as well. I do get a bit bored, like most authors I suspect, with the 'what's your favourite book' question, so it was great to be asked about how I got started in picture books, and whether I thought Damian had considered other animals for An Itch to Scratch, before settling on the gorilla (Damian..?).

As always, the kids were really enthusiastic, and it was great that the various teachers bought quite a few books to take back to school, to build on the session.

Things was pretty prolific (try saying that after a few gins) on the train sketching front too. I started with the one below, at 7.30am (pause for shudder), sitting in the waiting room on Sheffield station, eating a banana for breakfast, in between drawing:

Then I drew these two women on the Manchester train. I think perhaps the one at the front noticed, as she kept fiddling with her hair and hiding her face. Did I feel guilty and stop? Course not (aren't I horrible?). She was much prettier than this, but that's what happens if you fidget!


I attempted one in the taxi on the way to Oldham as well - a bit different for me. It was very bumpy though. I showed it to the driver when we arrived, who seemed a little non-plussed!


I must say though, if you live that side of Manchester, you really should get yourself over to Oldham Library. It's a fabulous place, really excitingly designed, with oodles of comfy, light space, tons of books (that may seem obvious, but you can't take it for granted these days), an art gallery, a gift shop and tourist office, a Life Long Learning section, even a little garden out the front! I wished I'd had more chance to explore. Next time maybe.