Val Biro was a children's author, artist, and illustrator whose stories spring from personal experience and expand into imaginative realms. He viewed writing primarily as a means to facilitate his illustrations, though he found the narrative often outpaced his artistic intentions. Each work gestated over several months before being written in a single, intensive day. His distinctive approach blends reality with fancy, offering readers captivating and visually rich narratives.
In the 21st Gumdrop adventure, Mr Oldcastle and his grandson Dan visit Mr Bigshot's dirty and decrepit zoo. All the animals look miserable, especially Bunbo the elephant. But Mr Oldcastle, Dan and Gumdrop all come to Bunbo's rescue when he escapes from his horrible prison. Colour illustrations
'The Hare and the Tortoise', 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' and 'The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs'… The popular childrenâ€s author and illustrator, Val Biro retells these and 13 more of the best-loved tales from Aesop in simple language for younger children, and with bold, colourful paintings full of amusing detail and expression.
Series: Follow Mr. Oldcastle, his vintage car, Gumdrop, and Horace the dog in this lively adventure series brought to life with Val Biro's much-loved illustrations. Fun, engaging stories perfect for sharing at story time or for independent reading. This is one in a series of illustrated books that accompanies Gumdrop on his adventures. In this story Gumdrop meets Horace.
A spectacular menagerie of seven classic favourites tales from Charles Perrault in one beautiful volume, re-told and illustrated by Val Biro. Gold foiled, matt laminated cover with spot UV on the illustrations gives an extra special feel. A perfect gift.
This picture word book, illustrated by Val Biro, has been designed for children who are beginning to learn how to read and write. Over 500 words which children encounter are listed in alphabetical order. Each word is accompanied by a phrase to show usage and by a lively illustration to express meaning. A special picture section at the back on numbers, colours, festivals and fairytale characters will help children with their own writing at school. An extended word list will help them with spelling.
'Gumdrop and the Secret Switches' is one of four lively adventures from Val Biro about the escapades of Gumdrop the vintage car, his owner, Mr. Hardcastle, and Horace the dog. Accompanied by beautiful humorous illustrations by the author, this is a perennial children's favourite.
Gumdrop's holiday at the seaside starts with a BANG when his engine blows up - and that's just the start of Mr Oldcastle's troubles! When everyone takes a boat trip, Gumdrop is left on shore, where he is soon trapped by the rising tide. Can they rescue him in time?A fun and engaging story, perfect for sharing at story time or for independent reading, brought to life with Val Biro's much-loved illustrations.
Mr Oldcastle takes his nephew Dan and Horace the dog to a natural history museum in Gumdrop, his vintage car. By means of a magic computer, they are transported back to the time of the dinosaurs. They meet some new dinosaur friends and encounter a terrifying enemy! The author has written and illustrated many books, including the Gumdrop stories.