Stanley's Stick [Paperback]

Stanley's Stickis a teaming-up of hefty talents - glorious poet John Hegley and award-winning illustrator Neal Layton. Stanley's stick is not just a stick. With a stick in hand, Stanley's options are endless - he flies to the moon, writes in the sand, goes fishing, plays a whistle and rides a dinosaur - and his imagination takes over and the magic begins.

Hegley's lyrical prose captures the free-wheeling expressiveness of childhood, and Layton's deceptively simple illustrations are full of wit and character. Sweet, magical and thoroughly entertaining, this is Hegley and Layton's first collaboration.

John Hegley is a popular English performance poet, comedian, musician and songwriter. He began his performing career at London's Comedy Store in 1980. His television appearances includeWoganandNever Mind the Buzzcocksand he frequently performs live and is a regular at the Edinburgh Festival.

Many of Neal Layton's ideas come from his childhood. In the past he has worked on a lettuce farm, in a chocolate factory, a teapot factory, a book shop and has delivered papers. Neal has illustrated more than 40 books to date.Oscar and Arabellawhich he both wrote and illustrated won him the Smarties prize in 2002.

Everything a picture book should be: funny, engaging, slightly odd and utterly original ... A delight from start to finishThe Irish TimesThis lovely book is simply a 'must have' for all those who want to inspire children's imaginative play... beautifully written.Early Years EducatorThis book should guarantee imaginative playThe Sunday TimesThis book should guarantee hours of imaginative play.Sunday TimesSimply, a lovely book.School Librarian'...wonderful rhythmic and a delightfully quirky text.'The BooksellerEverything a picture book should be.Irish TimesBeautifully written ... Stanley is a child many parents will rlSk