I loved this so much I went and brought a copy. Chris was kind enough to visit my store and signed it for me as well. He is such a fantastic artist and I have several of his works in my home.

Thank you to both Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

This is an absolute treasure. Chris Riddell is the most prominent, talented, and thoughtful illustrators of our time and this is just one of many books that show him to be a national treasure himself. It is inspiring, charming, and thought-provoking. I've bought it and it is even better held in your hands on paper.

Beautiful snapshot of a year in the life of Chris Riddell as Children's Laureate. Quite political at times, this is not a children's book, but the amazing illustrations make it worthwhile for anyone with an interest in the life and work of this very talented man.

When prolific author and illustrator Chris Riddell (Goth Girl, amongst many other works), was made Children’s Laureate he kept a diary of his daily activities. This was no ordinary diary but an illustrated record of the two years, laced with his keen observations and wit.

I first saw this book as a sample from NetGalley courtesy of Pan Macmillan Children’s Books, and knew I would have to buy the book when it came out; which I did.

I am a bit of a sketchbook addict, as well as a collector of graphic novels, so the purchase of Travels with My Sketchbook might have been said to be a foregone conclusion.

The front cover alone, a picture of the author busy scribbling away in his sketchbook, really gives a good idea of what you’re likely to find inside the covers. The deceptively simple lines and elegant watercolour wash are a whole story in themselves depicting someone for whom nothing in life escapes his attention; pens and pencils ready to make a note of his life festoon the pockets of his slightly crumpled jackets and unruly shirt. His shoe lace has come undone, leading you to wonder what’s going to happen to him when he eventually gets up and tries to take a step.

The book is full of the equivalent of these one-liners, as well as short bursts of a group of pictures, some hugely detailed, which is why it has taken so long to read for review.

It is a book which will keep a reader occupied for weeks ,and probably for years, as they go back in to renew acquaintances with their favourites and delight in finding something new each time they delve back in.

There is quite a bit of political comment (not surprising, given Riddell is political cartoonist for the Guardian and the Observer). For this reason, Travels with My Sketchbook is probably for the older children’s market, as well as YA and adults. But there are sections of it which, when extracted, would appeal to a huge age rang, so it’s not surprising Riddell has spent so much time working with children.

Riddell is old school when it comes to producing artwork, which means pencil, pen and watercolour. This is something which comes over clearly as you work through the many different styles of drawing and painting he has produced for this book. It is something which really adds to the sense that you are buying an extended work of art.

Below is a film of how he works:
https://youtu.be/Lqox3zClmzA

For anyone thinking of becoming an illustrator this is a wonderful book for studying not only technique but also making you think about what it is that really gives a picture a narrative and one which might speak back to the story. Or it is a book to be kept and enjoyed for all its artistry, life and humour.

Ah, what an utter delight. Chris Riddell has become my favourite illustrator, not just because he turns any book he draws for into an extra-magic treat, but because he draws for all age groups and is a beacon of wisdom, wit and human decency. His political cartoons managed to make me laugh even in these bleak times. And here we have a whopper of beautiful Riddell-ness between two covers. I adore it.

Such a wonderful way for everyone to remember Chris Riddell's time as the Children's Laureate (not so secretly my favourite!) Instantly added to my collection.

I was extremely lucky to receive an early ready excerpt of this in digital format and I now can't wait to buy the full edition when it is published.
A glimpse into the wonderful world of Chris Riddell's work, this is one of the most beautiful and eclectic books I've seen. A wonderful gift idea.

I really enjoyed reading this extract, it was really interesting to see what Chris did whilst he was a children's laureate. I really like the illustrations within the book and I like that a number of them are black and white as it really adds something to the 'rawness' of the book.

From what little of this that there is on netgalley I don't think this serves as a children's book at all; it's definitely for those who like his pictorial craft and nobody else.