I'm Actually Really Grown-Up Now

Description

A warm and funny childhood story, perfect for fans of Shirley Hughes, from the creator of Anna and Otis. The grown-ups are having a party, and Meena would really love to join in but instead she's sent to bed. Only grown-ups get to stay up late. So the next day she makes a very important announcement to her parents: "I'm actually really grown-up now!" In this very funny story we join Meena as she plans her very own grown-up party and explores what it REALLY means to be a grown up. She has a lot of fun experimenting with fashion, going to work and party planning, but she soon finds out that being grown-up might not always be as easy as it seems. I'm Actually Really Grown Up Now by Maisie Shearring is the follow-up to the wonderful Anna and Otis. Maisie has a special talent for capturing the bittersweet highs and lows of childhood and the humour to be found in everyday situations.

Maisie Paradise Shearring studied illustration at Edinburgh College of Art, graduating with a First in 2013. She went on to gain a Distinction from Cambridge School of Art in Children's Book Illustration. She has been mentored by Nick Sharratt, and won the International Award for Illustration at the Bologna Children's Book Fair for her illustrated depiction of her mother's school days. She is the author and illustrator of Anna and Otis and I'm Actually Really Grown Up Now, and has illustrated Oscar Wilde's The Happy Prince.

We've all heard kids declare themselves grown-up, but sometimes they need to stop racing ahead. This funny picture book with busy and colourful illustrations is about "independence, self-esteem and knowing when to stop being grown-up!" It's Shearring's follow-up to her acclaimed Anna and Otis, about overcoming fears and making friends. The author has a special talent for capturing the highs and lows of childhood. When Meena realises being grown-up means unpacking the shopping and putting the food away, it isn't quite as fun as she expected * I News * Parents of children who have desperately wanted to stay up and be part of a grown-up party will recognise Meena's fear of missing out, and Shearring's book is a great way to remind children that sometimes, adults need to have fun with their friends just like kids need to enjoy being kids (and, maybe, adult parties might even be a bit boring). Shearring's illustration is always full of verve and fun (mum and dad's expressions when being woken up after the party are brilliant) and her depiction of a modern family is lovely * BookTrust * beautifully illustrated and written * Express *