To Orla, Christmas means Gran, so when it looks like Gran won't make it this year, everything feels a lot less festive. And with Christmas spirit everywhere at an all-time low, the whole of Dublin is in darkness.
But then the fairy lights on Orla's Christmas tree come to life and take her on an enchanting adventure to the National Library, Grafton Street, Stephen's Green and the GPO. Together, Orla and her new friends attempt to restore the meaning of Christmas and holiday cheer...
Jasper and Scruff’s latest venture, Paws Diner, is a big success. Customers come from far and wide to sample their Salted Caramel Cake and the place is always packed. Until, that is, The Sophisticafé opens across the street.
Determined not to be outdone by their old enemies, The Sophisticats, Jasper sets to work on a fancy new menu. But while Jasper hopes to gain a coveted three paw rating from the great restaurant critic Gaspard le Skunk, Scruff worries that his friend is forgetting about their loyal regulars. Worse still, The Sophisticats have heard that Gaspard is paying the diner a visit and have cooked up a fiendish plan…
It's time for Fizzy to go to bed, but next door, Mrs Crumbleboom and her band are having a party. Fizzy is desperate to join in the fun. Will Mum let her stay up just a little bit longer?
When Jasper and Scruff hear about the Reach Fur the Stars talent show they know it’s their big chance to shine. But while Scruff hopes his magic act will dazzle the judges, Jasper wants the limelight all to himself.
And they’re not the only ones who want to get their paws on the Grand Prize – the Sophisticats have a sneaky plan to steal the show. Will Jasper and Scruff team up in time to stop the cunning cats?
Fizzy wants a dog. Not just any dog though – a golden dog with a black nose and very curly hair. So when a dog called Bandit who looks just like this appears in her neighbour's garden, Fizzy will stop at nothing to keep him – even if it means hiding poor Bandit in the laundry basket...
This delightful comedy from Ireland's Children's Laureate Sarah Crossan is perfect for children who are learning to read by themselves and for Key Stage 1. It features illustrations from Nicola Colton and a feisty heroine children will love. Published by Bloomsbury.
Best pals Jasper and Scruff have opened a bookshop- the finest in town.
Jasper is delighted when he gets his paws on a rare book about Black Whiskers, the infamous pirate. Then Scruff sniffs out a treasure map tucked inside.
But as the pair head off on the trail of the Golden Bone, it becomes clear something fishy is going on.
Jasper has everything he could want – a fancy apartment, bow ties in every pattern and excellent cooking skills. The only thing he’s missing is the right friends! Jasper wants to become a member of The Sophisticats, the coolest cat club in town. So he comes up with the purrfect plan to impress them. Then waggy-tailed, muddy-pawed Scruff bounds into Jasper’s life…
Praise for the book:
“…newly independent readers will lap up the cat-and-dog tale of Jasper and Scruff… Adorable illustrations, snappy dialogue and outrageous puns make it the cat’s pyjamas for bedtime reading, too.” Imogen Russell Williams, The Guardian
“Irish writer/illustrator Nicola Colton has produced a wonderfully warm and funny book about two unlikely friends… I can’t wait to read more Jasper and Scruff tales in the future” Sarah Webb, Irish Independent
An illustration pitch for a really fun picture book. Lola has just arrived in the classroom to find that everyone has mysteriously and magically transformed into an animal.
'Zim Zam Zoom!' is a poetry picture book I had the great pleasure of illustrating, written by James Carter and published by Otter-Barry Books. It is wonderful collection of poems featuring a grumpy dragon, pirates, a higgledy-piggledy farm and monsters amongst other things. It has been longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2017.
A picture book I wrote and illustrated called 'A Dublin Fairytale' published by The O'Brien Press 2015. It was nominated for the Irish Children's Book of the year award, 2015.
Blurb
"Fiona’s on a journey to Granny’s house …
… but who’s that following her through the streets of Dublin?
Travel across the city with Fiona and her fantastic friends in this modern Dublin fairytale."
Reviews
"...with beautiful, muted colour tones and excellent child-friendly artwork, this is a charming, evocative book for keeps..."
(Irish Examiner)
"beautiful … amazing illustrations … brilliant map … fantastic … an urban fairytale"
(RTE Radio 1 Marian Finuane)
"this year’s treat for young Dubliners … unquestionably"
(Irish Times)
I was thrilled to get the opportunity to illustrate a free form comic for Aquila, a Magazine for discerning 8 – 12 year-olds. It was about inspiring New Yorker and polar explorer Barbara Hillary. She was the first black woman to reach both North and South poles and did so at ages 76 and 79! The piece is featured in their bumper December issue.
'Zookeeper Zoe' a character created for Boots Opticians
Boots Opticians launched a UK wide campaign in 2016 to encourage parents and carers to get their children's eyesight tested.The book tells the story of a little girl called Zoe's day out at the zoo during which she unexpectedly has to step in and look after the animals. It contains a range of interactive eye check activities to help highlight if a child might need support with their vision.