Lincoln illustrator up for Roald Dahl Funny Prize

Award winning Lincoln-based illustrator and writer Mark Chambers is celebrating a nomination for a recent publication’s hilariously ‘noisy’ influence.

The self-described ‘professional doodler’ is well known for colourful children’s books such as ‘Pirate House Swamp’, ‘Pandamonium’ and ‘Best Friends’, and is no stranger to memorable accolades.

Mark’s book ‘Noisy Bottoms’ will be up against other humorous publications from across the country aimed at two age groups – children aged 6 and under, and children aged between 7 and 14.

Mark graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2003 with a degree in illustration and has since gone on to secure book deals with publishers such as Templar, Little Tiger Press, Usborne and Random House.

The Roald Dahl Funny Prize aims to promote laughter and humour as a feel-good factor when reading. At least 200 children from schools around the UK will play a part in the judging process.

The winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize will be announced at the London ceremony on December 10.

Noisy Bottoms, which was published by Usborne, tells the story of a baby bear walking through the forest and all his animal friends making various trumping noises.

Illustration from Mark A Chambers’ ‘Noisy Bottoms’.

Illustration from Mark A Chambers’ ‘Noisy Bottoms’.

“The book comes with sound buttons too so it really is hilarious!” said Mark. “When I was in Waterstones this group of kids were just pressing them over and over again, they were crying with laughter.

“When I was growing up I read a lot of Roald Dahl stories, ‘Revolting Rhymes’ was always one of my favourites.

“I wouldn’t say there was any one illustrator that inspired me, I have a long list of people I admire from Tony DiTerlizzi to Reymond Briggs and Kevin Waldron.”

Mark is also crossing his fingers ahead of the Sheffield Children’s Book Award on November 28, at which he has had another two books shortlisted.

Mark has recently been involved in a project called ‘Bear With Me‘, which is a collaboration of illustrators on one project. The final artwork is set to be auctioned off for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

One of Mark’s books has recently been picked to be read aloud on CiTV’s Bookaboo in December. In addition, another publication will be read aloud on Cbeebies in December.