How to Find Gold - Hardcover

Viviane Schwarz is the author-illustrator of the highly acclaimed picture books There Are Cats in this Book and There Are No Cats in this Book, both of which were shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal (2009, 2012). The Adventures of a Nose was also shortlisted for the V&A illustration Award and her debut graphic novel The Sleepwalkers was nominated for the British Comics Awards. She was named one of the Booktrust's Best New Illustrators 2011. She lives in south-east London. Find Viviane online at www.vivianeschwarz.co.uk and on twitter as @vivschwarz.

this inspiring book has a terrific message for children: embrace the dangerous and difficult with a good friend by your side [...] Quirky and playful, this is the first title in a series following this very endearing duo. * The Bookseller * The richness or childhood imagination underpins this funny adventure [...] It's the deadpan illogicality of their conversation that gives this book its authentic childlike humour, which, combined with the rich, dreamlike illustrations, will strike a chord with feisty little girls in particular, celebrating bravery and determination. Schwarz has another winner on her hands and, I hope, another outing for Anna and Crocodile on the drawing board. * The Daily Mail * Courageous, joyous and imaginative, Anna is a hero to enliven us all. This funny manifesto for adventuring with friends, for embracing challenges, for not giving up on looking for gold, whatever form it takes for you is outstanding. I can't think of a better way to start my reading year, or yours. * Playing by the Book * The rich illustrations and clever use of colour really enhance this rip roaring tale of bravery, determination and believing in yourself. Great for intrepid little treasure hunters everywhere! * South Wales Evening Post * Young imaginations will soar as they follow Anna and Crocodile on their amazing journey of discovery in which no challenge is too difficult and no adventure too dangerous. Smart, sassy dialogue coupled with Schwarz's distinctive illustrations and uplifting messages about courage and persistence provide plenty of food for thought for inquisitive young minds. * Lancashire Evening Post * Schwarz's illustrations are truly lovely, from the simple lines of the characters to the stunning double spreads of the discovery itself. This story celebrates the imagination, play and adventure - children (and adults) will be behind Anna and Crocodile all the way. [...] There is so much to enjoy in this picture book, it is surely the readers themselves who have struck gold. * Book Trust * A charming and beautifully illustrated picture book [...] Perfect for young adventurers * Junior News and Mail * How to Find Gold is a complete treasure, celebrating imagination and friendship. It's written with charming humour and illustrated with vibrancy. * WRD Magazine * Slightly less perilous than bear spotting, perhaps, should be gold spotting, which is the mission that Anna and her crocodile friend go on in the delightful How to Find Gold by Viviane Schwarz. Only it's not. As Crocodile points out, it is "dangerous and difficult", involving sea monsters, a storm, a mountain and a terrifying hole - none of which seems, in this small-child-conquers-big-world adventure, to put off the gritty Anna. Part of the charm of this book is the dauntless way she faces all obstacles. * The Herald * This very special picture book is a work of wonder. Immediately immersive [...] However unusual it is for a picture book to play out entirely in dialogue, the conversational narrative is immediately endearing and pitched perfectly. It's also a completely mesmerising visual journey from muted backgrounds and standout characters to the awesome climactic spreads in all their vivid brilliance. The story is so sweet, unique and exciting, paired with such clever and stunning illustration this book deserves to be a future picture book classic. Schwarz has touched upon pure picture book genius. * Books for Keeps * ...another success for Viviane Schwarz, who is rapidly becoming one of the most innovative and creatively inspired picturebook makers of today. * Inis Magazine * This is an exuberant celebration of imaginative play. It is very refreshing to have such a strong determined little girl searching for treasure. The details of the magnificent double-page spreads in the centrefold as the discover the treasure hoard demand to be pored over and over again. This is a wonderful story to share with under eights and one which all ages will enjoy. * School Library Association * utterly charming [...] one of the most innovative and creative picture-book makers we have. Anna and Crocodile are on the hunt for gold and we follow their progress through eyecatching illustrations and wonderfully funny dialogue. * Chris Riddell in The Guardian *