A Mermaid's Rescue
children's fiction · First published 2026
Author guide
Chris Riddell Books in Order
Chris Riddell is an English illustrator, author, and political cartoonist. His authored work spans picture books, children's fiction, fantasy, sketchbooks, political cartoon collections, and illustrated reference works. He co-created the Edge Chronicles, Far-Flung Adventures, Barnaby Grimes, and other children's fiction with Paul Stewart, and wrote and illustrated the Ottoline and Goth Girl series. Riddell served as Children's Laureate of the United Kingdom from 2015 to 2017 and has received multiple Kate Greenaway Medals.
children's literaturefantasypicture booksgraphic workspolitical cartooningpoetry
Catalog record updated .
Chris Riddell's Newest Book
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
Ottoline and the Yellow Cat
The first Ottoline book is a self-contained introduction to Riddell's signature illustrated mystery series.
Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse
The first Goth Girl novel introduces Ada Goth and the series' gothic comic-fantasy setting.
Beyond the Deepwoods
The first Edge Chronicles novel is the natural entry point to Riddell's major collaborative fantasy universe.
The Emperor of Absurdia
A concise standalone example of Riddell's own surreal picture-book storytelling and illustration.
Read in order
Books by series
- 1 Humphrey the Hippo
Book 1 · picture-book · 1986
- 2 Humphrey of the Rovers
Book 2 · picture-book · 1986
- 3 Humphrey Goes to the Ball
Book 3 · picture-book · 1986
- 4 Humphrey's New Trousers
Book 4 · picture-book · 1986
picture-book series · complete
Platypus
A picture-book series featuring Platypus and his everyday adventures.
- 1 Platypus
Book 1 · picture-book · 2001
Platypus thinks he has found the perfect curly shell for his collection, but it keeps disappearing.
- 2 Platypus and the Lucky Day
Book 2 · picture-book · 2002
Platypus's lucky day does not turn out exactly the way he thought it would.
- 3 Platypus and the Birthday Party
Book 3 · picture-book · 2003
Platypus and his friend Echidna have a birthday party for Bruce, a toy platypus.
children's fiction series · ongoing
Ottoline
A children's mystery-adventure series about Ottoline Brown and her hairy companion, Mr Munroe.
- 1 Ottoline and the Yellow Cat
Book 1 · children's fiction · 2007
Children's storybook with lots of pictures by the author. Ottoline Brown lives with Mr. Monroe, a small and hairy creature from a bog in Norway. The pair solve a mystery involving missing jewels, missing lap dogs and a mysterious yellow…
- 2 Ottoline Goes to School
Book 2 · children's fiction · 2008
Ottoline and Mr. Munroe, her very helpful dog, enroll in the Alice B. Smith School for the Differently Gifted and while Ottoline worries that she may not have a special gift, Mr. Munro worries about the ghost that is said to haunt the…
- 3 Ottoline at Sea
Book 3 · children's fiction · 2010
A charming and irresistible Ottoline story from award-winning and bestselling author Chris Riddell. Featuring a set of novelty gadget spectacles and now available in paperback for the first time
- 4 Ottoline and the Purple Fox
Book 4 · children's fiction · 2016
illustrated nonfiction series · complete
Alienography
An illustrated series of alien-spotting guides for young readers.
- 1 Alienography or How to Spot an Alien and What to Do About It
Book 1 · illustrated nonfiction · 2010
- 2 Alienography: Tips for Tiny Tyrants
Book 2 · illustrated nonfiction · 2012
children's fiction series · complete
Goth Girl
A gothic children's fiction series about Ada Goth and life at Ghastly-Gorm Hall.
- 1 Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse
Book 1 · children's fiction · 2013
Chris Riddell's Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse is the beautifully illustrated winner of the Costa Children's Book Award. Full of adventure and dark humour, it's perfect for all young Goths! Ada Goth is the only child of Lord Goth. The…
- 2 Goth Girl and the Fete Worse Than Death
Book 2 · children's fiction · 2014
Ada is back in the sequel to the award-winning Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse, now in paperback for the first time.Packed full of beautiful black-and-white illustrations from author Chris Riddell, Goth Girl and the Fete Worse Than…
- 3 Goth Girl and the Pirate Queen
Book 3 · novella · 2015
- 4 Goth Girl and the Wuthering Fright
Book 4 · children's fiction · 2015
- 5 Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony
Book 5 · children's fiction · 2017
There are musical goings-on at Ghastly-Gorm Hall and another spooky mystery for Ada Goth to solve in the fourth book in the Goth Girl series. The final book in the series features everything that makes Goth Girl special: puns, celebrity…
political-cartoon collection · complete
The Sleep of Reason
A series of Chris Riddell's political drawings.
- 1 The Sleep of Reason Volume I
Book 1 · political-cartoon collection · 2019
- 2 The Sleep of Reason Volume II
Book 2 · political-cartoon collection · 2020
- 3 The Sleep of Reason Volume III
Book 3 · political-cartoon collection · 2021
children's fantasy series · ongoing
The Cloud Horse Chronicles
A fantasy adventure series about magic, guardians, and the Cloud Horse.
- 1 Guardians of Magic
Book 1 · children's fantasy · 2019
- 2 Tiggy Thistle and the Lost Guardians
Book 2 · children's fantasy · 2022
Tiggy Thistle and the Lost Guardians is the second and final title in The Cloud Horse Chronicles duology, the exciting magical adventure from the Costa Award-winning creator of Goth Girl and 2015-2017 UK Children's Laureate Chris Riddell.…
political sketchbook series · complete
Five Years... A Sketchbook of Political Drawings
A five-volume series collecting Chris Riddell's political drawings from 2020 through 2024.
- 1 Five Years... A Sketchbook of Political Drawings: Volume I 2020
Book 1 · political sketchbook · 2021
- 2 Five Years... A Sketchbook of Political Drawings: Volume II 2021
Book 2 · political sketchbook · 2022
- 3 Five Years... A Sketchbook of Political Drawings: Volume III 2022
Book 3 · political sketchbook · 2023
- 4 Five Years... A Sketchbook of Political Drawings: Volume IV 2023
Book 4 · political sketchbook · 2024
- 5 Five Years... A Sketchbook of Political Drawings: Volume V 2024
Book 5 · political sketchbook · 2025
children's fantasy series · complete
The Edge Chronicles
A fantasy series co-written with Paul Stewart and illustrated by Chris Riddell, set in the world of the Edge.
- 1 Beyond the Deepwoods
Book 1 · children's fantasy novel · 1998
Young Twig lives in the Deepwoods, among the Woodtrolls, but he isn't one of them. In a brave attempt to find out where he belongs, Twig wanders into the mysterious, dangerous world beyond the Deepwoods. He meets a collection of odd…
- 2 Stormchaser
Book 2 · children's fantasy novel · 1999
- 3 Midnight Over Sanctaphrax
Book 3 · children's fantasy novel · 2000
Far over the Edge, a mighty storm is brewing - a whirling vortex of immense power and unimaginable ferocity that is essential to the survival of the Edgelands. In its path is Sanctaphrax - a magnificent city built on a floating rock and…
- 4 Cloud Wolf
Book 4 · novella · 2001 Optional
- 5 The Curse of the Gloamglozer
Book 5 · children's fantasy novel · 2001
In the floating city of Sanctaphrax, fusty old professors scheme and bicker with each other as they study the weather in minute detail - mistsifting, fogprobing, researching the air blowing in from beyond the Edge. But some experiments…
- 6 The Last of the Sky Pirates
Book 6 · children's fantasy novel · 2002
- 7 Vox
Book 7 · children's fantasy novel · 2003
Rook Barkwater, the young librarian knight, attempts to stop Vox Verlix, the Most High Academe, in his plot to take over Edgeworld once again.
- 8 Freeglader
Book 8 · children's fantasy novel · 2004
Fleeing from the ruins of New Undertown, Rook Barkwater and the librarian knights and Felix Lodd and his banderbear friends must lead the escaping population to a new life in the Free Glades.
- 9 The Edge Chronicles Maps
Book 9 · reference book · 2004 Optional
- 10 The Winter Knights
Book 10 · children's fantasy novel · 2005
- 11 The Stone Pilot
Book 11 · novella · 2006 Optional
- 12 Clash of the Sky Galleons
Book 12 · children's fantasy novel · 2006
- 13 The Lost Barkscrolls
Book 13 · short-story collection · 2006 Optional
- 14 The Immortals
Book 14 · children's fantasy novel · 2009
Five hundred years into the the third age of flight and mighty phraxships steam across the immensity of the Deepwoods, plying their lucrative trade between the three great cities. Nate Quarter,a young Lamplighter from the mines of the…
- 15 The Nameless One
Book 15 · children's fantasy novel · 2014
When Nate Quarter, who committed heresy years earlier, returns to the Edge, the Academy of Flight seeks revenge against all of Quarter's supporters, including his nephew, Cade.
- 16 Doombringer
Book 16 · children's fantasy novel · 2015
- 17 The Descenders
Book 17 · children's fantasy novel · 2019
children's short-story series · complete
Rabbit and Hedgehog Stories
Short children's stories co-written with Paul Stewart.
- 1 A Little Bit of Winter
Book 1 · children's short story · 1998
- 2 The Birthday Presents
Book 2 · children's short story · 1999
- 3 Rabbit's Wish
Book 3 · children's short story · 2001
When heavy rains arrive, Rabbit, a day creature, gets his wish to spend more time with his friend Hedgehog, who usually sleeps during the day.
- 4 What Do You Remember?
Book 4 · children's short story · 2002
children's fiction series · complete
The Blobheads
A children's science-fiction series co-written with Paul Stewart.
- 1 Invasion of the Blobs
Book 1 · children's fiction · 2000
- 2 Talking Toasters
Book 2 · children's fiction · 2000
- 3 School Stinks
Book 3 · children's fiction · 2000
- 4 Beware of the Babysitter
Book 4 · children's fiction · 2000
- 5 Garglejuice
Book 5 · children's fiction · 2000
- 6 Silly Billy
Book 6 · children's fiction · 2000
- 7 Naughty Gnomes
Book 7 · children's fiction · 2000
- 8 Purple Alert!
Book 8 · children's fiction · 2000
children's fantasy series · complete
Muddle Earth
A comic fantasy adventure series co-written with Paul Stewart.
- 1 Muddle Earth
Book 1 · children's fantasy novel · 2003
When magic strikes and Joe Jefferson is transformed from an ordinary schoolboy into a powerful warrior, his simple life is greatly altered as dangerous tasks to slay ogres, wrestle dragons, and confront villains are bestowed upon him by…
- 2 Muddle Earth Too
Book 2 · children's fantasy novel · 2011
"Once upon a time, a spell went very wrong - and Joe Jefferson found himself transported to Muddle Earth, where the wizards are mad, the pink stinky hogs are stinky, and the jokes are terrible. Now, two years later, Muddle Earth needs him…
children's fantasy series · complete
Free Lance
A fantasy adventure trilogy co-written with Paul Stewart.
- 1 Free Lance and the Lake of Skulls
Book 1 · children's fantasy novel · 2003
- 2 Free Lance and the Field of Blood
Book 2 · children's fantasy novel · 2004
- 3 Free Lance and the Dragon's Hoard
Book 3 · children's fantasy novel · 2005
children's fantasy series · complete
Far-Flung Adventures
A fantasy adventure trilogy co-written with Paul Stewart.
- 1 Fergus Crane
Book 1 · children's fantasy novel · 2004
Nine-year-old Fergus Crane's life is filled with classes on the school ship Betty Jeanne, interesting neighbors, and helping with his mother's work until a mysterious box flies into his window and leads him toward adventure.
- 2 Corby Flood
Book 2 · children's fantasy novel · 2005
While traveling with her family aboard the S.S. Euphonia, eight-year-old Corby Flood accidentally attracts the murderous attentions of five men, clad in bowler hats, called the Brotherhood of the Clowns as she investigates the mysterious…
- 3 Hugo Pepper
Book 3 · children's fantasy novel · 2006
A boy, orphaned and raised in the Frozen North by reindeer herders, boards his birth parents' sled and sets its special compass to "Home," where he uncovers a plot that threatens his mermaid godmothers and other friends of his family.
children's fiction series · complete
Barnaby Grimes
A children's adventure-mystery series co-written with Paul Stewart.
- 1 Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Nightwolf
Book 1 · children's fantasy novel · 2007
- 2 Barnaby Grimes: Return of the Emerald Skull
Book 2 · children's fantasy novel · 2008
- 3 Barnaby Grimes: Legion of the Dead
Book 3 · children's fantasy novel · 2008
“The corpses swayed where they stood, their bony arms outstretched before them and tattered sleeves hanging limply in the foggy air. I smelled the sourness of the sewers about them; that, and the sweet whiff of death. Their sunken eyes…
- 4 Barnaby Grimes: Phantom of Blood Alley
Book 4 · children's fantasy novel · 2009
Barnaby Grimes is a tick-tock lad, high-stacking his way across the rooftops of his city in search of adventure and mystery. In each tale, he encounters a supernatural force and must battle the horrors that await him. In this new…
- 1 Wyrmeweald: Returner's Wealth
Book 1 · children's fantasy novel · 2010
- 2 Wyrmeweald: Bloodhoney
Book 2 · children's fantasy novel · 2012
- 3 Wyrmeweald: The Bone Trail
Book 3 · children's fantasy novel · 2013
children's science-fiction series · complete
Scavenger
A science-fiction adventure series co-written with Paul Stewart.
- 1 Scavenger: Zoid
Book 1 · children's science-fiction novel · 2014
- 2 Scavenger: Chaos Zone
Book 2 · children's science-fiction novel · 2015
- 3 Scavenger: Mind Warp
Book 3 · children's science-fiction novel · 2016
children's fantasy series · ongoing
A Mermaid's Diary
The Mermaid series about Atalanta Scrimshaw and her underwater adventures.
- 1 A Mermaid's Diary
Book 1 · children's fiction · 2025
Award-winner Chris Riddell introduces A Mermaid's Diary, a gorgeous holiday read, fully illustrated in black and white throughout and perfect for 7 to 9 year old fans of Ottoline and Goth GirlMeet shy mermaid Atalanta Scrimshaw.She lives…
- 2 A Mermaid's Rescue
Book 2 · children's fiction · 2026
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Children's books (14)
- Ben and the Bear
picture-book · 1986
Ben invites a bear home for tea, and the two have a fun-filled afternoon.
- Mr Underbed
picture-book · 1986
All the various inhabitants of Jim's closet, drawers, toy chest, and other places in his room come out and go to sleep in Jim's bed leaving no room for Jim.
- Bird's New Shoes
picture-book · 1987
Rat, Goat, Snake, and other animal acquaintances get into an argumentative frenzy over what is the latest fashion in clothing.
- The Fibbs
picture-book · 1987
- The Trouble With Elephants
picture-book · 1988
A little girl describes the various problems with elephants, but decides the real trouble with elephants is that you can't help but love them.
- The Wish Factory
picture-book · 1988
Bothered by a nightmare about a monster, Oliver is taken by a cloud to the Wish Factory to receive the wish of his choice.
- When the Walrus Comes
picture-book · 1989
A boy and his walrus friend sail to an island crowded with monkeys, where they teach each other their favorite activities and have a great time playing.
- The Bear Dance
picture-book · 1990
- The Wonderful World of Zoom
picture-book · 1995
- Puzzle Boy
picture-book · 1996
- The Emperor of Absurdia
picture-book · 2006
A young boy journeys through a strange land, where he finds wardrobe monsters, pillow hills, and umbrella trees, in search of a dragon.
- Wendel's Workshop
picture-book · 2007
- 100 Hugs
picture-book · 2017
100 Hugs is a gorgeous collection of illustrated hugs from Chris Riddell, Children's Laureate 2015-2017. This is the perfect gift for a loved one, or to cheer yourself up on a dark day when all you need is a hug. The 100 beautiful and…
- Once Upon a Wild Wood
picture-book · 2018
Other (7)
- My Busy Book
activity book · 1998
- Tribal Politics
political-cartoon collection · 1999
- The Da Vinci Cod and Other Illustrations to Unwritten Books
political-cartoon collection · 2005
- Chris Riddell's Doodle-a-Day
drawing collection · 2015
Doodle every day with Chris Riddell's Doodle-A-Day! Featuring 366 illustration prompts, colouring activities, tips and artwork from award-winning illustrator, which will have you doodling every day for a year. There's a doodle to be done…
- Travels with My Sketchbook
sketchbook · 2017
After two years travelling the United Kingdom - visiting schools, libraries, and festivals, and meeting thousands of children - this book provides a glimpse of the incredible journey Chris has been on during his time as Children's…
- Timorous Beasts
illustrated book · 2021
- The World of Mr. Munroe
illustrated book · 2025
Frequently asked questions about Chris Riddell
Who is Chris Riddell?
Chris Riddell is a South African-born English illustrator, author, and political cartoonist. He creates children’s books and has collaborated with writers including Paul Stewart and Neil Gaiman.
Sources: bloomsbury.com (opens in a new tab)research.kent.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)
When and where was Chris Riddell born, and where did he study?
He was born in Cape Town, South Africa, on 13 April 1962, and moved to England with his family as a young child. He studied illustration at Brighton Polytechnic from 1981 to 1984.
What is Chris Riddell known for besides children’s books?
Riddell is also an established political cartoonist. He worked for The Economist and became a political cartoonist for The Observer in 1995.
Which artists and books influenced Chris Riddell?
He identifies Raymond Briggs as a major influence and was taught by Briggs at Brighton Polytechnic. He has also described Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, John Tenniel’s illustrations, Tolkien’s The Hobbit, and Maurice Sendak’s work as important formative influences.
Sources: theguardian.com (opens in a new tab)theguardian.com (opens in a new tab)
What awards has Chris Riddell won, and what is his legacy?
Riddell was the UK Children’s Laureate from 2015 to 2017 and became the first person to win the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal three times. His laureateship emphasized visual literacy, daily drawing, libraries, and reading for pleasure.
Sources: carnegiegreenaway.org.uk (opens in a new tab)booktrust.org.uk (opens in a new tab)