The Great War: Stories Inspired by Objects from the First World War
A self-contained collection of First World War stories inspired by historical objects.
Author guide
Jim Kay Books in Order
Jim Kay studied illustration at the University of Westminster and worked in the archives of Tate Britain and at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, before becoming a freelance illustrator. He won the Kate Greenaway Medal for his illustrations for Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls and later illustrated the first five illustrated editions of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels. He has also produced concept work for film and television and contributed to exhibitions, including at the Victoria and Albert Museum. He lives and works in Northamptonshire.
children's literaturehistorical fiction
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- The Great War: Stories Inspired by Objects from the First World War
collection · 2014
Frequently asked questions about Jim Kay
Who is Jim Kay?
Jim Kay is a British children's-book illustrator and concept artist for books, television, and film. He is especially known for his atmospheric visual interpretation of the Harry Potter illustrated editions.
Sources: westminster.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)bloomsbury.com (opens in a new tab)
What did Jim Kay do before becoming a full-time illustrator?
After studying illustration, Kay worked in the archives of Tate Britain and at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He also produced concept work for television and contributed to a group exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
What influenced Jim Kay's art?
Kay has described illustrated natural-history encyclopedias as an important early influence, along with his lasting interest in botany and natural history. His work at Tate and Kew further exposed him to artists' papers, artworks, and botanical collections.
Sources: letterpressproject.co.uk (opens in a new tab)westminster.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)
What award did Jim Kay win for A Monster Calls?
Kay won the 2012 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal for his illustrations for Patrick Ness's A Monster Calls.
Sources: walker.co.uk (opens in a new tab)westminster.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)
Why did Jim Kay stop illustrating the Harry Potter books?
After illustrating the first five illustrated editions, Kay stepped back from the project to focus on his mental health. Bloomsbury subsequently appointed Levi Pinfold to illustrate the remaining two books.
Sources: harrypotter.com (opens in a new tab)bloomsbury.com (opens in a new tab)