Many children will be familiar with Jim Field’s work. As a multi-award winning illustrator, he has brought a range of children’s books to life, including the popular ‘OI FROG!’ series, and several of Rachel Bright’s stories, including ‘The Lion Inside’. Now a heart-warming stage show, this story of confidence and courage is touring the UK until August 2024. If you’re looking for ‘family activities to do near me’, simply search online to find out if it’s playing at a venue near you.

In the meantime, let’s find out more about Jim Field and his career.

Beginnings

Jim Field grew up in Farnborough in Hampshire with the dream of becoming an animator or animation director. Inspired by the cartoons he saw on TV as a child, he studied animation at the Hull School of Art and Design. He graduated in 2002, and spent the next few years building a portfolio showcasing a variety of styles. Then, in 2005, he paired up with renowned illustrator Benji Davies to form Frater, gaining representation from the prestigious creative establishment, Partizan.

For almost a decade, the duo worked on a range of animated projects for commercials, TV documentaries, music videos and more. But with the marketplace becoming more competitive, the team decided to go their separate ways.

Picture books

Field ended up in illustration somewhat by accident. Art director Eliz Hüseyin spotted some of his work and offered him the chance to illustrate some fiction books. Through her, he met Chris Inns of Pan Macmillan, who was looking for an artist to work on Peter Bentley’s ‘Cats Ahoy!’ Six months of hard work paid off - the book won the picture book category of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize in 2011. From that moment, Field turned in a new direction, becoming a picture book illustrator full-time.

Over the ensuing eight years, Field landed a string of awards for his work, including the English Association’s 4-7 yr Fiction Picture Book Award for ‘OI DOG!’ and Oscar’s Book Prize for ‘The Koala Who Could’, both in 2017.

New ventures

In 2020, Field embarked on his first project as an author illustrator. Now living in the French countryside with his wife and daughter, he was inspired to create ‘Monsieur Roscoe - On Holiday’. The book is bilingual, introducing young children to their first French words, and is now available in 16 countries. Field published a second installment - ‘Monsieur Roscoe in the City’ - in July 2023.

See Jim Field’s illustrations brought to life

The Lion Inside stage show takes the energetic and endearing artwork of Jim Field and brings it to life for young children. When you’re searching online for ‘family fun near me’, don’t miss the chance to book tickets at a venue nearby. Using stunning puppetry, songs and dance, it retells the story of the brave little mouse who wants to find his roar. It’s suitable for children aged three and up and offers a memorable day out for anyone looking for unique family entertainment near me.