Paperback | 36 pages | 250 x 250mm
Publication July 2022 | ISBN 9781802580907
Caretaker’s daughter Fili is sad to see her city neighbours hustle in and out, too busy to talk. But will feeling sad help – or is a bit more imagination needed? Fili gets to work creating a mysterious something that just might build little bridges between them all.
Julia Hubery was born in Stamford and trained as an architect. She loves the countryside and nature, finding it a pool of inspiration to draw on in her writing. Julia now lives in Gosport with her husband and three children and hopes one day to get back to doing pottery – once her children have all grown up! She has published 16 picture books, translated into many languages, including When Granny Saved Christmas, A Little Fairly Magic and That’s What Friends are For.
James Munro has been drawing since he could grasp a pencil. Since then, everything in his path has fallen prey to his doodles, from books and magazines to films and animations. He lives and works in a pile of pencil shavings and spilled ink in Liverpool. James’ ambition is to one day have a shed like Fili’s father.
Reviews:
Longlisted for the Derby Book Festival’s Children’s Picture Book Award 2023
'The most fabulous illustrations I have ever seen!' BookRead2Day
'Quirky illustrations in expressive line and a limited palette work hand-in-hand with this tale of friendship, imagination and resilience. Encouraging, creative, with a strong sense of community and fun.' Mary Esther Judy, FallenStar Stories
'A super story about a girl determined to bring her community together using her imagination.' Karl Duke
'A wonderful story of accidentally on purpose creating a community. Gorgeous.' It's All About Stories
'James Munro’s superbly quirky illustrations are perfect for Julia Hubery’s straightforward droll telling about a child with a good idea, ingenuity and lots of determination, and the bringing together of people to form a real community.' Jill Bennett, Red Reading Hub
'It’s definitely a positive book, showing how even in glum circumstances there’s always something positive that can happen, how people can be brought together. Definitely a picture book I’d recommend.' Strawberry Book Post
'Creativity is such a special quality, and I loved how this book shows how it can bring a community together.' Milou Reads Books
'There is so much to spot on the pages, especially within the invention itself, and I love the vibe of the drawings, and how they bring the story to life on the page for little ones to follow along.' Samantha Thomas, Book Bound
'The Invention is one of those beautiful stories that celebrates diversity, togetherness and the importance of taking time to stop and appreciate the nuances the world has to offer.' Helen Morgan, Just Imagine
'This story, great for younger children and early readers, is a wonderful introduction to the idea of community spirit.’ Primary Times Devon
'When I am bigger I want to use lots of things and tools to make an invention like Fili does. I want to make all the people happy too. There are only a few colours in this book but I still like the pictures because there are so many things to look at.' Adam aged 3, Books Up North
'The monochrome use of colour throughout helps to highlight the interactions between Fili and her neighbours and as bursts of colour are added, you can see connections made. A really great story to get children chatting about inventions, living near neighbours and the sense of community we all need.' My Shelves are Full