Books

“To enable a child to see themselves in a book, to see an aspect of their story being told, is a powerful and liberating thing.”

New book — out 10 September 2026

The Tale that Time Sews

Sita Brahmachari (Templar Books) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

While a young girl awaits the arrival of a new sibling, her Nana works on a special story quilt. As she sews, mends, and adds new patches, Nana shares the story of her own journey – of fleeing her homeland, finding love in a new country, and stitching together a new beginning from fragile threads. With every new and restored patch, the girl begins to understand her place in the world.

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Anya's Quest

Jasbinder Bilan (Walker Books) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2024

Inspired by Hindu mythology, Anya's Quest is an enchanting tale of a young girl's journey to protect the planet, from the Costa-winning author of Asha and the Spirit Bird and renowned illustrator Jane Ray. When the mighty goddess Ganga hears a forgotten melody in the night, she follows its tune to a palace in the icy Himalaya and to a young girl called Anya. For she has a quest for Anya – she needs her help to heal the fragile planet.

The Winter's Tale

Retold by Georghia Ellinas (Walker Books) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2024

William Shakespeare's play about love, loss and jealousy in the far-off kingdoms of Sicilia and Bohemia is unforgettably re-imagined as a picture book. With exquisite and detailed illustrations from the acclaimed artist Jane Ray, who has previously been shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal, this fresh retelling is a magical way to introduce children to one of the best-loved works of the world's greatest playwright.

Alfie and the Angel of Lost Things

Lucinda Riley & Harry Whittaker (Macmillan) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2023

A reassuring story about losing (and finding!) something special, Alfie and the Angel of Lost Things is the fourth picture book from the beloved author of the Seven Sisters series Lucinda Riley, written with her son Harry Whittaker and illustrated by the award-winning Jane Ray.

Twelfth Night

Retold by Georghia Ellinas (Walker Books) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2023

William Shakespeare's comedy about mistaken identities and unrequited love in the far-off kingdom of Illyria is unforgettably re-imagined by Shakespeare's Globe. With exquisite and detailed illustrations from the acclaimed artist Jane Ray, who has previously been shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal, this captivating retelling is a magical way to introduce children to one of the best-loved works of the world's greatest playwright.

The Lion and the Unicorn and Other Hairy Tales

Written and illustrated by Jane Ray (Boxer Books)

2022

The third volume in Jane Ray's stunning story collection featuring The Lion and The Unicorn, Brer Wolf, The Singing Ringing Tree, Theseus and the Minotaur and many more. Beautifully illustrated and designed with stories that keep you turning the pages. A perfect gift.

Rosie and the Friendship Angel

Lucinda Riley & Harry Whittaker (Macmillan) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2022

Rosie and the Friendship Angel is the third picture book from the beloved author of the Seven Sisters series Lucinda Riley, written with her son Harry Whittaker and illustrated by the award-winning Jane Ray. Rosie has just started a new school, and is just getting used to lots of new things when her teacher asks the class to draw their best friend. Rosie's not sure what to do – she doesn't have a best friend yet. Luckily, Frederick the Friendship Angel is on hand to show her that friendship is always around the corner . . .

Bill and the Dream Angel

Lucinda Riley & Harry Whittaker (Macmillan) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2022

Bill and the Dream Angel is the second picture book from the beloved author of the Seven Sisters series Lucinda Riley, written with her son Harry Whittaker and illustrated by the award-winning Jane Ray. Bill and his family have just moved house. But, even though Bill's room is much bigger than before, and he has a garden to play in, Bill misses his old, familiar home. This new house makes mysterious noises, especially at night. Fortunately Destiny, the Dream Angel, is on hand to help Bill.

The Story of Babur

Retold by Anuradha (Scala) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2022

The memoirs of Babur (1483–1530), founder of the mighty Mughal Empire, are an absorbing account of conquest and wise rule. Anuradha's lucid and lively retelling of the Baburnama will introduce this classic of world literature to a new generation of young readers.

Swallow's Kiss

Sita Brahmachari (Pop Up Projects) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2021

When Blessing finds a lost bag of paper birds she follows a trail of hopes and wishes to the community who made them, in this lyrical, free-verse tale about kindness and friendship. Filled with light, love and birdsong, 'Swallow's Kiss' is a wonderfully uplifting story that explores the common threads that connect our communities.

Grace and the Christmas Angel

Lucinda Riley & Harry Whittaker (Macmillan) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2021

Grace and the Christmas Angel is the first picture book from the beloved author of the Seven Sisters series Lucinda Riley, written with her son Harry Whittaker and illustrated by the award-winning Jane Ray. It's Christmas Eve. The tree is decorated, the presents are wrapped and it's a big day for Grace. She is singing a song in the nativity show, and her fisherman daddy has promised to be back in time to watch her. But when a storm blows up at sea, Grace walks out on stage to find Daddy is not there. Will Hope, the Christmas Angel, be able to help Daddy get home safely for Christmas morning?

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Retold by Georghia Ellinas (Walker Books) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2019

William Shakespeare's comedy about four lovers' mishaps in an enchanted forest is unforgettably re-imagined. With exquisite and detailed illustrations from the acclaimed artist Jane Ray, who has been shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal, this captivating retelling is a magical way to introduce children to one of the best-loved works of the world's greatest playwright.

Hummingbird

Nicola Davies (Walker Books) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2019

From Nicola Davies, one of the UK's finest non-fiction writers, and from Jane Ray, one of the UK's finest illustrators, comes an exquisite Nature Storybook about … hummingbirds! A hummingbird is smaller than your thumb and weighs less than a 20 pence piece – however you measure it, it's tiny. But every spring, hummingbirds that have spent the winter in Mexico fly north to make the most of the warmer weather. This is the story of one spring migration: of a tiny bird, its amazing journey and the people it meets along the way.

Corey's Rock

Sita Brahmachari (Otter-Barry Books) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2018

Ten-year-old Isla has moved from Edinburgh to the Orkney Islands with her parents, to start a new life after the death of Isla's beloved young brother. Isla's mother's family is from Orkney and her father's is from Africa, and she finds island life is very different to her former city home. Her discovery of the old Orcadian legend about the selkies, half human, half seal people, becomes the key to adjustment and acceptance.

The Unicorn Prince

Saviour Pirotta (Orchard Books) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2018

If you love The Frog Prince and The Elves and the Shoemaker, you'll love this tale of love, magic ... and unicorns! Annis and her grandmother live in a cold, draughty castle on top of a hill, which they share with their chickens and their cow. They may be poor, but Annis's heart is full of kindness. Offering a home to an injured unicorn and a family of fairies one day, her kindness is magically rewarded. But will her good fortune bring her happiness and love?

The Tempest

Retold by Georghia Ellinas (Walker Books) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2018

William Shakespeare's dazzling play about magic, revenge and forgiveness is unforgettably re-imagined as a picture book for very young readers. The story is told from the perspective of Ariel, in language that is true to the original play but accessible to all. With shimmering, exquisite illustrations by the acclaimed artist Jane Ray, this fresh retelling is a magical way to introduce children to one of the best-loved works of the world's greatest playwright.

The Glassmaker's Daughter

Dianne Hofmeyr (Frances Lincoln) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2017

Daniela the glassmaker's daughter is grumpy and never smiles. Her father promises a beautiful glass palace to anyone who can make her laugh. This beautiful fable set in sixteenth-century Venice features stunning illustrations from award-winning artist Jane Ray alongside a poetic text.

The Nutcracker

Retold and illustrated by Jane Ray (Orchard Books)

2015

Retold for young children with enchanting illustrations, this is the perfect introduction to everyone's favourite Christmas ballet story.

The Elephant's Garden

Written and illustrated by Jane Ray (Boxer Books)

2015

Vibrant collage artwork with stunning colours, Jane Ray has excelled herself by creating a beautiful new style. Every night, all the best fruits in Jasmine's garden are eaten. But who can this very hungry, fruit eater be? Jasmine decides to stay up all night to find out but is in for a big surprise and all her friends learn a lesson about greed!

Zeraffa Giraffa

Dianne Hofmeyr (Frances Lincoln) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2014

The true story of a giraffe given by the Pasha of Egypt to the King of France. Zeraffa sails down the Nile and walks across France with her keeper Atir, charming everyone she meets. A beautiful tale of an unlikely friendship and an extraordinary journey.

The Little Mermaid and Other Fishy Tales

Written and illustrated by Jane Ray (Boxer Books)

2014

Introducing the second magnificent volume of tales collected, retold and illustrated by Jane Ray. This volume, The Little Mermaid and Other Fishy Tales, includes something for everyone: The Fisherman and His Wife; Whalesong; The Lobster Quadrille, A Ballad of John Silver and many more.

The Emperor's Nightingale and Other Feathery Tales

Written and illustrated by Jane Ray (Boxer Books)

2013

This is the first extraordinary volume of tales collected, retold and illustrated by Jane Ray, one of the world's leading artists of stunning picture books. This volume, The Emperor's Nightingale and Other Feathery Tales, includes many favourites such as The Happy Prince, The Owl and The Pussy Cat, and lesser known, but equally enjoyable stories such as Jorinda and Joringel.

Cinderella

Written and illustrated by Jane Ray (Walker Books)

2012

This classic tale of Cinderella is theatrically retold in six exquisite three-dimensional scenes. Each scene is three layers deep so you can peer through to wonderfully romantic backdrops: a lonely kitchen, a sparkling ball room, a city nightscape and a magical garden. With fold-out flaps covered in starred indigo curtains, and a wooden stage, the magic of the theatre is beautifully recreated in this wonderful fairy-tale gift.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Illustrated by Jane Ray (Orchard / Candlewick)

2011

The best-loved Christmas carol brought to life in glowing, gold-flecked illustrations. From a partridge in a pear tree to twelve drummers drumming, each verse unfolds in richly patterned detail — a keepsake edition to share year after year.

The Apple-Pip Princess

Written and illustrated by Jane Ray (Orchard)

2007

Can the littlest princess and her tiny apple pip really bring hope and happiness back to her beloved kingdom? Sometimes it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference... This spellbinding tale with its green message from the award-winning and internationally respected Jane Ray is richly illustrated with exquisite detail. A future classic to treasure forever.

The Lost Happy Endings

Carol Ann Duffy (Bloomsbury) · Illustrated by Jane Ray

2006

Meant for children of all ages, this is a magical tale about what happens when, one night, a wicked witch steals the happy endings to bedtime stories. It is up to Jub, the keeper of the happy endings, to save the day and ensure sweet dreams everywhere.

Can You Catch a Mermaid?

Written and illustrated by Jane Ray (Orchard)

2003

Eliza lives by the sea and dreams of mermaids. One day she meets Fluke, a real mermaid, and the two become the closest of friends — until Eliza discovers that catching hold of a mermaid is not the same as keeping one. A shimmering story about friendship, longing and letting go.

Bibliography

Jane’s full bibliography

As Illustrator

The Tempest – Shakespeare/Georghia Ellinas, Walker Books
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Shakespeare/Georghia Ellinas, Walker Books
Twelfth Night – Shakespeare/Georghia Ellinas, Walker Books
The Winter’s Tale – Shakespeare/Georghia Ellinas, Walker Books
Grace and the Christmas Angel – Lucinda Riley/Harry Whittaker, Macmillan Children’s Books
Rosie and the Friendship Angel – Lucinda Riley/Harry Whittaker, Macmillan
Bill and the Dream Angel – Lucinda Riley/Harry Whittaker, Macmillan
Alfie and the Angel of Lost Things – Lucinda Riley/Harry Whittaker, Macmillan
Babur – Anuradha, Scala
Anya’s Quest – Jasbinder Bilan, Walker Books
Swallow’s Kiss – Sita Brahmachari, Pop-Up
A Balloon for Grandad – by Nigel Gray, Orchard
Casting a Spell and Other Poems – anthology by Angela Huth, Orchard
Island of the Children – anthology by Angela Huth, Orchard
The Orchard Book of Creation Stories – Margaret Mayo, Orchard
The Orchard Book of Mythical Birds and Beasts – Margaret Mayo, Orchard
The Orchard Book of Magical Tales – Margaret Mayo, Orchard
The Orchard Book of Love and Friendship – Geraldine McCaughrean, Orchard
Heartsong – Kevin Crossley Holland, Orchard
The Unicorn Prince – Saviour Pirotta, Orchard
Song of the Earth – Mary Hoffman, Orion
Sun, Moon and Stars – Mary Hoffman, Orion
Arion and the Dolphin – Vikram Seth, Orion
Mother Gave a Shout – edited by Morag Styles and Suzanna Steele
Fairy Tales – retold by Berlie Doherty, Walker Books
The Bold Boy – Malachy Doyle, Walker Books
Lugalbanda – Kathy Henderson, Walker Books
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – Michael Rosen, Walker Books
Hummingbirds – Nicola Davies, Walker Books
The King of Capri – Janette Winterson, Bloomsbury
The Lost Happy Endings – Carol Ann Duffy, Bloomsbury
Jinnie Ghost – Berlie Doherty, Frances Lincoln
Greek Myths – Sally Pomme Clayton, Frances Lincoln
Zeraffa Giraffa – Dianne Hofmeyr, Frances Lincoln
The Glass Makers Daughter – Dianne Hofmeyr, Frances Lincoln
The Moonbird – Joyce Dunbar, Doubleday
Stories for a Fragile Planet – Keneth Steven, Lion Hudson
Classic Christmas Stories – Mary Joslin, Lion Children’s Books
The Stolen Childhood and Other Dark Fairy Tales – Carol Ann Duffy, Penguin
From a Distance – Julie Gold, Dutton
Myths and Legends of the Near East – Rachel Storm, The Folio Society
Celtic Myths and Legends – Caitlin and John Matthews, The Folio Society
The Arabian Nights – Powys/Mathews, Folio Society
Corey’s Rock – Sita Brahmachari, Otter-Barry Books
Worry Angels – Sita Brahmachari, Barrington Stoke
The Dolls House – Rumer Godden, Macmillan
The Fairy Doll – Rumer Godden, Macmillan
Give the Ball to the Poet – poetry anthology edited by Georgie Horrell, Aisha Spencer and Morag Styles, Commonwealth Education Trust Books
The Pied Piper – Collins Big Cat

As Author and Illustrator

Can You Catch a Mermaid? – Orchard
The Apple Pip Princess – Orchard
The Dolls House Fairy – Orchard
Ahmed and the Feather Girl – Frances Lincoln
The Elephant’s Garden – Boxer Books

As Adaptor and Illustrator

Noah’s Ark – Orchard
The Story of the Creation – Orchard
The Story of Christmas – Orchard
The Happy Prince – Orchard
Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden – Eden Project
The Twelve Dancing Princesses – Orchard
Hansel and Gretel – Walker Books
Snow White – (pop-up) – Walker Books
Cinderella – (pop-up) – Walker Books
The Twelve Days of Christmas – Orchard Books
The Nutcracker – Orchard Books
The Emperors Nightingale and other Feathery Tales – Boxer Books
The Little Mermaid and other Fishy Tales – Boxer Books
The Lion and the Unicorn and other Hairy Tales – Boxer Books

As Contributor

Lines in the Sand – Frances Lincoln
A Collection of Just So Stories – Rudyard Kipling, Walker Books
Play the Shape Game – Anthony Browne, Walker Books
Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen – Folio Society
Dare to be Different – Amnesty International
We Are All Born Free – Amnesty International
Over the Hills and far Away – Frances Lincoln
The Orchard Book of Stories from the Opera – Orchard
Under the Sun and Over the Sea – John Agard/Grace Nichols, Walker Books