Joel Stewart was brought up in a commune in the wilds of Yorkshire. From an early age he was knocked sideways by stories, and invariably lay on the floor drawing pictures to recover. Later, in the year 2000, he graduated with a first class degree in Illustration from Falmouth College of Art. Ever since graduating (and slightly before) he has been writing and drawing for a living, and has recently moved into animation design and directing for television (while not forgetting books!). He also plays a variety of musical instruments and lives with them and some fish in London.
Stanley's adventures are thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable, and the sympathetic illustrations will encourage slightly less confident readers * The School Librarian * Beautifully atmospheric, the trees whispering and waving in the golden and green light, with lively, eccentric illustrations of a cheeky-looking, rotund Stanley and the bizarre Dr Moon, this has the feel of a classic children's tale, whilst having its own ebullient originality * Literary Review * An ingenious mystery involving tins of soup - or are they? . . . This quirky story is beautifully illustrated and will appeal to children of seven and above * Daily Telegraph * A most attractively produced book. The illustrations wander over the page and assist the reader to progress with increasing confidence through the book * Carousel * This is a fast-moving story which made me laugh. It also has good illustrations by the author * Independent *