Petr Horácek was born in Prague and studied at the Academy of Fine Art. After graduating in 1994, he moved to England. His first two picture books were published in 2001, winning the ‘Books for Children’ Newcomer award. Since then he has gained a string of international distinctions. His most recent book for Otter-Barry is The Perfect Present, published in 2022.
A wonderfully funny and surprising picture book about friendship and forgiveness, that’s perfect for reading aloud. * Reading Zone * Layered texture, expressive character, glowing colour... a funny, original, handmade picture book about a monster who swallows his friends when he’s unsettled by them * Nicolette Jones * A blue monster realises that swallowing the people he wants to play with isn’t the best way to make friends. * The Bookseller * The artwork is wonderful, with chaotic scribbles adding to the colours of the animals and the sense of movement, and just the right amount of facial expression for a young reader to pore over, matching the text well. When the animals emerge from being swallowed by the monster, the downturned mouths and sidelong glances catch the mood perfectly. * Books for Keeps *