Isabelle Crook is a law-abiding child in a family of crooks. Reminiscent of Burglar Bill, Michelle Robinson‘s picture book comes with a jaunty slice of Victoriana – top hats, pocket-watches and urchins abound! Just like Burglar Bill, Isabelle and her family face a moral quandary. And of course Isabelle triumphs, ultimately converting them to adopt a less morally dubious way of life.
Having published numerous picture books over the years, Isabelle and the Crooks is Michelle’s first with illustrator Chris Mould. And his gothic, spiky style compliments Michelle’s words perfectly.
But this is far from Michelle’s first book with Walker. Her previous Walker books include Witch in Training and Tooth Fairy in Training – both illustrated by Briony May Smith, and The Pawed Piper, illustrated by Chinlun Lee.
“Michelle’s cleverly constructed narrative coupled with Chris Mould’s outrageously brilliant gothic style illustrations make this a delectably droll, altogether unmissable picture book.”
— Jill Bennett
Michelle Robinson is represented by James Catchpole at The Catchpole Agency.